A RAPID METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TOTAL URINARY 17-KETOSTEROIDS

Abstract

DURING a metabolic study it was found necessary to determine total urinary 17-ketosteroids. Since many other urine analyses had to be performed, only a small volume of urine was available for 17-ketosteroid assay. In addition, the determinations had to be done within a limited period of time and on a large scale. Since the accepted methods (3, 7, 11, 12) required a minimum volume of approximately 500 ml. and a large amount of space and equipment, it was evident that modifications would have to be made. Hydrolysis prior to extraction was introduced independently by two different groups of workers (4, 9) after the need for acidification of urine before extraction of capon-comb-growth-producing substance had been shown (1, 5, 6). Hydrolysis can be done prior to or simultaneously with extraction with a solvent. The latter procedure requires relatively expensive apparatus, a large volume of urine, carefully regulated conditions and much time.