Dihydrotestosterone, Serum
Use
This test is useful for monitoring patients receiving 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy or chemotherapy and for evaluating patients with possible 5-alpha reductase deficiency. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the principal prostatic androgen. Its levels remain normal with aging, despite a decrease in plasma testosterone, and are not elevated in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Special Instructions
Testing includes liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and portions of the test are covered by patents held by Quest Diagnostics.
Limitations
The assay may not reflect peripheral androgen action due to DHT being metabolized rapidly. Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic cancer may not have elevated DHT levels even if DHT stimulates prostate growth.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1848-1
- 1848-1
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred) for 28 days, ambient for 28 days, frozen for 90 days.
Causes for Rejection
None specified. Acceptable conditions include gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, and gross icterus.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |