TLDR Using LC-MS/MS for hormone measurement can prevent false high testosterone results and avoid unnecessary tests.
The study presented a case of a 17-year-old female with falsely elevated testosterone levels detected by chemiluminescent immunoassays, which led to unnecessary testing and imaging. Upon re-evaluation using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), her testosterone levels were found to be significantly lower and consistent with her clinical presentation. The study concluded that while immunoassays are commonly used due to their availability and cost-effectiveness, they are prone to errors such as cross-reactivity and heterophilic antibody interference. Therefore, LC-MS/MS should be considered for accurate measurement of steroid hormones to avoid unnecessary procedures.
14 citations
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January 2018 in “Advances in Clinical Chemistry” The document concludes that hormonal biomarkers are key for diagnosing hyperandrogenemia in women and hypogonadism in men.
9 citations
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November 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” The new LC-MS/MS method is more accurate and reliable than traditional immunoassays for measuring steroids in serum.
16 citations
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February 2018 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” Diagnosing hyperandrogenism in women is complex and requires accurate testing methods and consideration of SHBG levels.
April 2023 in “Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine” The document concludes that inflammation markers can be used in diabetes, vitamin D3 affects immune pathways, hyperthyroidism changes hormone levels, androgen levels help diagnose Adrenocortical Carcinoma, erectile dysfunction is linked to diabetes, hypogonadism is common in HIV-infected males, and hormones can be biomarkers for various conditions.
5 citations
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October 2018 in “Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis” Women with PCOS who have high male hormone levels often also have insulin resistance.
