Androsterone, Serum

Androsterone, Serum - Androsterone is one of the androgens, produced by both the adrenal glands and gonads. It can be reversibly converted into 3 alpha androstenediol. Elevated androsterone levels can lower cholesterol. High androsterone levels are often observed in female patients with acne, with or without hirsutism. Hirsute females without acne typically have normal androsterone levels. Elevated androsterone levels are also found in hyperthyroid patients, while lower levels are seen in patients with myxedema and cancer.

Test Details:

Patient Preparation: A fasting specimen is preferred. Patients should avoid hormonal medications for 2 days.

Preferred Specimen(s):

3 mL frozen serum

Alternative Specimen(s):

Plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum:

Volume: 1 mL

Methodology:

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) • Extraction