Skip to main content

Login to North West London Pathology – consumables service

If you need a new account or you have a query about your order, please telephone the pathology call centre on 0203 313 5353.

If you have forgotten your password you can reset this yourself. Please click here if you have forgotten your password.

Results Line and Enquiries

0203 313 5353

Androstenedione

Category Biochemistry >> Endocrinology
Test background

Androstenedione, produced in the adrenal glands and gonads, is a precursor to the androgen testosterone and the oestrogens oestrone and oestradiol. Androstenedione may accumulate in CAH due to 21-hydroxylase or 11β­ hydroxylase deficiency or in PCOS through increased testosterone turnover. Its secretion may also be elevated by ovarian and adrenal tumours.

Clinical Indications

Monitoring treatment of patients with CAH Diagnosis of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency. May be useful in differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism Limited use in diagnosis of CAH, inappropriate to investigations of PCOS

Reference range

0-9 nmol/L; <3 nmol/L prior to adrenarche

Sample & container required SST (gold top) or serum (red top)
Sample volume 0.5 mL
Transport storage Once separated, serum is stable at 2-8°C for 1 week or up to 6 months at -20°C. Sample can be sent by first class post
Turnaround time 10 days
Notes

Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay.