17ohpurscnc
This test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in your urine.
{"Measures hormone levels to check adrenal gland function","Helps diagnose conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)","Uses a 24-hour urine collection for accurate results","May be repeated to monitor treatment effectiveness","Results help doctors assess hormone production balance"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14570-6
- Short code
- 17-OHP urine, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Urine
- Synonyms
- 17OHP Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean, sterile urine collection container (24-hour container for timed collection)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.5
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Immunoassay
- CPT
- 83498
- SNOMED
- 31308003
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 10 mL; 24-hour collection typically requires complete voided urine
- Stability
- Refrigerate during collection. Stable at 2-8°C for up to 7 days. Freeze at -20°C for longer storage. Protect from light.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone urine test measures how much of this hormone is in your urine. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is made by your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. This hormone is an important building block your body uses to make cortisol, the stress hormone that helps your body respond to illness, stress, and maintain blood sugar levels.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a problem with your adrenal glands. It helps diagnose conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic condition affecting hormone production. The test can also help find adrenal tumors or check if treatments for adrenal conditions are working properly. Sometimes it's used to investigate symptoms like early puberty, irregular periods, or excessive hair growth in women.
How is the test done?
This test requires a 24-hour urine collection. You will receive a special container from the lab. On the day of collection, start by urinating into the toilet when you wake up. After that, every time you urinate for the next 24 hours, collect the urine in the container provided. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place. At the end of 24 hours, urinate one last time and add that to the container. Return it to the lab as instructed. It's important to collect all urine during the 24-hour period for accurate results.
Are there any risks?
There are no significant risks to this test. The urine collection is painless and only requires normal urination. Some people may find the 24-hour collection inconvenient, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully for accurate results.
How to prepare for the test
Your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications before the test, as some drugs can affect hormone levels. Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbs you take. Follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider. You may need to avoid strenuous exercise before the test, as intense physical activity can temporarily affect hormone levels.
Reference range
Reference range varies by age, sex, and laboratory method. Typical adult reference: 2.5-10.0 nmol/24h urine (or as specified by laboratory). Pediatric and neonatal values differ significantly.N/A
No special preparation required. Collect urine as directed (spot urine or 24-hour collection). Inform laboratory of any medications. Avoid contamination of sample.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Will the test be painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I collect urine at home?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy