17ohpprepchalserplscnc
A blood test measuring 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels to screen for and monitor congenital adrenal hyperplasia and other adrenal gland disorders.
{"17-Hydroxyprogesterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands","This test mainly helps diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the morning","Results are often interpreted with an ACTH stimulation challenge test","Abnormal levels may indicate adrenal gland dysfunction"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51420-8
- Short code
- 17-OHP
- Synonyms
- 17OHP pre/p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube, Plasma: EDTA or lithium heparin tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.6
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 83498
- SNOMED
- 31316003
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum or plasma 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
- 60
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone test measures the amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in your blood. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. 17-OHP is a precursor hormone that the body uses to make cortisol, an important stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test to: 1) Screen newborns for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder affecting adrenal hormone production; 2) Diagnose CAH in children or adults with symptoms; 3) Monitor treatment effectiveness if you have already been diagnosed with CAH; 4) Evaluate adrenal gland function if you have symptoms like early puberty, irregular periods, or excessive hair growth.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. For the challenge test version (ACTH stimulation test), you may receive an injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) before the blood draw to stimulate 17-OHP production, helping doctors better assess adrenal function.
How should I prepare?
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may need to fast (not eat or drink except water) for several hours before the test. Certain medications, especially steroids or hormone treatments, may affect results. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take. The test is often performed in the morning since hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day.
Reference range
Baseline (pre-challenge): 0.6-10.0 nmol/L (adults); Post-stimulation: <15.0 nmol/L (normal response). Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and methodology. For congenital adrenal hyperplasia screening: <6.0 nmol/L (term infants), <3.0 nmol/L (preterm infants).N/A
No specific fasting required. For stimulation tests, ACTH (cosyntropin) will be administered intravenously, and blood samples collected at baseline and 30-60 minutes post-stimulation. Inform patient of test procedure and potential side effects of ACTH administration including flushing, headache, or rare anaphylactic reactions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Can I take my medications before the test?
Is fasting required for this test?
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