17-hydroxycorticosteroids urine test

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids Urine Test

What Is It?

A 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) urine test is a laboratory analysis done to measure the level of 17-OHCS in the urine. The 17-OHCS is an important metabolite of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands to help regulate the body’s response to stress. This test is most often ordered to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as adrenal gland disorders, Cushing's disease, and adrenal tumors.

Preparation

No special preparation is required before a 17-OHCS test.

Procedure

A urine sample is taken from the patient and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within 1 or 2 days.

Types

The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) test measures only one particular metabolite of cortisol. There are several other types of cortisol tests that measure other metabolites of cortisol, including the free cortisol test, the cortisol-binding globulin test, and the salivary cortisol test.

Risks

There are no risks associated with the 17-hydroxycorticosteroids test.

Why Is It Done?

A 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) test is ordered to help diagnose, monitor, or rule out conditions involving the adrenal glands. These conditions may include Cushing's syndrome, adrenal gland tumors, or other adrenal gland disorders.

When Is It Done?

A 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) test is typically ordered when an individual is showing signs or symptoms of an adrenal gland disorder. It may also be used to monitor patients who have already been diagnosed with a condition involving the adrenal glands.