17 - Ketosteroids (Urine) Test

Most actions in the body are facilitated by hormones circulating in the blood. These hormones are complex steroid molecules. In the human body, the major hormones are produced by the Adrenal Glands, the Ovaries (in females) and the Testes (in males). When these hormones are broken down, they produce molecules called 17- Ketosteroids which are present in the urine. An abnormal rise or fall of these 17-Ketosteroids in the urine can provide insight into the disease a patient may be suffering from.

No specific preparation is necessary. Let the doctor know of any medicines being taken by the patient. This particularly includes steroid based medicines and anti diuretic medicines.

The urine sample is analyzed for an increase or decrease in 17- Ketosteroid levels. Increase of 17-Ketosteroids may indicate: Cushing's Syndrome, Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome, Ovarian Cancer, Testicular Cancer.

Decrease of 17-Ketosteroid may indicate: Addison Syndrome, Kidney Damage, Hypopituitarism.

This is a 24 hour urine test. The urine will be collected from the patient over a span of 24 hours. The first urine (at the start of the day) should not be collected. Over the rest of the day until 24 hours, the urine should be collected by the patient. A cup will be provided for collecting the sample. The patient must clean their genital area thoroughly. About 45ml urine must be collected in the cup. All the samples must be labelled with the time of urination. The patient must make sure the lid of the cup containing the sample is sealed properly.