A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Testosterone,Total
Test CodeAlias/See Also
CPT Codes
84403
Preferred Specimen
Green
Minimum Volume
Other Acceptable Specimens
Transport Container
Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
Limitations
Reference Range
Females with normal menstral cycles: 6-77 ng/dL
Males: 132 - 813 ng/dL
Clinical Significance
Testosterone is produced by the adrenals, the theca cells in the ovary and the leydig cells in the testes. As much as 97% of circulating testosterone is bound to serum proteins such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). In the male, testosterone stimulates the maturation of genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics and its measurement is used to investigate sexual dysfunction in juveniles and adults. In females testosterone concentrations are much lower and an elevated concentration may indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome among other conditions. Clinical symptoms of testosterone excess in females include infertility, amenorrhea, obesity and hirsutism.