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Medical information Clinical review pending

Endocrine Testing

Cortisol Free 24 Hour Urine Test

The Cortisol Free 24 Hour Urine Test measures cortisol levels in urine collected over 24 hours to assess adrenal gland function and diagnose related disorders.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
24-hour urine collection.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Collect all urine passed over a 24-hour period into a provided container. Follow the specific collection instructions provided by the laboratory carefully. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 1,872

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Cortisol Free 24 Hour Urine Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Suspected Cushing's syndrome
  • ✓Suspected Addison's disease
  • ✓Evaluation of adrenal gland function
  • ✓Unexplained weight changes
  • ✓Persistent fatigue or weakness
  • ✓High blood pressure investigation
  • ✓Mood or behavioral changes
  • ✓Screening for hormonal imbalances
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assesses adrenal gland function and helps diagnose conditions like Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease by measuring cortisol levels over a 24-hour period.
The Cortisol Free 24 Hour Urine Test is a vital diagnostic tool used to evaluate the function of the adrenal glands. It measures cortisol levels in urine collected over a full day. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and stress management. This test is particularly important for individuals who may be experiencing symptoms related to adrenal gland disorders.

This test measures the amount of free cortisol excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. It helps in diagnosing conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, and other hormonal imbalances that may arise from adrenal dysfunction.

Individuals experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue or weakness, high blood pressure, changes in mood or behavior, or skin changes should consider this test. Those with risk factors for adrenal disorders, including chronic stress, obesity, or a family history of endocrine issues, should also consider this test.

Benefits of taking the test include a comprehensive assessment of adrenal function, early diagnosis of serious health conditions, a non-invasive collection method, and results that can guide treatment decisions and lifestyle modifications.

Results from the Cortisol Free 24 Hour Urine Test will indicate whether cortisol levels are within a normal range. Elevated or decreased levels may suggest an underlying health issue, and further evaluation may be necessary. Always consult with a healthcare provider to interpret your results accurately.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationCollect all urine passed over a 24-hour period into a provided container. Follow the specific collection instructions provided by the laboratory carefully. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Sample24-hour urine collection.
MethodologyLaboratory-based analysis of urine sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Certain medications, dietary factors, and stress levels can influence cortisol levels. Accuracy depends on proper sample collection. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress.
Collecting urine over 24 hours provides a more accurate picture of cortisol production compared to a single spot test.
You will be provided with a collection container and specific instructions. It's crucial to follow these instructions carefully for accurate results.
Missing a collection period can affect the accuracy of the test. Contact the laboratory immediately if you have issues with collection.
The test results indicate cortisol levels. A healthcare provider must interpret these results alongside your symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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