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Test ID: 17-Hydroxyprogesterone
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17-Hydroxyprogesterone
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17-Hydroxyprogesterone
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Useful For
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The measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is primarily used in the investigation of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase. Concentrations of this steroid can also be elevated in other forms of CAH (11beta-hydroxylase and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 deficiencies).
17-OHP can also be measured as part of the investigations into female hyperandrogenism, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility.
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Method name and description
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Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is used for the measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone.
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Clinical information
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of disorders characterised by enzyme deficiencies affecting the production of cortisol. The most common of these is 21-hydroxylase deficiency which accounts for approximately 90% of all CAH cases. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is the substrate for 21-hydroxylase so a deficiency of this enzyme leads to an accumulation of 17-OHP, reflected by increased circulating concentrations of this steroid. Deficiencies in 11beta-hydroxylase and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 can also cause elevated 17-OHP concentrations.
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Aliases
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17-OHP
17-Alpha-hydroxyprogesterone
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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Specimen type: Serum is preferred, although heparinised plasma is also acceptable.
Specimen volume: 0.5 ml.
Specimen container: gel tube (yellow top)/red top serum tubes or green lithium heparin tube.
Note that our assay has been validated using BD Vacutainers. Samples collected into other branded tubes may show differences in results.
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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Where samples have been collected after synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin, synacthen) stimulation, please indicate the relative sampling times of the specimens.
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Please provide relevant clinical signs/symptoms (e.g. ambiguous genitalia, hirsutism) and the purpose of the investigation (e.g. CAH, infertility)
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Storage and transport instructions
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Serum/plasma should be separated from cellular components as
soon as possible.
Separated serum/plasma may be stored for up to 28 days at 2-8°C.
Separated serum/plasma may be stored for up to 3 months at -20 •c.
Avoid repeated freeze/thawed cycles.
Samples should be transported according to the storage conditions.
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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Gross haemolysis,
Insufficient sample volume
Incorrect specimen type
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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| Age |
Reference Interval
(nmol/L)
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| 0-1 month |
0.0 - 9.1 |
| 2-11 months |
0.0 - 6.1 |
| 1-10 years |
0.0 - 2.7 |
| 11-17 years |
0.0 - 6.7 |
| ≥18 years |
0.0 - 6.7 |
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Reference Interval
(nmol/L)
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| Post-ACTH stimulation |
0.0 - 9.1 |
| Preterm infants |
7.6 - 60.6 |
| Postmenopausal |
0.0 -1.5 |
| Pregnancy |
Reference Interval
(nmol/L)
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| 1st trimester |
1.4 - 11.3 |
| 2nd trimester |
3.4 - 14.0 |
| 3rd trimester |
4.6 - 21.0 |
| Postpartum |
0.0 -14.9 |
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Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation
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Patients receiving exogenous corticosteroid treatment may suppress adrenal 17-hydroxyprogesterone production, leading to lower measured results.
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Routine turnaround time: 5 working days.
The assay is performed once weekly, usually on a Thursday.
Specimen retention time: 7 days after result release.
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