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 | Serum (red top) |
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL |
| Transport storage | Stable at 2-8°C for 72 hours. Please freeze pending dispatch for analysis. Sample can be sent by first class post. |
| Turnaround time | 10 days |
| Notes | Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay. |