Pregnenolone Test To Diagnose Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Pregnenolone Test To Diagnose Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

A Pregnenolone Test is a blood test that helps diagnose rare hormonal disorders, like CAH, in infants with ambiguous sex organs or other related symptoms. It's essential for medical diagnosis in non-medical terms.

 

Pregnenolone Test

Here are the basic details of the Pregnenolone Test.

Also Known As Pregnenolone Blood Test
Type Blood Test
Purpose Diagnose Rare Hormonal Disorders
Sample Type Serum or Plasma
Preparation None
Fasting Not required
Gender Unisex
Age Group All
Normal Value 22 - 237 ng/dL
Reporting Time 7-10 days
Cost 12000-16000 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

Pregnenolone Test Means

Pregnenolone Test is a diagnostic blood test for hormonal disorders.

  • It identifies rare congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) forms.
  • Measures pregnenolone levels to diagnose enzyme deficiencies.
  • Vital for infants with ambiguous sex organs or related symptoms.
  • Aids in appropriate treatment decisions for hormonal imbalances.

 

Pregnenolone Test Purpose

The purpose of the Pregnenolone Test is to:

  • Pregnenolone Test helps diagnose rare congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in infants.
  • Identifies specific enzyme deficiencies causing hormonal imbalances.
  • Essential when infants show ambiguous sex organs or adrenal insufficiency.
  • Guides healthcare providers in tailoring treatment plans.
  • Enables early intervention for better health outcomes in affected infants.

Pregnenolone Test_ Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Procedure Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

 

Pregnenolone Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Pregnenolone Test.

 

Before Test

  • No special dietary or fasting requirements.
  • Continue taking prescribed medications.
  • Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies or concerns.

 

During Test

  • Blood sample is drawn from a vein (adults) or heel prick (infants).
  • Stay relaxed and follow instructions provided.
  • Expect a brief discomfort during the blood draw.

 

After Test

  • No post-test dietary restrictions.
  • You can resume regular activities immediately.
  • Await test results and consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

 

Pregnenolone Test Procedure

Here is the basic Pregnenolone Test Procedure.

  • Blood sample drawn from a vein (adults) or heel prick (infants).
  • Heel is warmed to dilate capillaries for infant blood collection.
  • Sterilize the site, prick, collect blood, and gently massage.

 

Pregnenolone Test Result

  • Assess pregnenolone levels in the blood.
  • Compare with reference ranges from the laboratory.
  • Interpret results alongside other hormonal tests for diagnosis.

 

Pregnenolone Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the Pregnenolone Test.

Test Normal Range
Pregnenolone Test 22 - 237 ng/dL

 

Pregnenolone Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Pregnenolone Test.

Result Interpretation
Below 22 ng/dL Indicates low pregnenolone levels, potentially suggesting an enzyme deficiency.
22 - 237 ng/dL Falls within the normal range, indicating typical pregnenolone levels.
Above 237 ng/dL May indicate elevated pregnenolone levels, which can also be medically significant.

Interpretation of Pregnenolone Test results varies based on whether levels are low, normal, or high, suggesting potential enzyme deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.

 

Pregnenolone Test High Levels

Here are potential causes of high levels of Pregnenolone Test.

Possible Causes Effects
Adrenal Hyperplasia Hormonal imbalances, ambiguous genitalia (in infants).
Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene defects Rare, affects hormone production.
Other enzyme deficiencies Altered adrenal and sex hormone levels, potential health issues.

Elevated pregnenolone levels may indicate adrenal hyperplasia, genetic defects, or enzyme deficiencies, leading to hormonal imbalances and health concerns.

 

Pregnenolone Test Low Levels

Here are potential causes of low levels of Pregnenolone Test.

Possible Causes Effects
Enzyme deficiencies (e.g., 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) Hormonal imbalances, ambiguous genitalia (in infants), androgen excess.
Impaired cholesterol conversion Disrupted hormone production, affecting various body functions.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) Reduced cortisol and aldosterone, impacting metabolism, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance.

Low pregnenolone levels can result from enzyme deficiencies, cholesterol conversion issues, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, leading to hormonal imbalances and potential health effects.

 

Specimen Requirements For Pregnenolone Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Pregnenolone Test.

Specimen

Serum (preferred) or plasma

Volume

1 mL

Container

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top tube, or green-top (heparin) tube

Collection

Draw baseline and 60-minute stimulated samples; transfer serum if not using gel tubes.

Storage

Freeze.

Sample Stability

Temperature

Period

Refrigerated

1 day

Frozen

2 years

Causes for Rejection

Nonserum or non-EDTA/heparin plasma specimen

 

Pregnenolone Test is Safe?

  • Pregnenolone tests are generally considered safe.
  • Standard blood-drawing precautions are followed.
  • Minimal discomfort during the procedure.
  • No specific side effects or risks associated with the test.

 

When Do You Get Pregnenolone Test Results? 

  • Typically, Pregnenolone test results are available within 7-10 business days.
  • Results can be communicated by your healthcare provider or through an online patient portal.
  • Reporting times may vary depending on the laboratory and specific circumstances.

 

Pregnenolone Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Pregnenolone Test.

  • May not identify specific enzyme deficiency; further tests may be needed for precise diagnosis.
  • Results can vary due to factors like age, sex, or underlying health conditions.
  • Interpretation should consider other hormonal tests for a comprehensive assessment.
  • Normal values may differ between laboratories; reference ranges should be consulted.
  • Limited use as a memory or cognitive enhancement tool, with mixed evidence for its effectiveness.
  • Costs can vary depending on location and lab, so it's important to check with the provider.

 

Pregnenolone Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Pregnenolone Test.

  • Minimal risk associated with Pregnenolone testing; standard blood-drawing precautions are followed.
  • Discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site is possible but typically mild.
  • No significant health risks or complications associated with the test.
  • Results may guide treatment decisions, helping manage potential health risks.
  • Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and interpretation.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Pregnenolone Test Result

 Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Pregnenolone Test.

Pregnenolone Test Result Doctor to Visit Reason
High Endocrinologist Hormone imbalance evaluation.
Normal No specific doctor Typically within the healthy range.
Low Endocrinologist Hormone imbalance evaluation.

 

Pregnenolone Test Price

Here are the estimated Pregnenolone Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City

Price Range (INR)*

Mumbai

12000-16000

New Delhi

13000-16000

Bangalore

12000-16000

Hyderabad

13000-16000

Kolkata

12000-16000

Pune

13000-16000

Lucknow

12000-16000

Noida

13000-16000

Surat

13000-16000

Gurugram

12000-16000

Patna

13000-16000

Chennai

12000-16000

Jaipur

13000-16000

Ahmedabad

12000-16000

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, The Pregnenolone Test is a safe blood test assessing hormone levels, useful for diagnosing rare conditions like CAH, with minimal risk and standard blood-drawing precautions. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

  • Pregnenolone - Wikipedia [1].
  • The neurosteroid pregnenolone promotes degradation of ... - NIH [2].
favorite_border3965 Likes

FAQ

What is a Pregnenolone Test for CAH?

The Pregnenolone Test measures the levels of pregnenolone in the blood, which is a precursor to cortisol and other steroid hormones. It's used to diagnose and monitor Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).

How is the Pregnenolone Test performed?

A blood sample is taken, usually in the morning, and sent to a lab for analysis. Fasting may be required for accurate results.

When should a Pregnenolone Test be done?

It's typically performed when CAH is suspected, in newborn screening, or when monitoring treatment.

What do Pregnenolone Test results indicate?

Elevated pregnenolone levels may suggest CAH, while low levels may indicate other issues.

DOCTOR'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

10M+

Patients

30000+

Doctors

25000+

Hospitals/Labs

Drlogy®
The Power To Health

Copyright © 2025 Drlogy. All rights reserved.