Twenty-four-hour urine free cortisol captures total cortisol production over a full day, smoothing out the natural diurnal variation that complicates single blood samples. LC-MS/MS provides highly specific measurement without interference from cortisol-like steroids that can affect other assays.
This test is used to screen for and confirm Cushing syndrome, monitor patients with known Cushing disease or adrenal disorders, and evaluate suspected cortisol excess. Two or more elevated 24-hour collections support the diagnosis. Sample type is a 24-hour urine collection with creatinine measurement to verify adequate collection.