| 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, Free
Test CodeCPT Codes
84402
Preferred Specimen
Minimum Volume
Other Acceptable Specimens
Instructions
Note: Administration of STRENSIQ may interfere in certain assays and may falsely elevate values. For patients receiving STRENSIQ, consideration should be given to using alternate methods.
Transport Container
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 2 years
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry • Calculation (CALC) • Immunochemiluminescence Assay (ICMA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Reference Range
| Male (pg/mL) | Female (pg/mL) | |
| <1 Year | Not established | Not established |
| 1-11 Years | ≤1.3 | ≤1.5 |
| 12-13 Years | ≤64.0 | ≤1.5 |
| 14-17 Years | 4.0-100.0 | ≤3.6 |
| 18-69 Years | 46.0-224.0 | 0.2-5.0 |
| 70-89 Years | 6.0-73.0 | 0.3-5.0 |
| >89 Years | Not established | Not established |
Clinical Significance
This test may aid in the diagnosis of hypogonadism in men, especially when total testosterone level is near the lower limit of the normal range or when sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations are affected by certain conditions. This test may also aid in the diagnosis of hyperandrogenemia in women [1-3].
Testosterone circulates in 3 major forms: unbound (free), weakly bound to albumin, and tightly bound to SHBG. Free testosterone comprises 2% to 4% of total testosterone and is biologically active. In this panel, free testosterone concentration is calculated based on measurements of total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin.
In men, fasting total testosterone concentrations measured in the morning are recommended for screening for hypogonadism [2]. Free testosterone level generally correlates well with total testosterone level except in individuals with conditions affecting SHBG concentrations, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, aging, acromegaly, HIV disease, liver diseases, thyroid diseases, use of steroids and anticonvulsants, and polymorphisms in the SHBG gene. In these individuals and individuals whose total testosterone levels are at the lower limit, free testosterone levels are more sensitive than total testosterone levels for assessing androgen status. When the total testosterone level is low or total testosterone is normal but free testosterone is low, the fasting total testosterone level should be confirmed on another morning [2].
In women with normal total testosterone levels but strong clinical suspicion of hyperandrogenemia or moderate to severe sexual hair growth, morning total and free testosterone may be measured [3]. Free testosterone levels correlate well with clinical presentations of hyperandrogenism and may serve as a more sensitive marker than total testosterone levels for diagnosing and monitoring the progress of hyperandrogenism [1].
This test uses a calculation based on measurements of total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin to derive the free testosterone level. Equilibrium dialysis is considered more accurate for measuring free T [1].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
References
1. Rosner W, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92(2):405-413.
2. Bhasin S, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715-1744.
3. Martin KA, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233-1257.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153
