17ohppredexserplscnc
A blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone intermediate, to help diagnose and monitor conditions like Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).
{"This test measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormone levels in your blood","It helps diagnose Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) and other adrenal disorders","The 'pre dose dexamethasone' means your blood sample was taken BEFORE you received dexamethasone medication","A small blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm","Results help your doctor plan appropriate treatment if needed"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57546-4
- Short code
- 17-OHP
- Synonyms
- 17OHP Pre Dex SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.6
- Ref high
- 4
- Critical range
- — – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
- CPT
- 83001
- SNOMED
- 31316001
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of a hormone called 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood. This hormone is produced by your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. 17-OHP is an intermediate product in the process of making cortisol, an important stress hormone. When there is a problem with cortisol production, 17-OHP levels can become abnormally high.
What does 'pre dose dexamethasone' mean?
The phrase 'pre dose dexamethasone' means that your blood sample was taken BEFORE you received a dose of dexamethasone medication. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medication sometimes used to suppress excess hormone production. By taking the blood sample before giving the medication, your doctor can see your natural baseline 17-OHP level. This helps them understand how your body responds and plan the right treatment for you.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a disorder affecting your adrenal glands, particularly Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). CAH is a genetic condition that affects how the adrenal glands produce hormones. Symptoms in babies may include ambiguous genitalia, early puberty, or salt-wasting crises. Older children and adults may experience early puberty, irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or fertility problems. This test is also used to monitor how well treatment is working.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The procedure only takes a few minutes and may cause brief discomfort or a small bruise at the injection site. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may need to fast (not eat or drink except water) for a certain period before the test—your doctor will tell you if this is necessary.
What do the results mean?
Normal 17-OHP levels vary by age, sex, and whether you are pregnant. High levels of 17-OHP typically suggest Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia or other adrenal gland disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your specific situation, symptoms, and other test results. If your levels are abnormal, follow-up testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach.
Reference range
Adults (pre-dose dexamethasone): 0.6-4.0 nmol/L; Children: Age-dependent reference ranges apply; Neonates: Higher normal ranges expectedN/A
Sample collected before dexamethasone administration. Patient should fast overnight (8-12 hours). Morning collection preferred (typically 8 AM). Inform patient about the dexamethasone suppression test protocol. Continue medications as directed by physician unless instructed otherwise.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before the test?
Are there any risks with this blood test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can medications affect my 17-OHP results?
What happens if my 17-OHP level is high?
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