Enzyme immunoassay of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in plasma, microfilter paper blood and saliva of newborns, children and patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

An enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (OHP) is described. The antigens, OHP-3-CMO-BSA and 11-deoxycortisol-21-hemisuccinate-BSA have been used to produce antisera in rabbits. The enzyme marker was horseradish peroxidase. Bound/free separation was achieved by the double antibody/polyethylene glycol method. The method was used for plasma samples, capillary blood dried on paper disc and for saliva. The normal values for OHP in newborns and children were determined. This method makes possible a selected screening program for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the newborns.