17-Hydroxycorticosteroids (OHCS), 24 Hour Urine Test Cost & Procedure

The urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) test quantifies the presence of 17-OHCS.

How the Test is Administered?

Urine from the previous day is required. Urine collection will require 24 hours. Observe directions to the letter.

Preparation For this test:

If necessary, the doctor will give you instructions on how to cease taking any medications that might affect the test.

These may consist of:

• hormone-containing birth control tablets
• a few antibiotics
• Glucocorticoids

All that must be urinated normally for the test. No discomfort exists.

Why is the Test Done?

When the steroid hormone cortisol is broken down by the liver and other body tissues, a substance known as 17-OHCS is produced. If too much cortisol is being produced by the body, this test can assist identify it. The examination could be used to identify Cushing's syndrome. This condition develops when the body's level of cortisol is consistently elevated. When doing the 17-OHCS test, the urine volume and creatinine are frequently done concurrently. This aids the test's interpretation by the provider. These days, this test is rarely performed. The free cortisol urine test is a superior Cushing disease screening test.

Normal Results:

• Standard values:
  • Male: 8.3 to 25 mol/24 hours (between 3 and 9 mg/24 hours).
  • Female: 5.5 to 22 mol/24 hours (between 2 and 8 mg/24 hours).

Abnormal Results Indicate:

An abnormally high concentration of 17-OHCS could mean:

• a form of Cushing syndrome brought on by a growth in the cortisol-producing adrenal gland
• Depression
• use of hydrocortisone
• Malnutrition
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• a hormonal factor contributing to severe hypertension
• severe stress on the body or the mind
• a tumour that releases a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland or another location in the body (ACTH) The number of hormones produced by the adrenal glands is insufficient. genetic enzyme deficiencies
• previous adrenal gland removal procedures

Even though cortisol production is normal, polyuria (urinating more than 3 litres per day) can cause the test result to be high.