17-alpha Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) Test

This test is considered to be essential for newborns and may be performed in individuals who may show the symptoms of CAH later in life. The most common symptoms of CAH in infants include the following:

• Presence of pubic hair
• Lack of energy
• Acne
• Low blood pressure
• Low appetite
• Vomiting

The symptoms in young girls or women include:

• Irregular menstruation
• Deep voice
• Excessive growth of hair
• Infertility

In young boys and men, the symptoms may be as follows:

• Early-onset of puberty
• Well-defined muscles
• Large penis but small testicles
• Infertility

You may be instructed to avoid drinking or eating at least 8 hours before the test. Your doctor may also advise you to stop the intake of certain medications that could interfere with the results of this test. However, these steps are not necessary if the test is being performed on an infant.

17-hydroxyprogesterone levels may vary from time to time throughout the day; therefore, your doctor may perform the test at a certain time period during the day.

If a child is being tested, it must be made sure that he/she is wearing a t-shirt so that the test can be performed with ease.

Only a small amount of blood sample is needed to conduct the analysis. A lab technician will draw the required amount of blood from a vein in your arm by inserting a needle. Prior to the test he/she will clean and sanitise the needle insertion site with alcohol. You may feel no pain from the needle or may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Some common problems and risks associated with blood tests are:

• Difficulty in obtaining the sample
• Excessive bleeding at the place of blood withdrawal
• Fainting 
• Haematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin)
• Infection at the needle insertion site

Most of these risks can easily be reduced if proper precautionary measures are taken.

The normal and abnormal values will vary for newborns, infants and adults. 

Normal results:

Generally, normal values are as follows:

• Babies: Less than 400 to 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)
• Children before puberty: 100 ng/dL
• Adults: Less than 200 ng/dL

Abnormal results:

A high level of 17-OH progesterone (abnormal results) may be indicative of tumours of the adrenal gland or CAH. Further testing may be done to identify the exact cause of the abnormality.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.