Testosterone (Adult Males or Individuals on Testosterone Hormone Therapy)
Also known as: TESTOS
Use
This immunoassay is used to evaluate hypogonadism in cisgender males and to monitor testosterone hormone therapies. It is not recommended for individuals expected to have low testosterone concentrations, like children and cisgender females, for whom testing by mass spectrometry is advised. Testosterone assessments are important for diagnosing and managing conditions such as male hypogonadism and hypopituitarism, as well as for evaluating infertility.
Special Instructions
Testosterone measurements for individuals on hormone therapy should be compared to cisgender male reference intervals. Ensure specimens are collected between 6-10 a.m., spin and separate serum/plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours, and use an ARUP Standard Transport Tube for submission.
Limitations
Testosterone immunoassays are imprecise and inaccurate at low concentrations, such as those found in children and cisgender females. For these cases, mass spectrometry is recommended. Reference intervals have not been established for males younger than 14 years or for cisgender females.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2986-8
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Green (Lithium Heparin), also acceptable: Lavender (K2 EDTA) or Lavender (K3 EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen between 6-10 a.m. Allow serum specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.
Patient Preparation
Collect specimen between 6-10 a.m.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated. Also acceptable: Frozen.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 6 months |