Pregnanetriol, Tetrahydrocortisol, and 5-Alpha-Reduced Tetrahydrocortisol, Urine
A urine test measuring adrenal steroid metabolites, including pregnanetriol and tetrahydrocortisol, to help evaluate steroid production.
["Results can help identify abnormal adrenal steroid production when interpreted with your symptoms and other hormone tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82899-6
- Short code
- Pregntrl/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Pregntrl/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 substances called steroid metabolites in urine. The results include pregnanetriol, tetrahydrocortisol, and 5-alpha-reduced tetrahydrocortisol, which reflect how the body is producing and processing adrenal hormones.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when there are signs of an adrenal hormone disorder, such as unusual growth in children, early puberty, irregular periods, or symptoms suggesting excess or deficient steroid production. It may also be used alongside other adrenal hormone tests.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Depending on the order, the laboratory may request a first-morning sample or a timed collection over 24 hours.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory or your clinician. For a 24-hour collection, all urine must be saved for the full period, and you may be asked to refrigerate it. Tell the care team about medicines, supplements, pregnancy, or recent illness because these can affect the results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal amounts or patterns of these metabolites may indicate excess or reduced adrenal steroid production. Elevated pregnanetriol can occur with certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, while altered tetrahydrocortisol metabolites may help evaluate other adrenal enzyme disorders or unusual steroid metabolism. Results should be interpreted by a clinician together with symptoms, medication use, and other hormone tests.
Short name
Urinary adrenal steroid metabolites
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a urine cortisol test?
Do I need to fast for this test?
Can one abnormal result confirm a diagnosis?
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