The 17-OHP test measures a building-block hormone produced by the adrenal glands to evaluate adrenal health and steroid hormone production.

Why is This Test Ordered?

1. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): To screen newborns, children, or adults for CAH.
2. Hormone Imbalances: To investigate excess body hair, severe acne, irregular periods, or infertility in women.
3. Early Puberty: To evaluate signs of abnormally early puberty in children.
4. Treatment Monitoring: To check therapy progress for known CAH patients.

Preparation & Fasting

1. Fasting: Not required.
2. Timing: Best collected in the early morning (8:00–10:00 AM) when levels peak. Women should ideally test during the early follicular phase of their cycle.

Sample Collection

1. Adults & Children: Routine blood draw from a vein in the arm.
2. Newborns: A quick heel-prick blood spot test.

Turnaround Time

1. Results are typically ready within 24 to 48 hours.