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Test Directory - Androstenedione

Synonyms

A4

Clinical Indications

Androstenedione is not as useful as 17-OH progesterone in diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 11ß- or 21-hydroxylase deficiency, but is helpful in management of such patients. In CAH due to 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency male (46 XY) babies have female or ambiguous genitalia and at puberty, marked virilization occurs. The condition is characterised by increased androstenedione relative to that of testosterone.

Request Form

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)

Availability

Analysed by referral laboratory if specific criteria met.

Specific Criteria

Management of CAH due to 11ß- or 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Diagnosis of 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.

Turnaround Time

Two weeks.

Patient Preparation

It is advisable to avoid stress. For diagnosis of 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency in infants, stimulation with hCG may be required to achieve serum androstenedione levels that can be measured for accurate diagnosis.

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 ml

Container

Yellow top (SST) tube

Lab. Handling

Aliquot and freeze at minus 20’C. Send frozen in transport box to local referral laboratory. (AND & send; NOAND & save).

Causes for Rejection

Not meeting specific criteria for analysis. Unlabelled sample.

Reference Range

Adult: Male 2.4 - 12.6 nmol/L, Female 1.0 - 12.2 nmol/L.
Prepubertal children: <3.5 nmol/L. 


Last edited 07/08/08