Steroid Panel for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Test
Short Name: CAH Steroid Panel
Also known as: CAH Steroid Profile, Adrenal Steroid Panel, Steroid Profiling by LC-MS/MS, CAH Hormone Panel
Steroid Panel for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,500. Uses LC-MS/MS on Serum samples. Results in Samples received by 9 am on Monday or Thursday will have reports released on Wednesday or Saturday respectively.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
Steroid panel by LC-MS/MS quantifies key steroid intermediates and hormones to identify the enzyme block in CAH. It differentiates common enzyme deficiencies, namely 21-hydroxylase, 11-beta-hydroxylase, 17-hydroxylase and 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies.
- Test Code
- 3665
- Price
- ₹5,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Samples received by 9 am on Monday or Thursday will have reports released on Wednesday or Saturday respectively.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- LC-MS/MS
Sample Collection
Schedule the blood draw between 8-10 am or 4-6 pm. No fasting is required. Note the exact collection time and date. Inform your doctor about all current medicines, especially steroids or hormonal preparations.
Method: Peripheral venous blood draw
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein in the arm. The procedure takes a few minutes and uses a plain red top tube without gel barrier.
Report Delivery
You can resume normal activities immediately. Keep the puncture site clean and press the cotton swab for a minute if there is slight bleeding.
Timeline: Samples received by 9 am on Monday or Thursday will have reports released on Wednesday or Saturday respectively.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
Steroid panel by LC-MS/MS quantifies key steroid intermediates and hormones to identify the enzyme block in CAH. It differentiates common enzyme deficiencies, namely 21-hydroxylase, 11-beta-hydroxylase, 17-hydroxylase and 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies.
How to Prepare
- Collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) serum in a Red Top tube with no additive.
- Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
- Record the exact date and time of collection on the sample tube and test request form.
- Ship samples refrigerated or frozen.
- Sample should reach the laboratory by 9 am on Monday or Thursday for scheduled reporting.
- Labels must clearly match the patient details on the request form.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Steroid profiling by LC-MS/MS is the most reliable biochemical approach for differentiating CAH subtypes. A carefully timed sample and correct tube selection are essential for avoiding false elevation of steroid intermediates."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received in an SST gel barrier tube.
- Specimen not labelled with collection time and date.
- Sample kept at room temperature for more than 8 hours.
- Significantly haemolysed or lipaemic sample.
- Unlabelled specimen or mismatch with the test request form.
Understanding Your Results
21-Hydroxylase deficiency
11-beta-Hydroxylase deficiency
17-Hydroxylase deficiency
3-beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency
Consult an endocrinologist or pediatrician immediately if steroid panel results are abnormal or if symptoms such as ambiguous genitalia, salt-wasting crisis, vomiting, dehydration, premature pubic hair, accelerated growth, severe acne, hirsutism or menstrual irregularity are present.
Limitations
- ⚠A single baseline sample may not differentiate mild non-classic CAH from normal individuals.
- ⚠ACTH stimulation test may be required for borderline cases.
- ⚠Reference ranges are age-, sex- and laboratory-specific.
- ⚠Very rare enzyme defects may require genetic testing for confirmation.
- ⚠LC-MS/MS results must be interpreted in the clinical context by an endocrinologist or pediatrician.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal bleeding at the puncture site
- ●Bruising around the venipuncture site
- ●Slight pain or discomfort during needle insertion
- ●Feeling faint or lightheaded during blood draw
Interfering Factors
- ●Oral contraceptive pills, glucocorticoids, spironolactone and ketoconazole can alter steroid levels.
- ●Sampling outside the recommended 8-10 am or 4-6 pm window affects diurnal steroid values.
- ●Use of SST gel barrier tubes may affect results.
- ●Hemolysed, lipaemic or biologically contaminated specimens may interfere with LC-MS/MS.
- ●Acute stress, severe illness or exercise can elevate cortisol.
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Steroid Panel for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Test | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Steroid Panel for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Steroid Panel for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)?
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