What is Extended androgen blood panel used for?
An extended androgen panel for when a single testosterone value is not enough. It measures total testosterone by LC-MS/MS, free testosterone, SHBG and their ratio, plus the precursors DHEA-S, androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which show more of how the adrenal glands and testes contribute. Often used when earlier results were borderline or did not match the symptoms.
Parameters in Extended androgen blood panel (7)
- Total testosterone (LC-MS/MS)
- Total testosterone measured by mass spectrometry, a precise method even at low levels.
- Free testosterone
- The small unbound fraction that tissues can use. Measured directly or calculated from total testosterone and SHBG.
- SHBG
- A protein that binds testosterone in the blood. High SHBG can mean less free testosterone.
- Testosterone/SHBG ratio
- A ratio (free androgen index) that gives a rough estimate of available testosterone.
- Androstenedione
- A precursor hormone that the body converts to testosterone and oestrogen.
- DHEA-S
- An androgen precursor made mainly in the adrenal glands.
- 17-hydroxyprogesterone
- A precursor in adrenal hormone production, used to look for certain enzyme disorders.
Preparation for Extended androgen blood panel
- Take the sample in the morning, ideally between 07:00 and 10:00.
- Avoid hard physical activity on the morning of the test.
Preparation follows the laboratory's instructions for this package. Celto
What is a venous blood test?
A venous blood test means the sample is taken from a vein, usually in the crook of the elbow. Trained staff insert a thin needle and collect the blood in small vacuum tubes; the draw itself normally takes only a few minutes. A venous sample gives the laboratory enough material to measure many markers at once with standard, quality-controlled methods.
How much blood is drawn?
A standard adult blood tube typically holds about 4–5 ml, and some tube types up to about 9 ml. The total depends on how many tubes the package needs, but even with several tubes it is a small fraction of the 470 ml taken at a normal blood donation.
Sources
Questions & answers
What is Extended androgen blood panel used for?
An extended androgen panel for when a single testosterone value is not enough. It measures total testosterone by LC-MS/MS, free testosterone, SHBG and their ratio, plus the precursors DHEA-S, androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which show more of how the adrenal glands and testes contribute. Often used when earlier results were borderline or did not match the symptoms.
How do I prepare for Extended androgen blood panel?
Take the sample in the morning, ideally between 07:00 and 10:00. Avoid hard physical activity on the morning of the test.
How much blood is taken for Extended androgen blood panel?
A standard adult blood tube typically holds about 4–5 ml, and some tube types up to about 9 ml. The total depends on how many tubes the package needs, but even with several tubes it is a small fraction of the 470 ml taken at a normal blood donation.
Do I need a referral for Extended androgen blood panel?
No – in Denmark no referral is needed. The package is only available in Denmark, and there you can order it through NordicTRT without a referral from your own doctor. The sample is taken as a normal venous blood test at a Celto location in Denmark.
Can the results of Extended androgen blood panel give a diagnosis on their own?
No. Blood values have to be interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history and sometimes repeat measurements. Results outside the reference range should be discussed with a doctor.
What does Total testosterone (LC-MS/MS) show?
Total testosterone measured by mass spectrometry, a precise method even at low levels.
What does Free testosterone show?
The small unbound fraction that tissues can use. Measured directly or calculated from total testosterone and SHBG.
What does SHBG show?
A protein that binds testosterone in the blood. High SHBG can mean less free testosterone.
What does Testosterone/SHBG ratio show?
A ratio (free androgen index) that gives a rough estimate of available testosterone.
What does Androstenedione show?
A precursor hormone that the body converts to testosterone and oestrogen.
What does DHEA-S show?
An androgen precursor made mainly in the adrenal glands.
What does 17-hydroxyprogesterone show?
A precursor in adrenal hormone production, used to look for certain enzyme disorders.