Test Description: A "17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) - Serum" test is a blood test that measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormone in the blood, primarily used to diagnose Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), an inherited disorder affecting the adrenal glands, especially in infants and young children where it is often part of routine newborn screening.
Key points about the 17-OHP test:
What it measures:
The amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in the blood sample.
Why it's done:
To check for CAH, a condition where the adrenal glands cannot produce enough cortisol due to enzyme deficiencies, leading to elevated 17-OHP levels.
Who needs this test:
Newborns as part of routine screening
Children or adults with suspected symptoms of CAH like excess hair growth, irregular periods, deep voice, or ambiguous genitalia
Procedure:
A simple blood draw from a vein in the arm.
Interpretation of results:
High 17-OHP levels indicate potential CAH.
Further testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of CAH.