A 24 hour collection (no preservative) or occasionally a random urine is collected. For Random Urine Free Cortisol, refer to Cortisol Random urine Entry.
GENERAL NOTES
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 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.