Testosterone
| Category | Biochemistry | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test background |
Testosterone is primarily synthesised in the testes and, to a lesser extent, the adrenal cortex and ovaries (females). Diminished concentrations may correspond to erectile dysfunction and infertility (males) whereas raised levels may indicate the presence of a testosterone-secreting tumour or, following administration of exogenous steroids (males or females), precocious puberty (males) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (females). |
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| Clinical Indications |
Diagnosis of fertility and erectile dysfunction Diagnosis of PCOS Monitoring of steroid replacement therapy/detection of steroid misuse Monitoring androgen ablation therapy during treatment for prostatic carcinoma |
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| Reference range |
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| Sample & container required | Serum (gold or red top) | ||||||
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL | ||||||
| Transport storage | For referred samples: Stable at 2-8°C for 72 hours. Please freeze pending dispatch for analysis. Sample can be sent by first class post. |
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| Turnaround time | 1 day (samples reflexed for confirmation by LC-MS/MS analysis may take up to 1 week) | ||||||
| Notes | Testosterone: SHBG ratio female reference range 1.0-6.0. NB. From 1st December 2014, the method for female testosterone analysis changed to immunoassay. Samples with elevated results on the immunoassay method will be automatically reflexed for confirmation by LC-MS/MS analysis. Samples received from external laboratories will continue to be analysed by LC-MS/MS first line; please request TesX to ensure the correct test is requested at booking in. Grossly haemolysed samples are unsuitable for this assay. |