A Comprehensive Patient Guide to Understanding Your Upcoming Medical Test, Including Preparation, Procedure, and Results Interpretation
This test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in your blood, usually collected multiple times during a hormone stimulation test to check how well your adrenal glands are working.
{"Measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormone levels in blood","Part of an adrenal function stimulation test","Helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia","Requires multiple blood samples collected over several hours","Simple blood draw from a vein in your arm"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57533-2
- Short code
- 17-OHP-ACTH
- Synonyms
- 17OHP sp10 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Plain Red Top Tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescence or ELISA)
- CPT
- 82533
- SNOMED
- 31316002
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 7 days; frozen (-20°C or below) for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what specific health information will it provide to your care team?
The 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of a specific hormone in your blood. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone is produced by your adrenal glands and is involved in making cortisol, an important hormone that helps your body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, and regulate metabolism. This test is usually performed as part of a stimulation test where a hormone (like ACTH) is given to stimulate your adrenal glands, and blood samples are collected at multiple time points to see how your body responds.
Why do I need this test and how will it help with my diagnosis or treatment plan?
Your doctor may order this test to: (1) Check if your adrenal glands are working properly, (2) Help diagnose conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic condition affecting adrenal hormone production), (3) Evaluate adrenal gland tumors, or (4) Monitor treatment for certain adrenal disorders. The '10th specimen' designation means this is one of multiple blood samples collected during the test, typically taken at specific time intervals after the stimulation medication is given.
How is the test performed and what steps will the clinician take during the procedure?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Before the test, you may receive an injection or medication to stimulate your adrenal glands. Blood samples are then collected at several time points (often over 2-3 hours) to track how your 17-OHP levels change over time. Each blood draw only takes a few minutes, and you may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the needle site.
How do I prepare for the test to ensure accurate results and a smooth experience?
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may need to: (1) Fast for a certain period before the test, (2) Avoid certain medications that might affect the results, (3) Inform your doctor about any existing health conditions or medications you take. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up. The entire test, including the waiting period between blood draws, may take several hours, so bring something to pass the time.
What do the results mean and how will my doctor explain any abnormal findings to me?
Your results will show how your 17-OHP levels compare to normal ranges. Abnormal levels may indicate adrenal gland problems. High levels of 17-OHP may suggest congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumors. Low levels might indicate adrenal insufficiency. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your specific situation, including the timing of the blood samples and your overall health condition.
Reference range
Post-ACTH stimulation: Peak 17-OHP levels vary by protocol; typically <10 ng/dL (0.30 nmol/L) suggests normal adrenal response. Levels >15-20 ng/dL (0.45-0.60 nmol/L) indicate possible congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Reference ranges are protocol-specific and should be interpreted in clinical context.N/A
No fasting required. Inform laboratory of current medications, particularly corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, or anti-epileptic drugs that may affect results. Typically performed in the morning (8 AM) due to diurnal variation in cortisol and its precursors. Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The 17-hydroxyprogesterone test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of genetic disorders affecting adrenal hormone production. It also helps evaluate adrenal gland function in patients with symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or excess hormone production. During ACTH stimulation testing, the 17-OHP response helps differentiate between various adrenal disorders. This test is especially important in newborns and children with ambiguous genitalia, early puberty, or other signs of hormonal imbalance. In adults, it may be used to investigate infertility issues or adrenal tumors.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
How long does the entire test take?
Does the test have any side effects?
When will I get my results?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Sources
- 1
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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