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17ohpsp11pchalserplmcnc

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

A blood test that measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels to screen for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in newborns.

Quick summary

{"A simple blood test performed on newborns, typically within 24-48 hours of birth","Screens for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare genetic condition affecting hormone production","Early detection allows for timely treatment to prevent serious health complications","A small blood sample is taken from the baby's heel (heel stick)","Abnormal results require follow-up testing for confirmation"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57534-0
Short code
17-OHP-11
Synonyms
17OHP sp11 p chal SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or red top vacuum tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.2
Ref high
10
Critical range
— – 20 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
83498
SNOMED
313295005
Specimen volume
1-2 mL serum minimum
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
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 17-hydroxyprogesterone in a baby's blood. 17-OHP is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This test is primarily used as part of newborn screening programs to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol and aldosterone hormones.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will clean the baby's heel with alcohol and use a small lancet to prick the heel. A few drops of blood are collected onto a special filter paper card. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test is typically done before the baby leaves the hospital, usually within 24-48 hours after birth.

Why is this test important for my baby?

CAH is a genetic condition that causes the adrenal glands to produce too little cortisol and often too much androgen (male hormones). Without treatment, CAH can lead to serious problems including salt-wasting crises, dehydration, abnormal puberty, and growth problems. Early detection through newborn screening allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent these complications and help children lead healthy lives.

What do the results mean?

Normal 17-OHP levels vary by age and gestational age. If the initial test shows elevated 17-OHP levels, it does not automatically mean your baby has CAH. Premature babies often have higher levels. Follow-up testing will be recommended to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. A diagnostic specialist will contact you if additional testing is needed.

Is the test safe?

Yes, the heel stick test is very safe. It may cause brief discomfort to your baby, but the amount of blood taken is minimal. The benefits of early detection of serious conditions far outweigh the temporary discomfort of the test.

Reference range

Normal response to ACTH stimulation: 17-OHP peak <10 ng/mL (30.3 nmol/L). Values >15 ng/mL (45.4 nmol/L) suggestive of 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Intermediate values (10-15 ng/mL) require clinical correlation and possibly repeat testing.N/A

Specimen: serum

Patient should fast overnight (8-12 hours) before the test. Baseline sample collected prior to ACTH (cosyntropin) administration. ACTH 250 mcg administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Subsequent samples collected at 30 and 60 minutes post-stimulation. Inform patient of potential mild side effects from ACTH including flushing, headache, or nausea.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings2

Frequently asked questions

Does an abnormal result mean my baby definitely has CAH?
No, an abnormal result does not mean your baby definitely has CAH. Many factors can affect 17-OHP levels, including prematurity, stress, or illness. Follow-up testing is required to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Many babies with initially abnormal results turn out to be healthy.
Is the heel stick painful for my baby?
The heel stick may cause brief pain or discomfort, similar to a small pinch. It lasts only a moment. Some babies may cry during the procedure, but the discomfort is temporary and minimal.
What happens if my baby's test is abnormal?
If the initial test is abnormal, you will be contacted by a healthcare provider or specialist. They will explain the results and recommend follow-up testing, which may include repeat 17-OHP measurement and possibly genetic testing. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments.
Can CAH be treated?
Yes, CAH can be successfully managed with medication. Treatment typically involves daily hormone replacement therapy to replace the cortisol and aldosterone that the body cannot produce. With proper treatment, children with CAH can grow up healthy and have normal lives.
Will my baby need more tests?
If the initial 17-OHP level is elevated, follow-up testing will be recommended. This may include another blood test, and in some cases, additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. The healthcare team will guide you through the process.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Newborn screening testsSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - 17-HydroxyprogesteroneSource
  3. 3
    National Institutes of Health - Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaSource

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