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HelpTest Code OHPG 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Serum
Reporting Name
17-Hydroxyprogesterone, SUseful For
Screening test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), caused by either 11- or 21-hydroxylase deficiency, when used in combination with testing for cortisol and androstenedione
As part of a battery of tests to evaluate women with hirsutism or infertility
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Serum RedOrdering Guidance
The preferred screening test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency is CAH21 / Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Profile for 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency, Serum, which allows the simultaneous determination of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and cortisol.
Necessary Information
Patient's age and sex are required.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 7 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Children:
Preterm infants
Preterm infants may exceed 630 ng/dL, however, it is uncommon to see levels reach 1,000 ng/dL.
Term infants
0-28 days: <630 ng/dL
Levels fall from newborn (<630 ng/dL) to prepubertal gradually within 6 months.
Prepubertal males: <110 ng/dL
Prepubertal females: <100 ng/dL
Adults:
Males: <220 ng/dL
Females
Follicular: <80 ng/dL
Luteal: <285 ng/dL
Postmenopausal: <51 ng/dL
Note: For pregnancy reference ranges, see: Soldin OP, Guo T, Weiderpass E, et al. Steroid hormone levels in pregnancy and 1 year postpartum using isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Fertil Steril. 2005;84(3):701-710
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83498
Clinical Information
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by inherited defects in steroid biosynthesis. The resulting hormone imbalances with reduced glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids and elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (OHPG) and androgens can lead to life-threatening, salt-wasting crisis in the newborn period and incorrect gender assignment of virtualized female patients. Adult-onset CAH may result in hirsutism or infertility in women.
The adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, and placenta produce OHPG. It is hydroxylated at the 11 and 21 position to produce cortisol. Deficiency of either 11- or 21-hydroxylase results in decreased cortisol synthesis, and feedback inhibition of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion is lost. Consequent increased pituitary release of ACTH increases production of OHPG. But, if 17-alpha-hydroxylase (which allows formation of OHPG from progesterone) or 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (which allows formation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone formation from 17-hydroxypregnenolone) are deficient, OHPG levels are low with possible increase in progesterone or pregnenolone respectively.
OHPG is bound to both corticosteroid binding globulin and albumin, and total OHPG is measured in this assay.
OHPG is converted to pregnanetriol, which is conjugated and excreted in the urine. In all instances, more specific tests are available to diagnose disorders or steroid metabolism than pregnanetriol measurement.
Most (90%) cases of CAH are due to variants in the steroid 21-hydroxylase gene (CYP21A2). CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is diagnosed by confirming elevations of OHPG and androstenedione (ANST / Androstenedione, Serum) with decreased cortisol (CINP / Cortisol, Mass Spectrometry, Serum). By contrast, in 2 less common forms of CAH, due to 17-hydroxylase or 11-hydroxylase deficiency, OHPG and androstenedione levels are not significantly elevated and measurement of progesterone (PGSN / Progesterone, Serum) and deoxycorticosterone (DOCS / 11-Deoxycorticosterone, Serum), respectively, are necessary for diagnosis.
For more information see Steroid Pathways
Report Available
2 to 5 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send General Test Request (T239) with the specimen.