Understanding Your Medical Test: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Prepare
This blood test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, collected before a corticotropin stimulation test to help diagnose adrenal gland disorders.
{"17-Hydroxyprogesterone is a hormone made by your adrenal glands","This test helps diagnose conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","Blood is drawn before receiving corticotropin (ACTH) injection","The test helps doctors evaluate how well your adrenal glands are working","Abnormal results may indicate adrenal gland dysfunction"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50080-1
- Short code
- 17-OHP-Stim
- Synonyms
- 17OHP pre 250 ug ACTH IM SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST/Gel tube) or Plain Red Top Tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- — – 50 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA))
- CPT
- 83498
- SNOMED
- 20185001
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what information does it give my doctor about my health?
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone test measures the amount of a hormone called 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood. This hormone is produced by your adrenal glands, which are small glands located on top of each kidney. The test is performed BEFORE you receive an injection of corticotropin (ACTH), a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Why do I need this test, and what can the results tell my care team about my condition?
Your doctor may order this test to: (1) Help diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic condition affecting adrenal hormone production; (2) Evaluate adrenal gland function; (3) Help determine the cause of symptoms like early puberty, excess hair growth, or adrenal insufficiency; (4) This is the 'baseline' measurement before an ACTH stimulation test, which checks how your adrenal glands respond to stress.
How is this test performed, and what can I expect during the procedure?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood will be collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This sample is taken BEFORE you receive the corticotropin injection. The procedure only takes a few minutes and may cause minor discomfort or bruising at the needle site.
How should I prepare for this test in the days before my appointment?
Follow these instructions: (1) Fasting may be required - follow your doctor's instructions; (2) Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially hormone medications, steroids, or birth control pills; (3) Tell your doctor if you are pregnant; (4) Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking prescribed medications unless directed by your doctor.
Reference range
Baseline (pre-corticotropin): <3.0 nmol/L (<100 ng/dL); Post-stimulation (60 min after 250 ug ACTH IM): <30 nmol/L (<1000 ng/dL). Cutoffs may vary by laboratory method and reference population.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should rest for 30 minutes prior to blood collection. Baseline sample collected immediately before ACTH administration. Second sample collected 60 minutes after intramuscular injection of 250 ug corticotropin (ACTH). Inform patient of two-sample requirement. Document recent corticosteroid use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated 17-Hydroxyprogesterone levels may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), an inherited disorder that affects cortisol production. It may also be increased in certain adrenal tumors. Low levels may be seen in adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). This test, when combined with the post-ACTH results, helps doctors differentiate between various adrenal disorders and determine appropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?
What is the ACTH stimulation test?
Are there any risks with this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy