ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY (ELISA) METHOD FOR SCREENING OF NONCLASSICAL STEROID 21-HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCY

Morning salivary 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) determination is a us eful method to diagnose nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency ONC 21- OHD). In ethnic groups with high frequency of NC 21-OHD, mass screenin g is thought to be necessary. A pilot screening test for NC 21-OHD was performed by measuring morning salivary 17-OHP by enzyme-linked immun osorbent assay (ELISA). Two individuals were found NC 21-OHD from 230 subjects. Results of this ELISA were well correlated with those of est ablished radioimmunoassay. ELISA can be performed in any laboratory be cause of non-radioactivity and the procedure is very easy by the use o f a microplate. This ELISA is suitable for large scale population stud ies. We conclude that morning salivary 17-OHP determination by ELISA i s a useful method for NC 21-OHD screening test.