17α-Hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP)
| Category | Biochemistry >> Endocrinology | ||||||||
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| Test background |
17OHP is a precursor of cortisol, the major glucocorticoid synthesised in the adrenal cortex. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) results in excessive ACTH secretion due to impairment in the synthesis of cortisol. A variety of enzyme defects in the pathway to cortisol synthesis have been identified, of which the most common is a 21-hydroxylase deficiency; 17OHP is the substrate for this enzyme. The serum 17OHP levels are significantly elevated in this condition. |
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| Clinical Indications |
Ambiguous neonatal genitalia (female infants) ’Salt-wasting’ clinical symptoms (dehydration, vomiting, listlessness) Precociousness or failure of puberty Virilisation |
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| Reference range |
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| Sample & container required | SST (gold top) or serum (red top) | ||||||||
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL | ||||||||
| Transport storage | Once separated, serum is stable at 2-8°C for 1 week or up to 6 months at -20°C. Sample can be sent by first class post. | ||||||||
| Turnaround time | 10 days | ||||||||
| Notes | Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay.
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