Overview: Free Dihydrotestosterone (Free DHT) TestIntroduction: The Free Dihydrotestosterone (Free DHT) Test measures free dihydrotestosterone to assess hormonal disorders, causing hair loss or prostate issues. Aligned with 2023 Endocrine Society guidelines, it uses an immunoassay for high sensitivity, aiding in endocrine screening. This test is critical for guiding diagnosis, treatment, and improving outcomes in endocrinology for patients with suspected hormonal imbalances.
Other Names: Free DHT Assay, Androgen Test.
FDA Status: Laboratory-developed test (LDT), meeting endocrinology standards for diagnostic accuracy.
Historical Milestone: DHT testing began in the 1980s with androgen research. Free DHT assays emerged in the 2000s, improving accuracy for hormonal disorder assessment.
Purpose: Diagnoses hormonal disorders, guides treatment, and monitors free DHT levels in patients with hair loss or prostate issues.
Test Parameters: 1. Free Dihydrotestosterone
Pretest Condition: Fasting for 10-12 hours required to stabilize hormone levels. Collect serum, plasma, or saliva in the morning. Report symptoms like hair loss or prostate issues, and list medications.
Specimen: 2-5 mL serum (SST), 2-4 mL plasma (EDTA), or 1-2 mL saliva (sterile container). Centrifuge serum/plasma within 1 hour. Transport in a biohazard bag within 8 hours.
Sample Stability at Room Temperature: 8 hours
Sample Stability at Refrigeration: 7 days
Sample Stability at Frozen: 6 months
Medical History: Document hair loss, prostate issues, or history of hormonal disorders. Include current medications, especially androgens or anti-androgens.
Consent: Written consent required, detailing the tests purpose, diagnostic implications, and potential need for hormonal therapy.
Procedural Considerations: Uses an immunoassay to measure free DHT levels. Results are available in 3-5 days, enabling clinical decisions.
Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Non-fasting, stress, or medications can affect results. Hemolysis may degrade samples.
Clinical Significance: Abnormal free DHT levels suggest hormonal disorders (e.g., BPH, androgenetic alopecia), prompting treatment. Normal levels may require further testing.
Specialist Consultation: Consult an endocrinologist or urologist for result interpretation.
Additional Supporting Tests: Total testosterone, PSA, or scalp biopsy to confirm hormonal disorders.
Test Limitations: Results may be affected by medications or stress. Clinical correlation is required.
References: Endocrine Society Androgen Guidelines, 2023; Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, Bhasin S, 2022.
