17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) is one of the intermediary steroid metabolites in the cortisol biosynthetic pathway. The most common genetic defect in cortisol production is deficiency of the 21-hydroxlase enzyme, which leads to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). 17OHP concentrations are raised in this form of CAH (approximately 90% of CAH cases) and is a useful marker to monitor response to therapy. Measuring 17OHP in blood spot samples is less invasive than venepuncture and allows multiple samples to be taken over a 24hr period.
Blood spot 17OHP is not a diagnostic test and is only useful in monitoring treatment.
Sample requirements and reference range
Sample type | Whole blood spotted onto pre-prepared card available on request |
Container | N/A |
Precautions | None |
Minimum volume | Ensure that blood soaks through to the back of the card |
Reference range | N/A |
Turnaround time | 56 days |
Method | Liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry |