These are substances that form when the body breaks down male steroid sex hormones called androgens and other hormones released by the adrenal cortex and testes in men.
This article discusses the laboratory test used to measure the amount of 17-ketosteroids in a urine sample.
How the test is performed
A sample of urine for 24 hours.
The first day, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
The second day, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
Cap the container and store in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
Mark the container with your name, date, time of completion, and return as instructed.
For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive on one end) and place it on the baby. In children, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. In girls, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
They may have to repeat the procedure, and lively infants can displace 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 in a container provided by your doctor.
Deliver it to the laboratory or doctor as soon as possible after completion.
Prepare for the Test
If necessary, your doctor will instruct you to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.
Drugs that can increase 17-ketosteroids measurements include:
Antibiotics
Chloramphenicol
Chlorpromazine
Dexamethasone
Meprobamate
Phenothiazines
Quinidine
Secobarbital
Spironolactone
Drugs that can decrease 17-ketosteroids measurements include:
Birth control pills
Estrogens
Probenecid
Promazine
Reserpine
Salicylates (prolonged use)
Thiazide diuretics
What you feel during the examination
The test involves only normal urination and there is no discomfort.
Why the test is performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a disorder associated with abnormal levels of androgens.
Normal Values
Normal values are as follows:
Male: 8 to 20 milligrams (mg) per 24 hours
Women: 6 to 12 mg per 24 hours
The normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Significance of abnormal results
Increased levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate:
Adrenal Tumor
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (very rare)
Cushing Syndrome
Ovarian Cancer
Testicular cancer
Ovarian dysfunction (polycystic ovarian disease)
The decreased levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate:
Addison's Disease
Castration
Hypopituitarism
Myxedema
Nephrosis
Risks
There are no risks.
Special Considerations
This test is not performed as often as it was done in the past, because instead newer tests are used.
Excess weight (obesity) can also interfere with test results.
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