11-Hydroxytestosterone

Clinical Use

Use

11-oxo-androgens are emerging biomarkers for androgen production of adrenal origin. These biomarkers will be useful in disease in men and women and children. Although the presence of androgens with oxygen at the 11 position of the steroid backbone have been known for some time, the clinical utility and prevalence of these androgens have only recently come to light. As has been the case historically, the research has been enhanced with availability of good assay techniques, in this case HPLC MS/MS. 11-ketotestosterone and 11-ketodihydrotestosterone bind the androgen receptor as well as testosterone and DHT.1 The 11-oxo-androgens also follow the same metabolic pathways as androgens without oxygen at 11. Interestingly, the origin of 11-oxo-androgens is entirely adrenal. All of this is important because 11-oxo-androgens appear to play a significant role in some endocrine diseases.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

This test may not differentiate between all sources of androgen production, as it primarily highlights adrenal activity. Results must be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other laboratory tests. External factors such as patient medications and physiological states may affect androgen levels, requiring comprehensive analysis for accurate assessment.

Test Details

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

93243-4 - 11OH-Testost SerPl-mCnc

Result Turnaround Time

5-7 days

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2.0 mL

Minimum Volume

0.6 mL

Container

Serum from red-top tube or EDTA plasma tube or heparin plasma tube

Collection Instructions

Collect into vacutainer and separate within 2 hours. Send serum in a plastic transport tube. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.