Clinical Biochemistry

Urinary steroid profile

Test Background
Requested for investigations of suspected steroid hormone-secreting tumours, causes of virilisation, ie. enzyme deficiencies that cause a masculine appearance, or in cases of apparent electrolyte imbalance with or without hypertension.

Clinical Indications

• Diagnosis of CAH (cliteromegaly/ambiguous genitalia of infants or delayed puberty/deranged electrolyte balance in late-onset CAH)
• Diagnosis of adrenal hypofunction
• Suspected aldosterone resistance/insensitivity
• Diagnosis of adrenal tumours (common tumours secrete DHEAS, 11ß-hydroxyandrostenedione and pregnenolone)

Reference Range

Sample Required
24 hour urine collection
Spot urine for babies/children

Sample Volume
24 hour urine collection
5 mL for babies/children

Turnaround Time
Up to 6 weeks

Notes
Not currently performed in house; this is a referred test.
Request should be made or sanctioned by a consultant endocrinologist.