17 hydroxyprogesterone test is to detect, and monitor treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH); sometimes to help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. As part of a routine newborn screen when an infant’s sex is not obvious (ambiguous genitalia); when a female has increased growth of facial and body hair (hirsutism) or other symptoms that could be related to elevated male sex hormones; when a male child has premature sexual development; periodically to monitor CAH treatment
The 17-OH progesterone test is important for all newborn babies. However, the test should also be considered for anyone who develops symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) later in life.
In general, normal results for various age groups include:
newborns: 1,000-3,000 nanograms/deciliter (ng/dL)
babies older than 24 hours: less than 100 ng/dL
adults: less than 200 ng/dL
