ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples): Booking, Price, and Results
About ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples): Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ACTH Stim Test for 17-OHP, Cosyntropin Stimulation Test for 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, 17-OHP ACTH Challenge Test, Synacthen Test for 17-OHP |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum), collected at three separate time points |
| Fasting Required | Yes, fasting for 6 hours is generally recommended; follow your doctor's specific instructions |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, both males and females; particularly those with symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, or infertility |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,300 |
What is an ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples)?
The ACTH stimulation test for 17 OH progesterone (3 samples) is a specialised blood test that measures how the adrenal glands respond to a synthetic hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). It tracks changes in 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), a substance produced by the adrenal glands, before and after a controlled hormonal challenge. The test is also known as the ACTH stim test for 17-OHP, the cosyntropin stimulation test for 17-hydroxyprogesterone, the 17-OHP ACTH challenge test, or the Synacthen test for 17-OHP. Three blood samples are drawn at timed intervals, making this a dynamic function test rather than a simple single-draw measurement.
What Does an ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples) Measure?
This test tracks 17-OHP levels at three distinct points during adrenal stimulation. The following table outlines what each sample captures:
| Sample | Timing | What It Represents |
|---|---|---|
| Sample 1 (Baseline) | Before ACTH injection (0 min) | Resting level of 17-OHP before any stimulation |
| Sample 2 (Stimulated) | 30 minutes after injection | Early adrenal response to synthetic ACTH |
| Sample 3 (Stimulated) | 60 minutes after injection (or 180 min in some protocols) | Peak or extended adrenal response to ACTH |
Normally, the adrenal glands use 17-OHP to produce cortisol. When an enzyme deficiency is present, this conversion is blocked, and 17-OHP accumulates. The test identifies whether this accumulation occurs and to what degree.
Why is an ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples) Done?
A doctor may order the ACTH stimulation test for 17 OH progesterone when symptoms suggest a problem with adrenal hormone production. Below are the common reasons this test is prescribed.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most frequent reasons doctors request this test:
- Excessive body or facial hair growth (hirsutism)
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Persistent acne not responding to standard treatment
- Signs of early puberty in children
- Ambiguous genitalia in newborns
- Unexplained infertility
- Unusual fatigue or low energy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying several adrenal and hormonal conditions, including:
- 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Classic CAH, where there is severe enzyme deficiency and symptoms begin before birth
- Non-classic CAH (NCAH), a milder form with symptoms appearing after birth, often in adolescence or adulthood
- 11-hydroxylase deficiency, a less common form of CAH
- Adrenal enzyme defects affecting cortisol production
- Differentiation between CAH and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples) for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For individuals already diagnosed with CAH, this test plays an important role in ongoing care. Doctors use 17-OHP levels to assess whether glucocorticoid (steroid hormone replacement) therapy is at the right dose. Periodic testing helps confirm that hormone levels are adequately controlled and guides any adjustments to treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for this test is important, as several factors can affect the results. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes, fasting for 6 hours before the test is generally recommended. You should not eat or drink anything except water during this period. Your doctor may also ask you to eat foods high in carbohydrates 12 to 24 hours before the test. Always follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help your results be as accurate as possible:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Schedule the test in the morning, as cortisol and 17-OHP levels are naturally higher at this time of day
- Women should ideally book the test during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle (the first 5 days after menstruation begins) and should not be taking oral contraceptive pills at the time of testing
- Limit strenuous physical activity 12 to 24 hours before the sample collection
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, particularly glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives, and hormone therapies, as these can affect results
- Drink adequate water before the test to make the blood draw easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the ACTH stimulation test for 17 OH progesterone (3 samples) procedure:
- You arrive at the collection centre in the morning. A trained phlebotomist (blood collection professional) cleans a vein in your arm and draws the first blood sample. This is your baseline (0-minute) reading.
- A predetermined dose of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin, 250 mcg) is injected either into a muscle or into a vein.
- A second blood sample is drawn 30 minutes after the injection to measure the early adrenal response.
- A third blood sample is drawn at 60 minutes to capture the peak response.
- All three samples are labelled with your name and the exact collection time, then stored at the correct refrigerated temperature and sent to the laboratory together.
- You can normally leave after the final sample is collected. Results are typically available within 2 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your test results. These include:
- Time of day the sample is collected (morning preferred)
- Phase of the menstrual cycle in women
- Current use of glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives, or hormone therapies
- High stress levels or recent illness
- Dehydration at the time of collection
- Prematurity or illness in newborns (can cause falsely elevated readings)
Understanding Your ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples) Results
Results from this test are assessed across all three samples together and interpreted in the context of your clinical history. The table below shows general reference ranges for guidance:
| 60-min Stimulated 17-OHP | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| < 9.8 nmol/L | Normal response |
| ≥ 9.8 to ≤ 30 nmol/L | Equivocal response; CAH not excluded. Genotyping and/or a urine steroid profile is recommended. |
| ≥ 30 nmol/L | Consistent with CAH, genotyping of the 21-hydroxylase gene and urine steroid profiling can be used to confirm the diagnosis. |
Note: Unaffected adults and children usually have a basal 17-OHP concentration of < 6 nmol/L. A normal basal 17-OHP does not exclude non-classical CAH, as some patients may have normal early morning values.
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 circumstances can alter 17-OHP levels independent of adrenal disease:
- Pregnancy raises 17-OHP naturally, and drawing blood during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle can produce values that appear elevated even when adrenal function is normal.
- In premature, unwell, or stressed newborns, 17-OHP levels are often higher than in healthy full-term infants, which can lead to false-positive screening results.
- Medications such as glucocorticoids tend to lower 17-OHP, while some hormonal contraceptives can also shift readings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support adrenal health:
- If you have been diagnosed with CAH, follow your doctor's prescribed treatment plan consistently, as proper glucocorticoid therapy is the main way to keep 17-OHP in an appropriate range.
- Manage everyday stress through regular rest, moderate physical activity, and a balanced diet, since prolonged stress places extra demand on the adrenal glands.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments if you have a known adrenal condition, so that your doctor can monitor your hormone levels over time.
Lupin Diagnostics ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples) Price and Home Collection
The ACTH stimulation test for 17 OH progesterone (3 samples) cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹3,300, with home collection offered across cities through a certified phlebotomist. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 3300 |
| CHENNAI | 3300 |
| HYDERABAD | 3300 |
| KOLKATA | 3300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3300 |
| PUNE | 3300 |
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 ACTH stimulation test for 17 OH progesterone (3 samples) 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 ACTH stimulation test for 17 OH progesterone (3 samples) home collection is available across cities, with a trained phlebotomist visiting your home to administer the ACTH injection and collect all three timed samples. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratories, and your digital report is accessible via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps confirm or rule out 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It is particularly useful for distinguishing non-classic CAH from polycystic ovary syndrome, which can look similar based on symptoms alone. Your doctor uses the results alongside your clinical history to reach a diagnosis.
Three samples allow your doctor to compare your resting 17-OHP level with how it changes after adrenal stimulation. Samples collected at 0, 30, and 60 minutes (and sometimes 180 minutes) reveal the pattern of your adrenal response, which is more informative than a single measurement alone.
Fasting for about 6 hours before the test is commonly recommended. You may also be asked to eat carbohydrate-rich foods and avoid intense physical activity in the day before the test. Your doctor or the laboratory will give you the specific instructions to follow.
Women are advised to book the test during the first 5 days of their menstrual cycle (the follicular phase) and to avoid taking oral contraceptive pills at the time of testing. An early morning appointment is also recommended, as hormone levels follow a natural daily rhythm that peaks in the morning.
Results are typically ready within 2 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. Your report will be shared digitally via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
The procedure itself takes approximately one hour, as blood samples are drawn at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after the ACTH injection. In some protocols, a final sample is collected at 180 minutes. You should plan to remain at the collection site throughout the procedure.
ACTH Stimulation Test For 17 OH Progesterone (3 Samples): Booking, Price, and Results
