24-hour urine free cortisol test
Quick answer: This test measures the cortisol passed in all your urine over 24 hours, giving a picture of the body's total cortisol output. It is used to look for Cushing's syndrome, where the body makes too much cortisol.
- Sample24-hour urine
- TakesA full 24 hours of collection
- Before the testCollect all your urine for 24 hours in the container given, following the lab's instructions; tell staff about any steroid medicines.
How the test is done
- 1You receive a large container, sometimes with a preservative
- 2You pass your first morning urine into the toilet and note the time
- 3You collect all urine for the next 24 hours, including the next morning's first
- 4You keep the container cool and return it to the lab
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A missed collection can lower the result, and the test is often repeated; discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high result can be seen with Cushing's syndrome, but also with stress, heavy drinking, severe depression and drinking a lot of fluid. A low result can be seen with adrenal or pituitary problems, or with an incomplete collection.
Who usually has this test
People with signs of Cushing's syndrome, such as weight gain around the middle, purple stretch marks, high blood pressure and high sugar.
Risks and aftercare
There are no risks, but missing even one urine can affect the result.
Names and options
Also called: UFC, urinary free cortisol, 24 hour cortisol
Listed by the hospital as
- CORTISOL (FREE) 24 HRS URINE
Questions about this test
What if I miss a urine during the 24 hours?
Tell the lab, as a missed sample can make the result falsely low. You may need to start again on another day.
Can steroid creams or tablets affect the result?
Yes, some steroid medicines can affect cortisol tests. Tell your doctor about all your medicines, but do not stop any without advice.
Why is the 24-hour cortisol test sometimes repeated?
Cortisol output varies from day to day. Doctors often ask for two or more collections, or other tests, before drawing conclusions.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.