Quick Facts
- Sample: Urine (24-hour collection)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turnaround: 7-8 days (may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
This test measures 17-hydroxy corticosteroids (17-OHCS) in a 24-hour urine collection. 17-OHCS is not cortisol itself. It is an inactive metabolite formed when your liver and other body tissues break down cortisol, so this test reflects cortisol breakdown products rather than a direct measurement of circulating cortisol.
Because 17-OHCS is a downstream metabolite, results provide an indirect measure of overall cortisol production and, by extension, pituitary and adrenal gland function. The test panel reports 17-OHCS in mg/day, 17-OHCS relative to creatinine (mg/g CRT), urine creatinine, and total urine volume, which together help confirm the completeness and concentration of the 24-hour collection.
Benefits
- Provides an indirect measure of cortisol breakdown over 24 hours
- Supports evaluation of possible pituitary or adrenal gland dysfunction
- May help assess for signs associated with Cushing syndrome
- Reports results alongside creatinine to check collection accuracy
- Reflects cortisol metabolism over a full day, not a single moment
- Requires no fasting, making preparation straightforward
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals whose healthcare provider wants to evaluate cortisol metabolite output
- People being evaluated for signs associated with excess cortisol
- Individuals being evaluated for signs associated with low cortisol
- People whose provider is assessing pituitary or adrenal gland function
- Individuals asked by a provider to complete a 24-hour urine hormone metabolite test
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this hormone test?
This test measures 17-hydroxy corticosteroids (17-OHCS), an inactive metabolite formed when the liver and other tissues break down cortisol. Because it reflects cortisol breakdown rather than a direct hormone level, it gives your healthcare provider an indirect way to evaluate cortisol production and related pituitary or adrenal gland function. This test alone does not diagnose any condition.
2. Who would benefit from this test, and when should it be ordered?
This test may be appropriate when a healthcare provider wants to evaluate cortisol metabolism as part of assessing pituitary or adrenal gland function, or when a provider is looking into signs associated with either excess or insufficient cortisol. It can also be used as part of a broader look at pituitary and adrenal gland activity. The source does not specify sex-specific use for this test. On its own, this test does not confirm a diagnosis or provide a complete endocrine assessment.
3. How does this test differ from other hormone tests?
Unlike tests that directly measure circulating cortisol, ACTH, or other hormones, this test measures 17-OHCS, a downstream breakdown product of cortisol. Because it captures a metabolite rather than the active hormone itself, results should not be treated as interchangeable with a direct cortisol measurement.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. You will need to pick up a specimen container from the lab before starting your 24-hour urine collection.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 7-8 days. This may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting 17-OHCS results depends on your individual health history, symptoms, and other laboratory findings, since this test measures a cortisol metabolite rather than cortisol itself. Higher or lower than normal levels may relate to a variety of factors, including adrenal or pituitary gland activity, physical or emotional stress, nutrition status, pregnancy, or certain medications. Results are often considered alongside other hormone or clinical information rather than on their own. One abnormal result does not automatically confirm a hormonal condition, and one normal result does not automatically rule one out.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review any results that fall outside the expected range with a qualified healthcare provider who can consider your full health picture. Your provider may consider additional evaluation or testing if appropriate.
8. How often should I get tested?
There is no set testing schedule for this test. Follow-up testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider based on your individual situation.
Pre test preparation
You must take your lab order to the lab to obtain a proper specimen container before collection. No fasting is required. Urinate at 8am and discard that specimen. Then collect all urine over the following 24-hour period, ending with a final collection at 8am the next morning. Refrigerate the collected urine between voidings or keep it in a cool place. Screw the container lid on securely. Transport the specimen promptly to the laboratory. Label the container with your full name, and the date and time the collection started and finished.
