Patient Education
17-Hydroxycorticosteroids Test
Why am I having this test?
The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OCHS) test is done to indirectly assess how your adrenal glands are working. The adrenal glands are two glands that sit above each kidney. They produce a number of important hormones that help your body function.
What is being tested?
This test measures the level of steroid hormones known as 17-OCHS in your urine over a period of 24 hours. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands.
What kind of sample is taken?
A urine sample is collected in a germ-free (sterile) container that is given to you by the lab. You will use this container to collect your sample of urine at home.
How do I collect samples at home?
You will be asked to collect urine samples at home over a 24-hour period. Follow instructions from a health care provider about how to collect the samples.
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Use supplies and instructions that you received from the lab.
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When you get up in the morning, urinate in the toilet and flush. Write down the time. This will be your start time on the day of collection and your end time on the next morning.
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From then on, collect all of your urine onlyin the sterile plastic jug that you received from the lab.
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It is okay if the plastic jug that was given to you already has liquid in it. Do not throw out the liquid or rinse out the jug. Some tests need the liquid to be added to your urine.
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Do not let any toilet paper or stool (feces) get into the jug.
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Refrigerate the sample until you can return it to the lab.
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Stop collecting your urine 24 hours after you started. Collect the last specimen as close as possible to the end of the 24-hour period.
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Return the sample to the lab as instructed. Keep the jug cool in an ice chest while you are bringing it to the lab.
How do I prepare for this test?
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Situations that cause you emotional or physical stress.
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Eating or drinking items that contain licorice or licorice root.
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Taking certain medicines, such as antibiotics or estrogen hormones.
How are the results reported?
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Adults:
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Male: 3–10 mg/24 hr or 8.3–27.6 micromoles/24 hr (SI units).
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Female: 2–8 mg/24 hr or 5.2–22.1 micromoles/24 hr (SI units).
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Children:
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Younger than 8 years of age: less than 1.5 mg/24 hr.
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8–12 years of age: less than 4.5 mg/24 hr.
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13–17 years of age: same values as adults.
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What do the results mean?
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Cushing disease or Cushing syndrome. This condition is caused by too much production of a hormone called cortisol in the body.
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Tumors of the pituitary gland.
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Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
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Stress.
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Obesity.
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Certain syndromes of the adrenal gland.
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Underactive pituitary gland.
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Addison disease. This is caused by low levels of cortisol in the blood.
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Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
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When will my results be ready?
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How will I get my results?
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What are my treatment options?
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What other tests do I need?
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What are my next steps?
Summary
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The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OCHS) test is done to indirectly assess how your adrenal glands are working.
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This test measures the level of steroid hormones known as 17-OCHS in your urine over a period of 24 hours. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands.
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A urine sample is collected in a germ-free (sterile) container that is given to you by the lab. You will use this container to collect your sample of urine at home.
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High levels of 17-OCHS could mean that the adrenal glands are overactive.
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Low levels of 17-OCHS may mean that your adrenal glands are not functioning properly.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
