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  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
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Test Code 1126

Test Details

Total Testosterone

Total testosterone is a measurement of free and protein-bound testosterone and is the most potent naturally occurring androgen. It is produced by interstitial cells in the testes in response to stimulation by luteinizing hormone (LH). Testosterone is also produced by the ovary and adrenal cortex in small amounts and is responsible for the regulation of gonadotropic secretion and spermatogenesis, as well as the development of male secondary sex characteristics.

Methodology

Immunoassay – Competitive principle

Patient Preparation

None

Preferred Specimen

Green Top Tube
(Lithium Heparin plasma separator tube with gel)

Alternate Specimen

Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card (Men Only)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

Lab Values

Lab Values

Total Testosterone

Males

Sex/Age Optimal (ng/dL)
Adult Male < 50 197.44 – 669.58
Adult Male ≥50 187.72 – 684.19
Pediatric Male 2-10 <7.00 – 10.50
Pediatric Male 11 <7.00 – 478.50
Pediatric Male 12 <7.00 – 487.97
Pediatric Male 13 8.28 – 549.79
Pediatric Male 14 8.91 – 535.34
Pediatric Male 15 65.96 – 756.50
Pediatric Male 16-21 228.16 – 710.74
Male Tanner Stage 1 <7.00 -13.06
Male Tanner Stage 2 <7.00 – 79.13
Male Tanner Stage 3 <7.00 – 499.18
Male Tanner Stage 4 79.10 – 747.17
Male Tanner Stage 5 224.83 – 669.65

Alert values: N/A

Females

Sex/Age Optimal (ng/dL)
Adult Female <50 8.38 – 35.01
Adult Female ≥50 <7.00 – 35.92
Pediatric Female 2-10 <7.00 – 11.86
Pediatric Female 11-15 <7.00 – 27.57
Pediatric Female 16-21 11.78 – 43.34
Female Tanner Stage 1 <7.00 – 10.06
Female Tanner Stage 2 <7.00 – 30.11
Female Tanner Stage 3 <7.00 – 30.49
Female Tanner Stage 4 <7.00 – 35.19
Female Tanner Stage 5 11.80 – 39.30

Alert values: N/A

Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Total Testosterone

  • Testosterone is used in the diagnosis and treatment of the following disorders:1-4
    • Primary and secondary hypogonadism
    • Delayed or precocious puberty
    • Impotence in males
    • Hirsutism (excessive hair) and virilization (masculinization) in females due to polycystic ovaries, tumors and adrenogenital syndromes

References:

  1. Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Endorcinol Metab. 2010;95(6):2536-2559.
  2. Santen RJ, Allred DC, Ardoin SP, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(7 Suppl 1):s1-s66.
  3. Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ. Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: a review of the metabolic eff ects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2008;2:193-202.
  4. Goodman N, Cobin RH. Reproductive disorders. In: Camacho PM, Gharib H, Sizemore GW, eds. Evidence-Based Endocrinology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012:190-228.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Total Testosterone

  • Identify etiology of elevated or decreased total testosterone levels with physical assessment and additional diagnostic tests as indicated
  • Treatment is based on etiology of abnormal hormone level
Clinical Significance