This test may be vetted by a pathologist.
The clinical information for the test must be clearly written on the request form. If clinical information is not provided, or does not provide sufficient justification for the test, the test may be declined.
Declined tests :
If a test is declined, the specimen will be held for a reasonable period (usually 3 weeks but dependant on the stability of the sample). Medical practitioners seeking approval for a declined test should email the on-call Chemical Pathologist ( chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz ) , giving the patient's name and NHI number and the clinical justification for the test. If unable to email, call the on-call Chemical Pathologist via Lablink (09-3078995) and identify yourself as a doctor.
|
AGE |
Androstenedione (nmol/L) |
|
0 to 3 months |
0 - 6 |
|
3 months to 10 years (prepubertal) |
0 - 2 |
|
Puberty Post-pubertal and adults (male and female) |
Levels rise through puberty 0 - 8 |
Uncertainty of Measurement: 26% at 1.8 nmol/L
18% at 9 nmol/L
15% at 25 nmol/L
References:
1. Kushnir, M. M., T. Blamires, et al. (2010). "Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and testosterone with pediatric and adult reference intervals." Clin Chem 56 (7): 1138-1147.
2. Kyriakopoulou, L., M. Yazdanpanah, et al. (2013). "A sensitive and rapid mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous measurement of eight steroid hormones and CALIPER pediatric reference intervals." Clin Biochem 46 (7-8): 642-651.
3. Rauh, M., M. Groschl, et al. (2006). "Automated, fast and sensitive quantification of 17 alpha-hydroxy-progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone by tandem mass spectrometry with on-line extraction." Steroids 71 (6): 450-458.
4. Kulle, A. E., F. G. Riepe, et al. (2010). "A novel ultrapressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone in pediatric blood samples: age- and sex-specific reference data." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 95 (5): 2399-2409.
5. Keefe, C. C., M. M. Goldman, et al. (2014). "Simultaneous measurement of thirteen steroid hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and control women using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry." PLoS One 9 (4): e93805.
6. Fanelli, F., A. Gambineri, et al. (2013). "Androgen profiling by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in healthy normal-weight ovulatory and anovulatory late adolescent and young women." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 98 (7): 3058-3067.
Only available 0800 - 1700 weekdays.
Principle : Tandem mass spectrometry
Assay : In-house
Analyser : Shimadzu LC-MS/MS
Androstenedione is a testosterone precursor which is secreted by both ovary and adrenal glands.
Although androstenedione is commonly elevated in PCOS and idiopathic hyperandrogenism, its measurement adds no diagnostic value over testosterone in these conditions.
Its diagnostic use is in the diagnosis and monitoring of
congenital adrenal hyperplasia
, and
androgen secreting tumours of ovary and adrenal
.
Androstenedione requests are subject to pathologist approval.
Androstenedione requests are likely to be declined if the testosterone level is normal. Please provide a clinical rationale for the test on the request form.
References
1. Martin, K. A., R. J. Chang, et al. (2008). "Evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 93(4): 1105-1120.
2. Legro, R. S., S. A. Arslanian, et al. (2013). "Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 98 (12): 4565-4592.
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
| Sample |
Serum - Plain EDTA plasma (SST and Heparin tubes are NOT suitable) |
| Sample Preparation |
Centrifuge and aliquot - 500uL Freeze |
| Sample Stability |
Room temperature up to 24 hours Refrigerated up to 4 days Freeze if more than 4 days |
| Transport to LabPlus |
Send refrigerated up to 4 days Send frozen if more than 4 days |
Reference:
1. Griffith C, Owen L, Keevil B. (2008). Stability of testosterone and androstenedione in refrigerated serum samples. Annals Clin Biochem 45 (Suppl 1): 107