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Test Code LAB173 Testosterone Total and Free, Includes SHBG

Clinical Information

Free testosterone concentration is calculated using total testosterone (measured by immunoassay) and the binding constant of testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Testosterone immunoassays are both imprecise and inaccurate at low testosterone concentrations, such as those found in children and cisgender females. For these individuals, testing by mass spectrometry is recommended.  For assays employing antibodies, the possibility exists for interference by human anti-animal antibodies (i.e., heterophile antibodies) in the patient sample. Patients who have been regularly exposed to animals or have received immunotherapy or diagnostic procedures utilizing immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments may produce antibodies, (eg, HAMA), that interfere with immunoassays. This may falsely elevate or falsely decrease the results.

Synonym

  • TESTOS
  • SHGB

Profile Information

Reporting Name Available Separately Always Reported
Testosterone Yes Yes
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Yes Yes
Free Testosterone No  Yes

Specimen Required

Preferred Container/Tube: Gold SST Top
Acceptable Container/Tube: Gold SST Top, Mint Green Top
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Ambient: 4 hours (separated from cells)
Refrigerated: 5 days

Specimen Collection Information

Due to stability requirement for SHBG, serum/plasma should be physically separated from cells by centrifuging as soon as possible with a maximum limit of 2 hours from time of collection. For outpatient sites, centrifuge the sample as soon as possible with a maximum limit of 2 hours from time of collection. Send the spun primary tube to main lab refrigerated if the tube has a gel barrier; do not pour off.

Rejection Due To

  • Gross hemolysis

Reference Values

FEMALE MALE

Testosterone

0-6 months: 20-80 ng/dL
6 months to 9 years: ≤20 ng/dL
10-11 years: ≤44 ng/dL
12-16 years: ≤75 ng/dL
17-18 years: 20-75 ng/dL
19+ years: 8-60 ng/dL
 

 

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
18.00-144.00 nmol/L

 

Free Testosterone

0-365 days: ≤0.25 ng/dL
1-6 years: <0.13 ng/dL
7-8 years: ≤0.23 ng/dL
8-9 years: ≤0.34 ng/dL
9-10 years: ≤0.46 ng/dL
10-11 years: ≤0.59 ng/dL
11-12 years: ≤0.72 ng/dL
12-13 years: ≤0.84 ng/dL
13-14 years: ≤0.96 ng/dL
14-15 years: ≤1.06 ng/dL
15-18 years: ≤1.09 ng/dL
19+ years: 0.00-1.08 ng/dL

Testosterone

0-6 months: 75-400 ng/dL
6 months to 9 years: ≤20 ng/dL
10-11 years: ≤130 ng/dL
12-13 years: ≤800 ng/dL
14-15 years: ≤1,200 ng/dL
15-16 years: 100-1,200 ng/dL
17-18 years: 300-1,200 ng/dL
19+ years: 240-950 ng/dL
 

 

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
10.00-57.00 nmol/L

 

Free Testosterone
0-365 days: 0.20-3.10 ng/dL
1-8 years: <0.13 ng/dL
9-10 years: ≤0.45 ng/dL
10-11 years: ≤1.26 ng/dL
11-12 years: ≤5.52 ng/dL
12-13 years: ≤9.28 ng/dL
13-14 years: ≤12.60 ng/dL
14-15 years: 0.48-15.30 ng/dL
15-16 years: 1.62-17.70 ng/dL
16-17 years: 2.93-19.50 ng/dL
17-18 years: 4.28-20.90 ng/dL
18-19 years: 5.40-21.80 ng/dL
19+ years: 2.29-20.70 ng/dL

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab UH

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

2 to 4 days

Reporting Name

Testosterone
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

CPT Code Information

84403
84270

LOINC Code Information

2986-8
13967-5
2991-8