Pregnenolone and Related Steroid Metabolites, Including Tetrahydrocortisol and 5-Alpha-Tetrahydrocortisol, With Steroid Ratio — 24-Hour Urine
A 24-hour urine test measures pregnenolone and related steroid metabolites, including tetrahydrocortisol and 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol. Results may include ratios to help assess steroid production and metabolism.
["This test evaluates how your body produces and metabolizes adrenal steroid hormones using urine collected over 24 hours."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82901-0
- Short code
- Pregntrlone/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Pregntrlone/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h 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 is a 24-hour urine test that measures pregnenolone and related steroid metabolites, including tetrahydrocortisol and 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol. The laboratory may also calculate ratios between selected steroids to help evaluate adrenal hormone production and metabolism.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest excess or insufficient adrenal steroid activity, or when an adrenal condition needs further evaluation. It may also be used to monitor the effect of treatment or medications that alter steroid metabolism.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period in a labeled container provided by the laboratory. The laboratory measures the steroid metabolites in the collected sample and may calculate and report steroid ratios. Follow the collection instructions exactly, including the start and finish times.
How do I prepare for the test?
Your clinician should tell you whether any medications need to be adjusted before collection. Do not stop or change medicines on your own. Record the collection start time, keep the container refrigerated if instructed, and bring the full sample to the laboratory at the specified time.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal steroid metabolite levels or ratios may indicate altered adrenal hormone production or metabolism, including conditions associated with cortisol excess, adrenal gland disorders, or treatment effects. Medication use, illness, stress, and collection problems can also affect results. Results should be interpreted by your clinician together with symptoms, examination findings, and other tests.
Short name
24-hour urine steroid metabolite panel
Frequently asked questions
Why is urine collected for 24 hours?
What do the measured steroid metabolites show?
Can medications affect the results?
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