Cortisol Free Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Cortisol Free Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Urinary free cortisol (UFC), 24-hour urinary free cortisol, Free cortisol urine test, UFC test |
| Sample Type | 24-hour urine collection |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 2 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders; recommended when adrenal dysfunction is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,350 |
What is a Cortisol Free Test?
The cortisol free test measures the amount of free (unbound) cortisol excreted in urine over a full 24-hour period. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates stress response, blood sugar, blood pressure, and immune function. Unlike bound cortisol, free cortisol is biologically active and clinically meaningful. Doctors order this test when they suspect a problem with cortisol production, such as too much or too little. It is also known as the Urinary Free Cortisol test or UFC test.
What Does a Cortisol Free Test Measure?
This test analyses the level of free cortisol passed through the kidneys and into the urine over 24 hours. Here is what each element tells us:
| Component | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Free Cortisol | The biologically active, unbound portion of cortisol that affects the body's tissues directly |
| Urinary Excretion Level | How much free cortisol the kidneys filter from the blood over a full day, reflecting overall adrenal output |
Because cortisol levels vary throughout the day, a 24-hour collection gives a more accurate picture than a single blood or urine sample.
Why is a Cortisol Free Test Done?
Doctors recommend this test when they need to assess how well the adrenal glands are functioning. Below are the main reasons it is ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt your doctor to request a cortisol free test procedure:
- Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen and face
- Thin arms and legs with a fuller-looking face
- Easy bruising or slow-healing skin
- Muscle weakness and persistent fatigue
- High blood pressure without a clear cause
- Abdominal pain, poor appetite, or unexplained weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several adrenal and hormonal conditions. These include:
- Cushing syndrome, a condition where the body produces too much cortisol over a prolonged period
- Addison's disease, where damaged adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency, caused by a pituitary gland that cannot signal the adrenal glands adequately
- Pseudohyperaldosteronism, a condition mimicking excess aldosterone, sometimes linked to liquorice consumption or chewing tobacco use
Cortisol Free Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in tracking adrenal conditions over time. For people receiving cortisol replacement therapy for conditions such as Addison's disease, the test helps confirm that treatment is delivering adequate cortisol levels. Doctors typically recommend retesting every 6 to 12 months for those managing adrenal disorders, though the exact frequency depends on the individual's condition.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly is essential for accurate results. Here is what you need to know before your cortisol free test.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally throughout the 24-hour urine collection period. However, avoid alcohol during the entire collection period, as it can affect cortisol levels.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Avoid strenuous exercise the day before and during the collection period
- Inform your doctor about all medications you take, including corticosteroids, oestrogens, contraceptives, antibiotics, and diuretics, as these can interfere with results
- Do not allow any faeces or menstrual blood to enter the collection container
- Follow the instructions provided for adding 10 grams of boric acid to the container to maintain sample integrity
- Store the collection container in a refrigerator for 24 hours
Step-by-Step Procedure
The cortisol free test procedure involves collecting all urine produced over a full day. Follow these steps carefully:
- On the morning of Day 1, pass urine into the toilet as usual and discard it. Note the exact time, as this marks the start of your collection.
- From that point, collect every urine sample over the next 24 hours into the sterile, screw-capped plastic container provided. Add boric acid as instructed.
- Keep the container refrigerated at all times during the collection period.
- On the morning of Day 2, collect your first urine of the day into the container. This is the final sample.
- Cap and label the container with your name, date, and the exact start and end times of collection.
- Return the container to the Lupin Diagnostics collection centre or hand it to the home collection professional as arranged.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may alter your results. Be aware of the following:
- Missing a urine sample during the 24 hours can cause falsely low readings
- Collecting for more or less than exactly 24 hours can distort results in either direction
- Medications such as corticosteroids, oestrogens, diuretics, and anti-seizure drugs can interfere
- Obesity, depression, and unmanaged stress may raise cortisol levels independently
- Night-shift work, jet lag, or severe insomnia can disrupt cortisol patterns
Understanding Your Cortisol Free Test Results
Your results show how much free cortisol your kidneys excreted over 24 hours. The table below shows general reference ranges used by laboratories.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary Free Cortisol (Women) | Less than 45 | mcg per 24 hours |
| Urinary Free Cortisol (Men) | Less than 60 | mcg per 24 hours |
| General Adult Range | 10 to 100 | mcg per 24 hours |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
- During pregnancy, urinary free cortisol values may be elevated to twice the upper limit of the normal range, so results must be read carefully in this context.
- Pregnancy and oral oestrogen therapy raise total plasma cortisol concentrations due to increased cortisol-binding proteins.
- Conditions that reduce protein levels in the blood, such as severe liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition, or prolonged critical illness, may lower measured cortisol concentrations.
- Obesity, depression, and chronic stress can also cause elevated cortisol readings that do not reflect a true adrenal disorder.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits may support balanced cortisol levels:
- Manage stress through adequate sleep, regular moderate exercise, and relaxation practices
- Maintain a healthy weight and follow a balanced diet
- Limit alcohol consumption and take medications only as directed by your doctor
Lupin Diagnostics Cortisol Free Test Price and Home Collection
The cortisol free test at Lupin Diagnostics is available starting at ₹1,350, with home collection available across cities in India. The table below lists cities where the test can be booked.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1350 |
| CHENNAI | 1350 |
| HYDERABAD | 1350 |
| KOLKATA | 1350 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1350 |
| PUNE | 1350 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the cortisol free test across multiple cities in India. A trained professional visits your home to provide the collection container and guide you through the 24-hour urine collection process. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and reports are delivered digitally for convenient access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total cortisol includes both the cortisol bound to proteins and the unbound portion. Free cortisol is only the unbound portion, which is the biologically active form. In a healthy individual, roughly 10% of the cortisol circulating in the blood is free. The cortisol free test focuses on this active portion because it best reflects how cortisol is actually affecting the body.
Cortisol levels change naturally throughout the day. A single urine or blood sample captures only one moment, which can be misleading. The 24-hour collection averages out these daily fluctuations and gives a much more accurate picture of overall cortisol production.
Yes. Several medicines can interfere with results, including corticosteroids, oestrogens, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and diuretics. Always share a full list of your current medications with your doctor before the test so results can be interpreted correctly.
The cortisol free test is particularly useful for detecting hypercortisolism (excess cortisol), especially Cushing syndrome. It is less reliable for diagnosing low cortisol conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, where other tests may be more appropriate. Your doctor will choose the right combination of tests based on your symptoms.
Keep the collection container in your refrigerator throughout the entire 24-hour period. Do not leave it at room temperature, as this can compromise the sample. Return it to the laboratory or hand it to the home collection professional as soon as the collection is complete.
For people monitoring adrenal disorders or receiving cortisol replacement therapy, retesting is generally recommended every 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will advise you on the right schedule based on your condition and treatment response.
Missing even one sample during the collection period can result in falsely low cortisol readings, which may lead to an inaccurate result. If you miss a sample, inform your doctor or the laboratory. You may need to repeat the entire 24-hour collection to ensure reliable results.
Cortisol Free Test: Booking, Price, and Results
