17ohp15mpchalserplmcnc
A blood test measuring 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels 15 minutes after ACTH hormone stimulation to evaluate adrenal gland function.
{"Measures how your adrenal glands respond to ACTH hormone stimulation","Helps diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and adrenal disorders","A blood sample is taken 15 minutes after receiving an ACTH injection","Elevated 17-OHP levels may indicate adrenal gland problems","The test is performed under medical supervision in a clinical setting"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56575-4
- Short code
- 17-OHP STIM, ACTH STIM 17-OHP
- Synonyms
- 17OHP 15M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST - gold top) or Plain Red Top Tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1000
- Ref high
- 2500
- Critical range
- 500 N/A – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–100 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescence Immunoassay - CLIA)
- CPT
- 82533
- SNOMED
- 31333002, 271583003
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) challenge test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood 15 minutes after receiving an injection of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH is a hormone that stimulates your adrenal glands to produce other hormones, including cortisol and androgens. This test evaluates how well your adrenal glands are functioning.
How is the test performed?
First, a healthcare professional will draw a baseline blood sample. Then, you will receive an injection of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) into your muscle or vein. After exactly 15 minutes, another blood sample will be taken. The 17-OHP levels in both samples are measured and compared to assess your adrenal gland response.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you or your child have symptoms suggesting a adrenal gland disorder, such as early puberty, irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or ambiguous genitalia in newborns. It is most commonly used to diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic condition affecting adrenal hormone production.
What do the results mean?
Normal response: A modest increase in 17-OHP levels after ACTH stimulation is considered normal. Abnormal response: A significant rise in 17-OHP levels after ACTH stimulation typically indicates congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, symptoms, and clinical situation.
Are there any risks?
The risks are minimal and similar to any blood test, including slight pain or bruising at the injection site, dizziness, or rare risk of infection. The ACTH injection may cause temporary flushing, headache, or increased heart rate. These side effects usually resolve quickly.
Reference range
15 minutes post-ACTH stimulation: >1000 ng/dL (usually >1500-2000 ng/dL in normal responders); Basal (0 min): 10-100 ng/dL. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory method and population.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid glucocorticoids, estrogens, and androgenic medications for 2-4 weeks prior to testing as these may affect results. Inform physician of all current medications. The ACTH stimulation test involves IV or IM administration of cosyntropin (ACTH) with blood draw at 0 and 15 minutes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does the test take?
Should I stop taking medications before the test?
When will I get my results?
Is this test safe for children?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy