Testosterone

What the laboratory says this test is for

Helpful in assessing testicular function in prepubescent hypogonadal males and in managing hirsutism, virilization in females.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This test panel may be helpful in assessing androgen status and screening for hypogonadism in men. This immunoassay cannot accurately measure the low testosterone levels generally found in women, children, and men with hypogonadism [1].Testosterone circulates in 3 major forms: unbound (free), weakly bound to albumin, and tightly bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Free testosterone comprises 2% to 4% of total testosterone and is biologically active. Albumin-bound testosterone can dissociate from albumin in capillaries and become available to tissue. Thus, bioavailable testosterone refers to free testosterone plus albumin-bound testosterone. In this panel, free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone concentrations are calculated based on measurements of total T, SHBG, and albumin.In men, fasting total testosterone concentrations measured in the morning are recommended for screening for hypogonadism [2]. In patients with conditions affecting SHBG concentrations or when total testosterone levels are near the lower limit, free testosterone levels may be more sensitive than total testosterone levels for assessing androgen status. When the total testosterone level is low, or the total testosterone level is normal but free testosterone is low, the fasting total testosterone should be confirmed on another morning [2]. This test may also be used to monitor testosterone replacement therapy.Direct immunoassays cannot accurately quantify low concentrations of testosterone, especially concentrations under the lower limit of the normal range for men [1]. Chromatography/mass spectrometry is preferred for quantifying testosterone levels in children, women, or men with low testosterone levels [1]. Further studies are needed to elaborate the use of bioavailable testosterone concentrations.Note: Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere with this assay. Please refer to the collection instructions for more information.The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.References1. Rosner W, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92(2):405-413.2. Bhasin S, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715-1744.

What the laboratory says this test is for

Helpful in assessing testicular function in males and managing hirsutism, virilization in females.

What the laboratory says this test is for

Useful for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): similar to CAH Panel 6B Comprehensive Screen, but without deoxycorticosterone in order to decrease specimen requirement and allow faster turn around time.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel identifies all major adrenal steroid hormones and facilitates the diagnosis of the four enzymatic defects associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). All steroids are determined in a single assay by LCMSMS using as little as 0.1 mL serum.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel is important in the differential diagnosis of PCOS vs. non-classical CAH in women with oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea and signs of androgen excess.

What the laboratory says this test is for

Deficiency of 21-Hydroxylase is the most frequent cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (accounting for ~95% of cases) and 11Beta-Hydroxylase is the second most frequent (~5% of cases). Deficiencies of these two enzymes result in the accumulation of distinct steroid precursors.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel provides testing, along with DHEA Sulfate, for those hormones associated with a premature increase in adrenal androgens. This is usually seen in girls <8 years and boys <9 years of age with sexual hair.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel is useful for the diagnosis/management of patients with the most common forms (21-hydroxylase or 11-hydroxylase deficiency) of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel measures both the primary (free and total Testosterone) and secondary (Androstenedione and DHEA) androgens associated with PCOS; it is useful for diagnosis and management.