17 Ketosteroid Test- Why am I having this test?
17 Ketosteroid Test is a 24-hour urine test in which the breakdown products of the sex hormones are measured. 17-ketosteroids form when the body breaks down male sex hormones and other hormones that are released by the adrenal cortex.
This test is used to help diagnose adrenal problems, including adrenal tumors and adrenal enlargement (hyperplasia).
What kind of sample is taken?
Your urine will be collected for a 24-hour period of time.
How do I collect samples at home?
You will be asked to collect and store all of your urine for 24 hours. You will be provided with a container to store your urine.
How do I prepare for this test?
Certain medicines may affect the test results. Ask your health care provider if any of your medicines need to be stopped or change for a period of time before the test.
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 get your results.
What do the results mean?
Normal findings:
- Male: 6–20 mg in 24 hours or 20–70 micromole in a day (SI units).
- Female: 6–17 mg in 24 hours or 20–60 micromole in a day (SI units).
- Elderly: values decrease with age.
- Child under 12 years: less than 5 mg in 24 hours.
- Child 12–15 years: 5–12 mg in 24 hours.
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.
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.
