Pregnanetriol, Tetrahydrocortisol, and 5-Alpha-Reduced Tetrahydrocortisol, Urine — Screen, Total
This urine test measures steroid breakdown products, including pregnanetriol and 5-alpha-reduced tetrahydrocortisol, to help evaluate adrenal hormone production.
["Abnormal urinary steroid metabolite patterns can help clinicians evaluate adrenal gland disorders and inherited defects in cortisol production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82900-2
- Short code
- Pregntrlone/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Pregntrlone/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 test measures selected steroid metabolites in urine. These substances are produced as the body breaks down adrenal hormones such as cortisol, and their amounts can provide information about adrenal steroid production.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest excess androgen production, an adrenal disorder, or an inherited problem affecting cortisol synthesis. It is also used in the evaluation of ambiguous genitalia, early-onset puberty, or unusual hormonal symptoms.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory to determine the amounts of the selected steroid metabolites. The results are compared with laboratory reference values and interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other hormone tests.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory or clinician, including whether a first-morning or timed urine collection is required. Tell your clinician about steroid medications, hormonal treatments, and supplements because they may affect the results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated pregnanetriol or altered tetrahydrocortisol metabolites may indicate reduced activity of an enzyme involved in cortisol synthesis, particularly in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Some patterns can also occur with excessive adrenal steroid production. Results are not diagnostic by themselves and should be interpreted with other clinical and laboratory findings.
Short name
Urinary steroid metabolite screen
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure cortisol directly?
Why is a urine sample used?
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