Urinary Steroid Metabolite Panel: Pregnanediol, Tetrahydrocortisone, Tetrahydrocortisol, and 5-Alpha-Tetrahydrocortisol
Measures adrenal steroid breakdown products in urine to help evaluate hormone production and possible congenital adrenal enzyme disorders.
["This urine test helps identify abnormalities in adrenal steroid metabolism that may require further evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82896-2
- Short code
- PDL/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- PDL/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This panel measures several steroid hormone metabolites in urine. It includes pregnanediol, tetrahydrocortisone, tetrahydrocortisol, and 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol, which can provide information about how the adrenal glands produce and process cortisol-related hormones.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used to investigate suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia, unexplained hormonal symptoms, or unusual adrenal steroid results. It is often interpreted with symptoms, physical findings, genetic testing, and other hormone measurements.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected as directed by the healthcare provider. A laboratory measures the steroid metabolites and may report their concentrations and ratios to show the pattern of steroid production.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions exactly, including the amount of urine, collection time, and storage requirements. If a timed or 24-hour collection is requested, collect all urine during the specified period; fasting is generally not required unless your clinician says otherwise.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal concentrations or ratios may indicate altered adrenal steroid production, including an inherited enzyme deficiency such as 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Certain medications and other hormonal conditions can also affect the results. The panel should be interpreted by a clinician together with other laboratory and clinical findings.
Short name
Urinary steroid metabolite panel
Frequently asked questions
What does this urine panel measure?
Is this the same as a routine cortisol blood test?
Does an abnormal result mean I have congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy