Understanding Your Diagnostic Test: Purpose, Procedure, Preparation, and Results
A blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, to screen for and monitor congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
{"17-OHP is a hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps produce cortisol and androgens","This test is primarily used to screen newborns for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm or, for newborns, from a heel stick","Abnormally high levels may indicate CAH, while low levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency","Results are typically available within a few days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107495-4
- Short code
- 17-OHP
- Synonyms
- 17OHP SerPl LC/MS/MS-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST/gel barrier) or plain red top tube. EDTA plasma also acceptable for some methodologies.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.2
- Ref high
- 4.5
- Critical range
- — – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- lc-ms-ms
- CPT
- 83498
- SNOMED
- 3131008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum minimum, 2.0 mL preferred for accurate testing
- 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
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what does it measure or evaluate in your body? This page explains the test in clear, patient-friendly language.
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone 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 (the stress hormone) and androgens (male sex hormones).
Why is this test performed, and how can its results help your healthcare provider diagnose a condition, monitor treatment, or guide next steps?
The 17-OHP test is mainly used for: 1) Newborn screening to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic condition that affects the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol and often causes excess androgen production; 2) Diagnosing and monitoring CAH in children and adults; 3) Evaluating symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or excess androgen production.
How is the test performed, what will happen during the appointment, and what should you expect before, during, and after the procedure?
For adults and children, a healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. For newborns, a small blood sample is usually taken from a heel stick. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis using LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), which is a highly sensitive and accurate testing method.
How should you prepare for the test? Follow any instructions about eating, drinking, medications, exercise, timing, or other requirements provided by your healthcare team.
In most cases, no special preparation is needed for the 17-OHP test. However, your doctor may ask you to have the test done in the morning, as hormone levels can vary throughout the day. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and inform them about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs may affect the results.
Understanding your results can help you discuss their meaning with your healthcare provider, because results may vary with symptoms, medical history, medications, and laboratory reference ranges.
Normal 17-OHP levels vary by age and can differ between laboratories. High levels of 17-OHP may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), while very high levels in adults might suggest adrenal tumors. Low levels may be seen in adrenal insufficiency. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your age, symptoms, and other test results.
Reference range
Adult males: 0.5-2.5 ng/mL; Adult females (follicular phase): 0.2-1.0 ng/mL; Adult females (luteal phase): 1.0-4.5 ng/mL; Children (prepubertal): 0.1-1.5 ng/mL; Newborns: 1.0-10.0 ng/mL (declining over first week of life). Reference ranges may vary by laboratory methodology and population. Consult laboratory-specific reference intervals.N/A
No fasting required. Collect specimen preferably in the morning due to circadian rhythm variation. Inform laboratory of current medications, especially corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, or steroid-containing creams. Female patients should note menstrual cycle phase. Avoid specimen collection during acute illness or stress as levels may be elevated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is the 17-OHP test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
What happens if my baby's test is abnormal?
Do I need to fast before 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