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17ohpsp2serplmcnc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

A blood test measuring 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels to screen for and help diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder affecting hormone production.

Quick summary

{"Measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormone in blood serum","Used primarily to screen newborns for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","This is a second specimen test, typically collected to confirm initial screening results","Involves a simple blood draw from a vein or heel stick (for infants)","Abnormal results may require further testing and specialist consultation"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
58815-2
Short code
17-OHP-2
Synonyms
17OHP sp2 SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.2
Ref high
2
Critical range
— – 10000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent) or LC-MS/MS
CPT
83498
SNOMED
313110008
Specimen volume
1.0 mL serum minimum, 2.0 mL preferred
Stability
Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. 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 your blood or serum. 17-OHP is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. This hormone is an important intermediate in the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that helps the body respond to illness and stress.

Why is this test done?

This test is primarily used as a newborn screening tool to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol and often aldosterone. When the adrenal glands cannot produce enough of these hormones, they may produce excess androgens (male hormones), which can lead to various health issues.

What happens during the test?

For adults and older children: A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. For newborns: Blood is typically collected through a heel stick. The blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. This second specimen test is often collected to confirm or rule out abnormal results from an initial screening test.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is usually required for this test. However, it's important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect hormone levels. For infants, the test is typically done alongside other routine newborn screenings.

Understanding your results

Normal 17-OHP levels vary by age, sex, and in newborns, by birth weight and gestational age. Elevated levels may indicate CAH, while mildly elevated levels in newborns may require follow-up testing to confirm the diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and other test findings.

Reference range

Newborns (0-30 days): <2000 ng/dL (<60 nmol/L); Infants (1-12 months): <400 ng/dL (<12 nmol/L); Children (1-18 years): <100 ng/dL (<3 nmol/L); Adult males: 0.2-1.0 ng/mL (0.6-3.0 nmol/L); Adult females (follicular phase): 0.2-0.8 ng/mL (0.6-2.4 nmol/L); Adult females (luteal phase): 0.4-2.0 ng/mL (1.2-6.0 nmol/L). Reference ranges vary by laboratory methodology.N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. For adults, morning specimen (7-10 AM) preferred due to diurnal variation. For females, specify menstrual cycle phase. For newborns, specimen should be collected as part of routine newborn screening (typically 24-72 hours after birth).

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?
CAH is a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol and aldosterone. There are two main types: classic CAH (more severe, detected in infancy) and non-classic CAH (milder, may appear later in childhood or adulthood). Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy.
Why is a second specimen needed?
A second specimen is often collected when the initial screening shows borderline or elevated results. This helps confirm whether the abnormal result is consistent or was due to temporary factors. It provides more accurate diagnostic information.
Is the test painful?
The test involves a brief needle stick, which may cause mild discomfort similar to a quick pinch. For newborns, a heel stick is used, which may cause brief crying but is generally well-tolerated.
What do high 17-OHP levels mean?
Elevated 17-OHP levels most commonly indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, levels can also be mildly elevated in premature infants or due to other conditions. Your healthcare provider will interpret results based on age, clinical symptoms, and other test results.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory. For newborn screening, results are usually part of the routine newborn screening panel.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - 17-HydroxyprogesteroneSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaSource
  3. 3
    NIH - National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentSource

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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy