17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test
About 17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | 17-OHP Test, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Test, 17 OH Progesterone Test, 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Test, 17 Hydroxy Progesterone Serum Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages, including newborns, children, and adults |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,400 |
What is a 17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test?
The 17-OH progesterone (17-hydroxy progesterone) test measures the level of 17-OHP, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two small glands that sit above the kidneys and produce several important hormones, including cortisol. This test is most commonly ordered to detect or monitor congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of inherited conditions affecting hormone production. This test is also known as the 17-OHP test, 17-hydroxyprogesterone test, 17-OH progesterone test, 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone test, or 17-hydroxyprogesterone serum test. A blood sample drawn from a vein is used for this test.
What Does a 17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test Measure?
This test measures one specific hormone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, in the blood.
The test measures the following:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) | A hormone the body uses as a stepping stone to produce cortisol. When a key enzyme (21-hydroxylase) is missing or low, 17-OHP builds up in the blood, signalling a possible adrenal disorder. |
Why is a 17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test Done?
Doctors order this test for several reasons, from screening newborns to investigating hormone-related symptoms in adults.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend the 17-OH progesterone (17-hydroxy progesterone) test if you or your child has any of the following symptoms:
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
- Excessive facial or body hair growth (hirsutism) in women
- A deeper voice in women than expected
- Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
- Ambiguous genitalia (unclear male or female features) in newborns
- Signs of early puberty in children
- Unexplained vomiting and dehydration in newborns
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several adrenal and hormonal conditions. These include:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), particularly the type caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency
- Non-classical (late-onset) CAH, which appears later in life with symptoms of excess androgens (male hormones)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where the test helps distinguish CAH from PCOS when symptoms overlap
- Adrenal tumours that cause excess hormone production
- Adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones
17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with CAH, the 17-OH progesterone (17-hydroxy progesterone) test is used regularly to check how well treatment is working. When 17-OHP levels are measured alongside other hormones such as androstenedione, doctors can assess whether the prescribed glucocorticoid replacement therapy is keeping hormone levels within a healthy range. Monitoring is typically recommended every 3 to 6 months.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing well for this test helps produce the most accurate result. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
Fasting is generally not required before this test. However, if additional tests are scheduled along with this test, check with your doctor if they need fasting. Follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or the collection centre.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your sample is collected:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Schedule your blood draw in the early morning, ideally between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, when 17-OHP levels are naturally at their highest
- For menstruating women, an early morning sample during the follicular phase (the first 5 days after your period begins) is preferred
- Tell your doctor about all medications you take, especially corticosteroids or hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills), as these can affect results
- Stay well hydrated and wear a loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm
- Wear a loose-fitting top with easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is quick and straightforward. Here is what to expect during the 17-OH progesterone test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) cleans the skin on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is gently inserted into a vein, and a blood sample of approximately 3 ml is collected into a yellow-top SST gel tube.
- For newborns and infants, a tiny blood sample is taken from a heel prick rather than a vein. Infant samples should ideally be collected at least 48 hours after birth.
- Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed and light pressure is applied to the site.
- A small bandage is placed over the puncture site.
- The sample is labelled, stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C), and sent to the laboratory for analysis using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
A number of factors may influence your test results. Be sure to inform your doctor about any of the following:
- Time of blood collection (levels are highest in the early morning and lower later in the day)
- Phase of the menstrual cycle in women (levels are highest after ovulation)
- Use of corticosteroids or hormonal contraceptives
- Prematurity, illness, or stress in newborns, which can cause falsely elevated readings
- Prenatal steroid treatment, which may reduce 17-OHP levels and cause falsely low results in newborn screening
Understanding Your 17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed by your doctor alongside your full medical history. The table below shows general reference ranges for different age and sex groups:
| Group | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Term infants (0 to 28 days) | Less than 630 ng/dL |
| Prepubertal children (males) | Less than 110 ng/dL |
| Prepubertal children (females) | Less than 100 ng/dL |
| Adult males | Less than 220 ng/dL |
| Adult females (follicular phase) | Less than 80 ng/dL |
| Adult females (luteal phase) | Less than 285 ng/dL |
| Postmenopausal females | Less than 51 ng/dL |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can shift results outside the usual range without necessarily indicating disease:
- Illness and physical stress in preterm babies can raise 17-OHP levels to as high as 1,000 ng/dL. This does not automatically confirm CAH and must be assessed carefully by a specialist.
- If the mother received multiple courses of corticosteroids before delivery, the baby's 17-OHP levels may be lower than expected. This can increase the chance of a missed CAH diagnosis in newborn screening.
- Levels are naturally highest in the morning, so results from afternoon samples may appear lower than expected.
- Concentrations are highest after ovulation, so the timing of collection affects what is considered normal for women.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
For people who are being monitored for a hormone-related condition, the following general tips support overall wellbeing:
- Attend regular follow-up appointments to track how your levels change over time
- Inform your doctor about any changes to your medications, particularly steroids or hormonal treatments
- Women undergoing monitoring should schedule blood draws during the recommended phase of their menstrual cycle for consistent and comparable results
Lupin Diagnostics 17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test Price and Home Collection
The 17-OH progesterone test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,400, with home sample collection available across major Indian cities. The table below shows approximate prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1400 |
| CHENNAI | 1400 |
| HYDERABAD | 1400 |
| KOLKATA | 1400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1400 |
| PUNE | 1400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for 17-OH progesterone test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
The 17-OH progesterone test home collection service is available across major cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by qualified professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is most commonly used to detect and monitor congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), particularly the type caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. It is also part of routine newborn screening programmes to identify severe CAH early in life. In adults, it helps investigate symptoms related to excess male hormones.
For the most accurate result, blood should be collected between 8:00 and 9:00 in the morning. This is when 17-OHP levels are naturally at their highest due to the body's circadian rhythm. Menstruating women are advised to schedule their sample during the follicular phase, ideally within the first 5 days of their cycle.
For babies, a small blood sample is collected via a heel prick rather than a vein. Samples for newborn screening should be taken at least 48 hours after birth, as levels are naturally elevated in the first two days of life and may give a misleading result if collected too early.
This test does not diagnose PCOS directly. Instead, it helps doctors rule out CAH in women whose symptoms, such as irregular periods and excess body hair, resemble those of PCOS. Distinguishing between these two conditions helps guide the right treatment plan.
Patients diagnosed with CAH are typically tested every 3 to 6 months as part of ongoing monitoring. Regular retesting helps doctors assess whether treatment is keeping hormone levels in the target range and whether any dose adjustments are needed.
Yes. Corticosteroids and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) are known to influence 17-OHP levels. Always tell your doctor about every medication you are currently taking before you have this test, so your results can be interpreted accurately.
17-OH Progesterone (17-Hydroxy Progesterone) Test
