Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
This test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood after an ACTH stimulation test to evaluate adrenal gland function.
{"17-OHP is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands","This test helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders like Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)","Blood sample is taken after receiving an ACTH injection to stimulate adrenal function","Results help doctors distinguish between different adrenal conditions","Abnormal results may require further testing and treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51680-7
- Short code
- 17-OHP-STIM
- Synonyms
- 17OHP sp1 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1000
- Ref high
- 10000
- Critical range
- — – 15000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) or Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82533
- SNOMED
- 3131006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 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
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It gives your doctor a broad picture of your overall health and helps detect many different conditions.
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands as a byproduct when the body makes cortisol, a stress hormone essential for metabolism and stress response. This specific test is performed on a blood sample collected after an ACTH stimulation test, where a hormone injection is given to stimulate your adrenal glands before the blood draw.
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup or to look into symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding. It is also used to monitor an ongoing condition or to see how well a treatment is working.
Your doctor may order this test if you or your child show signs of a hormonal disorder, such as early puberty, irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or ambiguous genitalia in newborns. The ACTH stimulation test helps doctors evaluate how well your adrenal glands are working and can help diagnose conditions like Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal insufficiency, or other adrenal disorders.
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein, usually on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and your sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
First, you will receive an injection of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) to stimulate your adrenal glands. About 30-60 minutes after the injection, a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may experience mild discomfort during the blood draw, and the ACTH injection might cause temporary flushing or dizziness.
No special preparation is usually needed, and you can normally eat and drink before the test unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Let your care team know about any medications or supplements you take, because some of them can affect the results.
Follow your doctor's instructions about medications. Some medicines, especially corticosteroids or hormonal treatments, may affect the results. You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood draw.
Your results show the levels of each type of blood cell compared with standard reference ranges. Abnormal values may suggest conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems, and your doctor will interpret them together with your symptoms and medical history.
Normal 17-OHP levels vary by age, sex, and whether you have reached puberty. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your individual situation. Elevated 17-OHP levels after ACTH stimulation may indicate Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia or other adrenal disorders. Low levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency. Your healthcare provider will discuss what your specific results mean for your health.
Reference range
Normal response: 17-OHP typically rises to >1000 ng/dL at 30-60 minutes post-ACTH stimulation. Baseline 17-OHP <200 ng/dL may suggest normal; >1000 ng/dL post-stimulation suggests congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and method.N/A
No fasting required. Collect baseline specimen immediately before ACTH (cosyntropin) administration, then collect stimulated specimen at 30 or 60 minutes post-injection. Inform patient of test duration (approximately 1-2 hours). Document timing of specimen collection relative to stimulation challenge.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The 17-OHP test after ACTH stimulation is primarily used to diagnose Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder affecting cortisol production. It also helps differentiate between various adrenal disorders, evaluate adrenal gland function, and guide treatment decisions. In children, this test can help identify hormonal causes of early puberty or developmental issues. The test is particularly important for newborns with ambiguous genitalia or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ACTH stimulation test safe?
How long does the test take?
Do I need to fast before the test?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Can this test be done on children?
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