Accurate measurement of serum testosterone levels is essential for diagnosing and managing various conditions related to androgen deficiency or excess. This review provides an overview of current techniques, challenges, and considerations in testosterone assays, aiming to enhance understanding and clinical practice in this domain. The discussion covers the complexity of testosterone measurement, including the influence of binding proteins and the debate over the biologically active fraction. Various methods for measuring total and free testosterone levels are examined, with a focus on immunoassays and mass spectrometry. While immunoassays are common due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness, mass spectrometry emerges as the gold standard, offering superior accuracy, especially at extreme testosterone levels. Challenges in standardization, reference range variability, and technical intricacies are addressed, emphasizing the need for uniformity and reliability in testosterone measurements. Efforts such as the CDC Hormone Standardization Program and recommendations from medical societies aim to promote consistency across laboratories. The chapter also discusses age-specific reference ranges, highlighting the impact of aging on testosterone levels and the importance of considering age-related fluctuations in clinical assessments. Timing of laboratory testing, frequency of monitoring, and the significance of repeat measurements are explored to ensure accurate interpretation of testosterone status. In conclusion, advancements in technology, standardization efforts, and ongoing research contribute to improving the accuracy and utility of testosterone assays in clinical practice. By addressing challenges and leveraging emerging technologies, healthcare providers can enhance patient care and outcomes in conditions related to androgen status. Further research and validation are essential to refine reference ranges and optimize clinical decision-making in diverse demographic groups and clinical settings.

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Testosterone Assays: Current Techniques and Pitfalls

  • Fahim L. H. Rajiwate

摘要

Accurate measurement of serum testosterone levels is essential for diagnosing and managing various conditions related to androgen deficiency or excess. This review provides an overview of current techniques, challenges, and considerations in testosterone assays, aiming to enhance understanding and clinical practice in this domain. The discussion covers the complexity of testosterone measurement, including the influence of binding proteins and the debate over the biologically active fraction. Various methods for measuring total and free testosterone levels are examined, with a focus on immunoassays and mass spectrometry. While immunoassays are common due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness, mass spectrometry emerges as the gold standard, offering superior accuracy, especially at extreme testosterone levels. Challenges in standardization, reference range variability, and technical intricacies are addressed, emphasizing the need for uniformity and reliability in testosterone measurements. Efforts such as the CDC Hormone Standardization Program and recommendations from medical societies aim to promote consistency across laboratories. The chapter also discusses age-specific reference ranges, highlighting the impact of aging on testosterone levels and the importance of considering age-related fluctuations in clinical assessments. Timing of laboratory testing, frequency of monitoring, and the significance of repeat measurements are explored to ensure accurate interpretation of testosterone status. In conclusion, advancements in technology, standardization efforts, and ongoing research contribute to improving the accuracy and utility of testosterone assays in clinical practice. By addressing challenges and leveraging emerging technologies, healthcare providers can enhance patient care and outcomes in conditions related to androgen status. Further research and validation are essential to refine reference ranges and optimize clinical decision-making in diverse demographic groups and clinical settings.