Pregnenolone, Mass Spectrometry (Endocrine Sciences)
Use
Pregnenolone is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, produced by the adrenal glands and gonads. The formation of pregnenolone from cholesterol is the first step in steroidogenesis, and its levels can be used to diagnose various forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Pregnenolone levels tend to be elevated in several forms of CAH, particularly in 17α-hydroxylase and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies. It provides insights into conditions like Cushing syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, and idiopathic hirsutism, as levels vary under these conditions.
Special Instructions
Serum or plasma must be separated from cells and transferred to a plastic transport tube within one hour of collection. The specimen should be frozen immediately and maintained frozen until tested. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA, which may affect its use for certain clinical decisions. The test provides important diagnostics for adrenal steroidogenesis but may not cover all aspects due to limitations in its analytical scope.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2837-3
- 2837-3
Result Turnaround Time
7-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1.1 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Serum or plasma must be separated from cells and transferred to a plastic transport tube within one hour of collection. The specimen should be frozen immediately and maintained frozen until tested.
Storage Instructions
Freeze.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 2 years; Stable x3 freeze/thaw cycles |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant