5α Dihydrotestosterone (5α DHT)
| Category | Biochemistry >> Endocrinology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
5α Dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) is the most potent androgenic steroid and is the main intracellular androgen. In target tissues such as the prostate, seminal vesicles and skin, testosterone is reduced to 5α-DHT by the enzyme 5a-reductase. |
| Clinical Indications |
Its measurement (and the ratio of DHT to testosterone) is useful to identify end organ insensitivity to androgens due to 5α-reductase deficiency. This can be done in a random sample or in response to an hCG stimulation test. |
| Reference range | Adults: Females up to <0.4 nmol/L; Males 0.3 – 1.9 nmol/L |
| Sample & container required | Serum (red top, plain tube) |
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL |
| Transport storage | Stable at 2-8°C for 24 hours. Please freeze pending dispatch for analysis. Send to lab frozen. |
| Turnaround time | 4 weeks |
| Notes | Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay. |