20ohpsermcnc
A blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, to help diagnose certain hormonal disorders.
{"Measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormone levels in blood","Mainly used to screen for and monitor congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","A simple blood draw is required; no special preparation typically needed","Results help doctors diagnose adrenal gland disorders","Abnormal levels may indicate genetic conditions or adrenal tumors"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1678-2
- Short code
- 17-OHP
- Synonyms
- 20OHP Ser-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or red top plain tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.2
- Ref high
- 2.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent or Enzyme-linked) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 83498
- SNOMED
- 31304003
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum minimum (2.0 mL preferred)
- 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
What is this test?
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. 17-OHP is an important intermediate in the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps your body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, and regulate metabolism.
Why is this test performed?
Doctors order this test primarily to screen for and diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. The test may also be used to monitor treatment for CAH or to investigate symptoms such as early puberty, irregular periods, or excessive hair growth in women.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test typically requires no special preparation, though your doctor may ask you to schedule it at a specific time of day, as hormone levels can vary.
What do the results mean?
Normal 17-OHP levels vary by age, sex, and in women, by menstrual cycle phase. Elevated levels may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or certain forms of adrenal hyperplasia. Low levels are less common but may suggest adrenal insufficiency. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your specific situation.
Are there any risks?
The risks associated with this test are minimal and include slight pain or bruising at the injection site, lightheadedness, and in rare cases, infection. These risks are generally temporary and resolve quickly.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, and clinical context. Typical adult reference ranges: Adult males: 0.2-1.0 ng/mL (0.6-3.0 nmol/L); Adult females (follicular phase): 0.2-0.8 ng/mL; Adult females (luteal phase): 0.5-2.5 ng/mL; Premenopausal females: 0.2-2.0 ng/mL. Newborn screening cutoff for congenital adrenal hyperplasia: typically >30 ng/mL at 24-48 hours of age. Consult laboratory-specific reference ranges.N/A
No special preparation required. Ideally, morning specimen preferred due to diurnal variation. Inform the laboratory of current medications, especially corticosteroids or hormonal therapies. For females, provide menstrual cycle phase or pregnancy status.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can this test be done during pregnancy?
What happens if my 17-OHP level is high?
Is this test only for children?
How long does it take to get results?
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