Testosterone
Abbreviation
TEST
Transport Temp
2-8 C (ice packs)
Stability
- 2-8 C for up to 5 days
- -20 C for up to 12 months
Minimum Vol
0.5 mL
Preferred Specimen
Serum
Alternative Specimens
Plasma (dipotassium EDTA)
Reference Ranges
Males: 18-49 years 1.2-10.19 ng/mL >50 1.95-8.95 ng/mL
Females: 18-49 years <0.16-0.73 ng/mL >50 <0.16-0.51 ng/mL
Collection Instructions
Routine venipuncture
Transport Container
Draw tube or plastic pour off tube. If using EDTA tubes, centrifuge and take plasma off cells.
Methodology
CLIA (Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
Clinical Significance
Men = Low levels: delayed puberty, infertility, hypogonadism. Elevated levels: androgen-producing tumor. Women = increases during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation. Increases during pregnancy. Decreased levels can occur from adrenal, ovarian, or hypothalamic pituitary deficiency or disease, as well as HIV infection, and hirsutism