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