Free Testosterone:
Why Free Testosterone Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Testosterone is a sex hormone that exists in both genders, but predominantly in males (testis and adrenals) and is also present in minute quantities in females (secreted by the adrenals and by the ovaries). In males, testosterone is secreted by the Leydig cells present in the testicles and also by the adrenal glands. Testosterone in males helps in the secondary sexual features/characteristic features in males. Testosterone in males helps to boost sex drive and in the spermatogenesis. Low levels of testosterone in men may lead to hypogonadism – loss of sex drive, low energy, loss of bone density, erectile dysfunction, infertility etc moreover is found to be associated with conditions like anaemia, depression, loss of muscle mass etc. The levels of testosterone are regulated by the hormone known as the luteinizing hormone. In the blood, testosterone is present in bound and free form. One-third of the testosterone is bound to albumin, and two-thirds of the testosterone is bound to the globulin as sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), whereas the rest circulates in the free form. Biologically active – Bioavailable testosterone is also called free testosterone. Hence free testosterone test detects the blood levels of testosterone in free form. This test helps to detect abnormal levels of testosterone to diagnose causes of infertility (eg. Erectile dysfunction- In males), the cause of early or late puberty in females and also to detect the cause of PCOs and hirsutism (i.e virilization in females – male-like features) etc. Additional tests include Total testosterone, prolactin, LH, FSH, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, TSH etc. Other tests apart from hormones include sperm analysis, testicular biopsy, MRI of the pituitary gland etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation:Suggestions from the doctor.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition / cases according to patient’s presenting complaints / signs or symptoms:
SPECIMENREQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RTDIAGNOSTICS providesprecise and accuracy tests with an extensive range of testing service to the medical centers to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
