DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE (DHT)
Test:
193
CPT:
82642
Synonyms
Androstaner-3-one
DHT
Hydroxy-5α
Special Instructions
Expected Turnaround Time
5 – 10 days
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
5 – 10 days
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within one hour of collection. Send serum or plasma in plastic transport tube. Transfer specimen to a plastic transport tube before freezing. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Storage Instructions
Freeze
Causes for Rejection
Test Details
Use
Dihydrotestosterone and dihydrotestosterone/ratio may be used for differential diagnosis of diseases of sexual differentiation (DSD). DHT levels may be inappropriately low compared to testosterone levels in 5a-reductase deficiency. It is recommended by guidelines to measure the ratio of testosterone to DHT.
DHT levels may also be monitored to follow the effectiveness of 5a-reductase inhibitor treatment in female alopecia.