17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) is an inactive product formed when the liver and other body tissues break down cortisol, a steroid hormone. This article discusses the laboratory test to measure the amount of 17-OHCS in urine.

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

• On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
• Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
• Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
• Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health care provider.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.

• Drugs that can increase 17-OHCS measurements include ampicillin and glucocorticoids.
• Drugs that can decrease 17-OHCS measurements include estrogens, birth control pill), and dexamethasone.

If the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

This test can help determine if the body is producing too much of the hormone cortisol.

• Male: 4 to 14 milligrams per 24 hours
• Female: 2 to 12 milligrams per 24 hours

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Greater-than-normal levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:

• Cushing syndrome caused by adrenal or pituitary tumor
• Ectopic ACTH-producing tumor
• Severe physical or emotional stress

Greater-than-normal levels may also exist with:

• Hydrocortisone therapy
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Severe high blood pressure

Lower-than-normal levels of 17-OHCS may indicate:

• Adrenal hemorrhage
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Adrenal infarction
• Hereditary enzyme deficiency
• Hypopituitarism
• Surgical removal of the adrenal gland

There are no risks.