17-ketosteroids

Definition

The 17-ketosteroids test measures the amount of 17-ketosteroids in urine.

How the test is performed

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

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

• 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.

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, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag. This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag, causing the specimen to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.

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

The lab analyzes the sample for the amount of 17-ketosteroids.

How to prepare for the test

Adults and children should avoid excess stress, both physical and emotional.

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

How the test will feel

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

Why the test is performed

17-ketosteroids are breakdown products of "male" steroid sex hormones (androgens), and of other steroid hormones that are secreted from the adrenal cortex. This test may be performed when any of the disorders associated with abnormal levels of androgens are suspected. In men, most of the hormone breakdown products come from the adrenal cortex, and a smaller amount from the testes. In women and children, almost all androgens are derived from the adrenal cortex.

Normal Values

Normal values are as follows:

• Male: 8 to 20 mg/24 hr
• Female: 6 to 12 mg/24 hr

Note: mg/24 hr = milligrams per 24-hours

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

What abnormal results mean

Increased levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate:

• Adrenal tumor
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (very rare)
• Cushing's syndrome
• Ovarian cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Ovarian dysfunction (polycystic ovarian disease)

Decreased levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate:

• Addison's disease
• Hypopituitarism
• Castration, myxedema, and nephrosis  

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Special considerations

Drugs that can increase 17-KS measurements include: antibiotics, chloramphenicol, chlorpromazine, dexamethasone, meprobamate, phenothiazines, quinidine, secobarbital, and spironolactone.

Drugs that can decrease 17-KS measurements include: estrogens, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), probenecid, promazine, reserpine, salicylates (prolonged use), and thiazide diuretics.

Illustrations

Urine sample

Page Content:

17-KS