Test ID: 17OHP
17-Hydroxypregnenolone, Serum
Secondary ID 
A test code used for billing and in test definitions created prior to November 2011
NY State Approved Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
As an ancillary test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), particularly in situations in which a diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase and 11-hydroxylase deficiency have been ruled out
Confirming a diagnosis of 3-beta-hydroxy dehydrogenase (3-beta-HSD) deficiency
Analysis for 17-hydroxypregnenolone is also useful as part of a battery of tests to evaluate females with hirsutism or infertility; both can result from adult-onset CAH.
Testing Algorithm Delineates situation(s) when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
See Steroid Pathways in Special Instructions.
Special Instructions and Forms Describes specimen collection and preparation information, test algorithms, and other information pertinent to test. Also includes pertinent information and consent forms to be used when requesting a particular test
Method Name A short description of the method used to perform the test
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name A shorter/abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test; an abbreviated test name
Aliases Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
Specimen Type Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | Mild OK; Gross OK |
| Lipemia | Mild OK; Gross OK |
| Icterus | Mild OK; Gross OK |
| Other | NA |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by inherited defects in steroid biosynthesis. Deficiencies in several enzymes cause CAH including 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2 mutations; 90% of cases), 11-hydroxylase (CYP11A1 mutations; 5%-8%), 3-beta-hydroxy dehydrogenase (HSD3B2 mutations; <5%), and 17-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP17A1 mutations; 125 cases reported to date). The resulting hormone imbalances (reduced glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, and elevated steroid intermediates and androgens) can lead to life-threatening, salt-wasting crises in the newborn period and incorrect gender assignment of virilized females.
The adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, and placenta produce steroid intermediates, which are hydroxylated at the position 21 (by 21-hydroxylase) and position 11 (by 11-hydroxylase) to produce cortisol. Deficiency of either 21-hydroxylase or 11-hydroxylase results in decreased cortisol synthesis and loss of feedback inhibition of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. The consequent increased pituitary release of ACTH drives increased production of steroid intermediates.
The steroid intermediates are oxidized at position 3 (by 3-beta-hydroxy dehydrogenase [3-beta-HSD]). The 3-beta-HSD enzyme allows formation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHPG) from 17-hydroxypregnenolone and progesterone from pregnenolone. When 3-beta-HSD is deficient, cortisol is decreased, 17-hydroxypregnenolone and pregnenolone levels may increase, and 17-OHPG and progesterone levels, respectively, are low. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is also converted to androstenedione by 3-beta-HSD and may be elevated in patients affected with 3-beta-HSD deficiency.
The best screening test for CAH, most often caused by either 21- or 11-hydroxylase deficiency, is the analysis of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (along with cortisol and androstenedione). CAH21/87815 Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Profile for 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency allows the simultaneous determination of these 3 analytes. Alternatively, these tests may be ordered individually: OHPG/9231 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Serum; CINP/9369 Cortisol, Serum, LC-MS/MS; and ANST/9709 Androstenedione, Serum.
If both 21- and 11-hydroxylase deficiency have been ruled out, analysis of 17-hydroxypregnenolone and pregnenolone may be used to confirm the diagnosis of 3-beta-HSD or 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency.
See Steroid Pathways in Special Instructions.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
CHILDREN*
Males
Premature (26-28 weeks): 1,219-9,799 ng/dL
Premature (29-36 weeks): 346-8,911 ng/dL
Full term (1-5 months): 229-3,104 ng/dL
6 months-364 days: 221-1,981 ng/dL
1-2 years: 35-712 ng/dL
3-6 years: <277 ng/dL
7-9 years: <188 ng/dL
10-12 years: <393 ng/dL
13-15 years: 35-465 ng/dL
16-17 years: 32-478 ng/dL
TANNER STAGES
Stage I: <209 ng/dL
Stage II: <356 ng/dL
Stage III: <451 ng/dL
Stage IV-V: 35-478 ng/dL
Females
Premature (26-28 weeks): 1,219-9,799 ng/dL
Premature (29-36 weeks): 346-8,911 ng/dL
Full term (1-5 months): 229-3,104 ng/dL
6 months-364 days: 221-1,981 ng/dL
1-2 years: 35-712 ng/dL
3-6 years: <277 ng/dL
7-9 years: <213 ng/dL
10-12 years: <399 ng/dL
13-15 years: <408 ng/dL
16-17 years: <424 ng/dL
TANNER STAGES
Stage I: <236 ng/dL
Stage II: <368 ng/dL
Stage III: <431 ng/dL
Stage IV-V: <413 ng/dL
ADULTS
Males
> or =18 years: 55-455 ng/dL
Females
> or =18 years: 31-455 ng/dL
*Kushnir MM, Rockwood AL, Roberts WL, et al: Development and performance evaluation of a tandem mass spectrometry assay for 4 adrenal steroids. Clin Chem 2006;52(8):1559-1567
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CAH always requires the measurement of several steroids. Patients with CAH due to steroid 21-hydroxylase gene (CYP21A2) mutations usually have very high levels of androstenedione, often 5-fold to 10-fold elevations. 17-OHPG levels are usually even higher, while cortisol levels are low or undetectable. All 3 analytes should be tested.
For the HSD3B2 mutation, cortisol, 17-OHPG and progesterone levels will be will be decreased; 17-hydroxypregnenolone and pregnenolone and DHEA levels will be increased.
In the much less common CYP11A1 mutation, androstenedione levels are elevated to a similar extent as in CYP21A2 mutation, and cortisol is also low, but OHPG is only mildly, if at all, elevated.
In the also very rare 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency, androstenedione, all other androgen-precursors (17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, OHPG, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), androgens (testosterone, estrone, estradiol), and cortisol are low, while production of mineral corticoid and its precursors (in particular pregnenolone, 11-dexycorticosterone, corticosterone, and 18-hydroxycorticosterone) are increased.
See Steroid Pathways in Special Instructions.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
At birth, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis are activated and adrenal and sex steroid levels are high. In preterm infants, the elevations can be even more pronounced due to illness and stress. As a result, preterm infants may occasionally have 17-hydroxypregnenolone levels of up to 9,799 ng/dL. Term infants (0-28 days) will have levels <3,104 ng/dL. These then fall over the following 2 years to prepubertal levels of <277 ng/dL.
Supportive Data
To convert to nmol/L, multiply the value in ng/dL by 0.31597.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Wudy S A, Hartmann M, Svoboda M: Determination of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in plasma by stabile isotope dilution/benchtop liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Horm Res 2000;53(2):68-71
2. Therrell BL: Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2001;30(1):15-30
3. Bachega TA, Billerbeck AE, Marcondes JA, et al: Influence of different genotypes on 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels in patients with nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Clin Endocrinol 2000;52(5):601-607
4. Kao P, Machacek DA, Magera MJ, at al: Diagnosis of adrenal cortical dysfunction by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Ann Clin Lab Sci 2001;31(2):199-204
5. Sciarra F, Tosti-Croce C, Toscano V: Androgen-secreting adrenal tumors. Minerva Endocrinol 1995;20(1):63-68
6. Collett-Solberg PF: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: from genetics and biochemistry to clinical practice, part I. Clin Pediatr 2001:40(1):1-16
Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
Deuterium-labeled internal standards (pregnenolone-d4 and 17-hydroxypregnenolone-d3) are added to 0.2 mL of sample. Pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone and the internal standards are extracted from the sample using solid phase extraction. The extracts are then washed and dried under nitrogen. Extracts are then derivatized using hydroxylamine and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The mass spectrometer has an electrospray interface and is operated in the multiple-reaction monitoring positive mode. A 7-point standard curve is extracted and derivatized with each batch of samples. (Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 8 a.m.
Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.
Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test
Test Classification Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer's instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR), Investigation Use Only (IUO) product, or a Research Use Only (RUO) product.
CPT Code Information Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Medical Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
84143
LOINC® Code Information Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the result codes returned for this test or profile.
| Result ID | Reporting Name | LOINC Code |
|---|---|---|
| 81151 | 17-Hydroxypregnenolone, S | 6765-2 |
External
link
PDF
document
Excel
document
Word
document