Serum Progesterone Level (11β-Hydroxyprogesterone)
This test measures the amount of 11β-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone related to progesterone, in your blood. It is often used to evaluate conditions affecting hormone production, particularly in reproductive health.
["This test helps diagnose hormonal imbalances or fertility issues by checking for specific hormone variations."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44729-2
- Short code
- Progest/11DOC SerPl
- Synonyms
- Progest/11DOC SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is 11β-Hydroxyprogesterone Used For?
11β-Hydroxyprogesterone is primarily measured in the context of diagnosing **Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)**, a genetic condition that affects the adrenal glands. It helps confirm whether a person has the **salt-wasting or simple virilizing** form of CAH, which can impact hormone levels and require medical management. It may also be used in reproductive medicine to assess ovarian or adrenal function during certain phases of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a **high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)** method to measure the precise amount of 11β-hydroxyprogesterone in your serum. This process ensures accurate detection of hormone levels.
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is typically required for this test. However, if you are taking medications that affect hormone levels, your healthcare provider may advise you to stop them temporarily or adjust your schedule. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for best results.
What Are Common Results and Interpretation?
Results for 11β-hydroxyprogesterone are not standardized across all labs, so interpretation depends on clinical context, patient history, and symptoms. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like CAH, while abnormal results could prompt further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
11β-Hydroxyprogesterone (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What does an abnormal result mean?
Can lifestyle or diet affect this test?
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