17-hydroxyprogesterone
Key points
- This is a blood test that measures the amount of 17-OH progesterone.
- Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
- The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
17-OH progesterone; Progesterone - 17-OH
Definition
This is a blood test that measures the amount of 17-OH progesterone.
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to cause the vein below the band to swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
After the blood has been drawn, it is sent to a laboratory to be evaluated.
How to prepare for the test
The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test. These include corticosteroids and birth control pills. The health care provider may advise that the test be performed at a specific time of day, because this can affect the test results.
Fo infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.