17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Serum
Use
This test is useful as a screening test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which is caused by either 11- or 21-hydroxylase deficiency when used in combination with cortisol and androstenedione testing. It is also part of a battery of tests to evaluate women with hirsutism or infertility. CAH is due to inherited defects in steroid biosynthesis, with resulting hormone imbalances leading to elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androgens, which can cause life-threatening salt-wasting crisis in newborns and incorrect gender assignment in virilized females.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
At birth, elevated adrenal and sex steroid levels are common due to the activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes, with the increased levels being more pronounced in preterm infants due to illness and stress. Therefore, preterm infants may have elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels up to 1000 ng/dL. Diagnosis of CAH can be confused due to these elevated levels in preterm infants. This test does not correlate well with androgen levels, so measurements of androstenedione and testosterone should also be used to guide treatment.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
17-Hydroxyprogesterone
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 1668-3 - 17OHP SerPl-mCnc
- 1668-3 - 17OHP SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial. Use Red top tube for collection; serum gel/SST tubes are not acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |