Cortisol (free) - urine
Last updated: Saturday, 27, March, 2004
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 24 hour urine collection. Incomplete collection will give misleading results. |
| Method | Immunoassay. |
| Reference Interval | 100-300 nmol/24 hours. |
| Application | Diagnosis of adrenocortical hyperfunction as an indicator of adrenocortical activity in the dexamethasone suppression test (long). |
| Interpretation | Increased excretion occurs with primary or secondary adrenocortical hyperfunction, although increased levels may also be seen in obesity, stress, depression and alcoholism. The test is not used to evaluate adrenal hypofunction. The Synacthen stimulation test is a more appropriate approach in this circumstance. |
| Reference | Arnaldi G et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003; 88(12): 5593-5602. |