17ohpmsmtserpl

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

A blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, to help diagnose certain hormonal disorders.

Quick summary

{"Measures hormone levels to screen for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","Requires a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm","Results help doctors diagnose adrenal gland disorders","Abnormal results may require additional testing","Results are typically available within a few days"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC: 109095-0
Short code: 17-OHP
Synonyms: 17OHP Msmt SerPl
Category: chemistry
Sample: serum
Container: Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Plain Red Top Tube
Units: N/A
Ref low: 0.2
Ref high: 1.2
Critical range: 0.1 N/A – 10 N/A
Fasting: false
Population: adult
Sex: all
Age range: 0–120 years
Method: Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
CPT: 83498
SNOMED: 31318004
Specimen volume: 1.0-2.0 mL serum
Stability: Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max: 50
Lipemia max: 300
Icterus max: 20
TAT: 24–72 hours
Order: routine

What is this test?

The 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of a hormone called 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood. This hormone is produced by your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. The adrenal glands use 17-OHP to make cortisol, a hormone that helps your body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, and regulate metabolism.

Why is this test done?

The 17-OHP test is primarily used to screen for and help diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of inherited genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands. In CAH, the adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and sometimes too much androgen (a male hormone). The test may also be used to monitor treatment for CAH or to evaluate adrenal gland function if your doctor suspects an adrenal tumor or other adrenal disorder.

How to prepare for the test?

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for the 17-OHP test. However, your doctor may ask you to have the test in the morning, as hormone levels can vary throughout the day. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some medicines can affect the test results. If you are taking steroid medications, follow your doctor's instructions about whether to continue taking them before the test.

What happens during the test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief sting or pinch when the needle goes in. The blood sample will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test usually takes only a few minutes.

Are there any risks?

The blood draw is generally safe. Some people may experience minor bruising, bleeding, or dizziness at the site where the needle was inserted. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own.

Reference range

Adults: 0.2-1.2 ng/mL; Newborns: 1.0-10.0 ng/mL (declining over first week); Children: 0.1-1.0 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Collect preferably in the morning due to diurnal variation. Inform about current medications including corticosteroids and hormonal contraceptives.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings2

Frequently asked questions

What do high 17-OHP levels mean?

High 17-OHP levels most commonly indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands. In mild cases of CAH, symptoms may not appear until later in childhood or adulthood. Your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as genetic testing or cortisol stimulation tests, to confirm the diagnosis.

What do low 17-OHP levels mean?

Low 17-OHP levels are uncommon but may suggest adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Your doctor will evaluate these results along with other hormone levels and clinical symptoms to determine the cause.

Can this test be done on children?

Yes, the 17-OHP test is commonly performed on newborns as part of routine newborn screening for CAH. It can also be done on older children if CAH is suspected based on symptoms such as early puberty, irregular periods, or abnormal growth patterns.

How long does it take to get results?

Results are typically available within 1-3 days, depending on the laboratory. Your doctor's office will contact you with the results or discuss them at your follow-up appointment.

Do I need to fast before this test?

Fasting is usually not required for the 17-OHP test. However, follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the testing facility.

Can medications affect my test results?

Yes, certain medications can affect 17-OHP levels. These include corticosteroids, androgen medications, and some birth control pills. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before the test.

Sources

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy