Biochemistry
(D4-androstenedione)

Preferred Sample Type

Androstenedione

Suitable Specimen Types

Li Hep Plasma Serum

Androstenedione (D4-androstenedione)

Specimen Volume

1mL blood (300uL sample)

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge sample and separate serum.

Turnaround Time

5 working days

Sample Processing In Laboratory

No special requirements.

Sample Stability

36 days at 4°C

General Information

Androstenedione is a weak androgen secreted by the adrenals, ovary and testes. It is also produced by peripheral conversion of DHAS. It is used as an aid to diagnosis of hyperandrogenism usually in females or prepubertal children.  It has been advocated for the monitoring of replacement steroid therapy in subjects with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 11β-or 21-hydroxylase deficiency.  It is markedly increased in conditions such as CAH and some adrenal tumours.  In women with polycystic ovarian syndrome about 60% have elevated androstenedione.

Androstenedione is also useful in diagnosis of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.  Male (XY) babies with this deficiency have female or ambiguous genitalia.  Androstenedione is increased relative to testosterone concentration.  In infants measurements should be made after stimulation with human chorionic gonadotrophin.

Androstenedione has a diurnal variation, being highest in the morning. There is a cyclical variation in the menstrual cycle; highest values are found around mid-cycle.  There is an increase during pregnancy

Patient Preparation

No specific patient preparation.

Notes

Measured as part of a steroid profile containing testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

Reference Range

 

Adults

Female (pre-menopause): 0.9 - 7.5 nmol/L

Female (post-menopause): 0.4 - 2.9 nmol/L

Male (18-40yrs): 1.1 - 5.6 nmol/L

Male (41-67yrs): 0.8 - 4.7 nmol/L

 

Paediatrics

Neonates: <8.0 nmol/L

Female tanner stage 1: <1.8 nmol/L

Male tanner stage 1: <1.1 nmol/L

 

Source of Reference Range

University college London hospitals

Specifications

  • EQA Status: UK NEQAS Steroid Hormones
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Related Tests

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHAS) (DHEAS)

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Friday, 12 May 2023

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University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
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Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

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