17 Hydroxycorticosteroids Test- Why am I having this test?
17 Hydroxycorticosteroids Test is a urine test that determines the level of steroids in the urine. Testing your urine is an indirect way for your health care provider to assess how your adrenal glands are working.
What kind of sample is taken?
A urine sample is collected in a sterile container that is given to you by the lab to use at home before the test.
How do I collect samples at home?
You will be asked to collect urine samples at home over a 24-hour time period. Follow your health care provider’s instructions about how to collect the samples.
How do I prepare for this test?
Your health care provider may ask you to avoid the following things before and during the sample collection period:
- Situations that cause you stress.
- Eating licorice.
- Taking certain medicines.
When collecting urine samples over a 24-hour period, make sure you:
- Collect urine only in sterile containers provided to you by the lab.
- Refrigerate all samples until they can be returned to the lab.
- Do not contaminate samples with your stool. Urinate before having a bowel movement to avoid contamination.
- Do not put toilet paper in the urine collection container.
What are the reference ranges?
Reference ranges are considered healthy ranges established after testing a large group of healthy people. Reference ranges may vary among different people, labs, and hospitals. It is your responsibility to obtain your test results. Ask the lab or department performing the test when and how you will receive your results.
- Adults:
- Male: 3–10 mg in 24 hours or 8.3–27.6 micromoles in a day (SI units).
- Female: 2–8 mg/24 hours or 5.2–22.1 micromoles in a day (SI units).
- Elderly: slightly lower than adult values.
- Children:
- Less than 8 years of age: less than 1.5 mg in 24 hours.
- 8–12 years of age: less than 4.5 mg in 24 hours.
What do the results mean?
Increased levels may be related to the following:
- Cushing disease or Cushing syndrome.
- Tumors of the pituitary gland.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Stress.
- Obesity.
Decreased levels may be related to the following:
- Certain syndromes of the adrenal gland.
- Underactive pituitary gland.
- Addison disease.
- Hypothyroidism.
Talk with your health care provider to discuss your results, treatment options, and if necessary, the need for more tests. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions about your results.
