17ohpdbsql
A blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormone, primarily used to screen newborns for a genetic condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
{"17-Hydroxyprogesterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands","This test is mainly used for newborn screening to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","CAH is a genetic disorder that affects hormone production in the adrenal glands","Early detection through newborn screening allows for early treatment and better outcomes","The test is typically performed using a small blood sample from the baby's heel"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32854-2
- Short code
- 17-OHP-DBS
- Synonyms
- 17OHP DBS Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Dried blood spot (DBS) filter paper card
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–30 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent or ELISA)
- CPT
- 80426
- SNOMED
- 313295006
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 blood spots (approximately 50-100 μL total serum equivalent)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7-10 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 2-3 weeks; Frozen (-20°C or below): several months
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of a hormone called 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the blood. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which are small glands located on top of each kidney. The test is primarily used as part of newborn screening programs to detect a condition called Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).
How is the sample collected?
For newborns, a small blood sample is typically collected by pricking the baby's heel. The blood is placed on a special filter paper card and allowed to dry. This is known as a dried blood spot (DBS) sample. In some cases, a blood sample may also be drawn from a vein in the arm for older children or adults being tested.
Why is this test important?
This test is crucial for early detection of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). CAH is a genetic disorder where the adrenal glands cannot produce enough cortisol, a stress hormone, and often produce too much androgen, a male hormone. If left untreated, CAH can cause serious health problems including salt-wasting crises, early puberty, growth problems, and infertility.
Reference range
Negative: 17-Hydroxyprogesterone not detected or below cutoff threshold. Positive result indicates possible congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and requires confirmatory testing.N/A
No fasting required. This is a newborn screening test collected via heel stick and dried blood spot (DBS) card. Collection should occur between 24-72 hours of age, ideally before hospital discharge.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
What if the test result is abnormal?
Is treatment available if my baby has CAH?
Is CAH inherited?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy