17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) is an inactive product formed when the liver and other body tissues break down the steroid hormone, cortisol. This article discusses the laboratory test to measure the amount of 17-OHCS in urine.
17-OH corticosteroids; 17-OHCS
A 24-hour urine sample is needed.
For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant often and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag into the container given to you by your health care provider.
Deliver the container to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible.
The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to stop taking drugs that may interfere with the test.
If you are collecting urine from an infant, you may need a couple of extra collection bags.
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
This test can help determine if the body is producing too much of the hormone, cortisol.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Greater than normal levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:
Greater than normal levels may also occur with:
Lower than normal levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:
There are no risks.
Stewart PM. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: chap 14.
Review Date: 10/14/2009
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