11 Deoxycortisol

Description: 
Measurement of 11-Deoxycortisol is used in the diagnosis and management of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-hydroxylase deficiency. It is also used to assess the adrenal response to metyrapone in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Please note, method of analysis is LC-MS/MS.
Clinical details: 
Measurement of 11-Deoxycortisol is used in:
1) Diagnosis of and monitoring therapeutic response in, congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11 -hydroxylase deficiency. 11-Deoxycortisol
accumulates in the peripheral circulation when there is a deficiency of 11 -hydroxylase activity. 11-Deoxycortisol should be measured when congenital adrenal hyperplasia is suspected on clinical grounds but serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone values are equivocal.
2) Assessment of adrenal response in the metyrapone test. Metyrapone is an inhibitor of 11 -hydroxylase activity. In the differential diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome, metyrapone is given and subsequent changes in serum concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol provide strong (but not absolute) indicators of the site of the primary lesion.
Reference range: 

Adult reference range 0.7 – 2.7 nmol/L. No specific paediatric reference range quoted, however each result will have interpretative comments. Please contact the laboratory if you wish to discuss.

Synonyms or keywords: 
11-Deoxycortisol, Deoxycortisol
Units: 
nmol/L
Sample type and Volume required: 
Clotted (yellow SST) preferred, but EDTA plasma also accepted. Volume required: 250uL; Absolute minimum required: 100uL.
Turnaround time: 
7 working days
Special sample instructions: 

In neonates the sample should be taken at least 48 hours post birth.

Storage and transport: 
Store at 2-8°C and send by 1st class post. If there is a delay in postage (> 3 weeks) please store at -20°C and send frozen.
Contacts:
Steroid Laboratory at King's College Hospital
020 3299 4131
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

Print as a PDF

Last updated: 06/08/2021