Androstenedione
Category | Biochemistry >> Endocrinology |
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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.
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