Testosterone, Total and Free, Serum
Use
Alternative, second-level test for suspected increases or decreases in physiologically active testosterone. Used for assessment of androgen status in cases with suspected or known sex hormone-binding globulin-binding abnormalities and for monitoring testosterone therapy or antiandrogen therapy. It is also useful for assessing functional circulating testosterone in early pubertal boys and older men, as well as women with symptoms or signs of hyperandrogenism but normal total testosterone levels.
Special Instructions
This is a second-level test for suspected increases or decreases in physiologically active testosterone. Patient's age and sex are required for accurate evaluation and interpretation.
Limitations
Testosterone levels can fluctuate substantially between different days, and should be based on more than a single measurement. Oral contraceptives have been shown to affect levels of testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin, thus affecting the levels of free and bioavailable testosterone.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 58952-3
- 2991-8
- 2986-8
Result Turnaround Time
3-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Collection container is a red top tube.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, and gross icterus are OK, but serum gel/SST tubes are not acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 60 days |