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Dear Colleagues, I am writing concerning the determination testosterone status in people (men and women). The question relates to the best measure of testosterone status for a research project comparing this with another clinical outcome. I will put forward my current understanding (rather exposing the jugular) and hope that I can be gently corrected: For routine clinical use the measurement of total testosterone and SHBG is generally sufficient. By inspecting these 2 parameters it is possible to determine whether a patient is likely to have a functional deficiency of testosterone. In women this can be quantitated by the use of the Free Androgen Index to produce a single index of testosterone bioactivity but the calculation is flawed in men as the concentration of testosterone is not small compared to the amount of SHBG. While "free" testosterone assays are available, they are not generally very reliable. In some areas the prediction of free testosterone from measurements of total testosterone, oestrogen, SHBG and albumin seems to be the preferred method. I would appreciate any comments on the best indicators of testosterone status in men and women both for clinical and research purposes. Instruction on the terms "free" and "bioavailable" testosterone would be welcome. Any useful references would also be appreciated. Many, many thanks, Graham Graham Jones Staff Specialist in Chemical Pathology St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney Victoria St, Darlinghurst, 2010 NSW, Australia Ph: (02) 8382-2170 Fax (02) 8382-2489 [log in to unmask] ********************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been virus scanned and although no viruses were detected by the system, St Vincent's Hospital accepts no liability for any consequential damage resulting from email containing any computer viruses. ********************************************************************** ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content. ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk List Archives http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/