Testosterone, Total, Mass Spectrometry, Serum
Use
This test is used for evaluating men with possible hypogonadism symptoms such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, osteoporosis, or infertility. It also monitors testosterone replacement and antiandrogen therapies, evaluates women with hirsutism or testosterone deficiency symptoms, and can diagnose androgen-secreting tumors. It's useful for investigating infants with ambiguous genitalia and boys with puberty development issues.
Special Instructions
Patient's age and sex are required. Serum gel/SST tubes are not acceptable. It is crucial to centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Limitations
Testosterone levels fluctuate daily; hence, assessment should be based on multiple measurements. Imbalances might be influenced by oral contraceptives that reduce testosterone and increase sex hormone-binding globulin, potentially affecting free or bioavailable testosterone levels. Results from liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry may vary significantly from immunoassays, which often overestimate testosterone concentrations.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2986-8
- 2986-8
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.215 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Serum gel/SST tubes are not acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 60 days |