Androstanolonefreemfrserpl
This test measures dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in your blood, including both free (active) and total forms, to help evaluate hormone-related conditions.
{"DHT is a potent hormone derived from testosterone that affects male characteristics","The test helps diagnose conditions like excessive hair growth, hair loss, and prostate issues","A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm for this test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13882-6
- Short code
- DHTF
- Synonyms
- Androstanolone Free MFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST); for free fraction analysis, plain red-top tube preferred to avoid gel interferences
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 85
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) following equilibrium dialysis or ultrafiltration for free fraction determination
- CPT
- 82651
- SNOMED
- 107591000119101
- Specimen volume
- 2.0 mL serum (minimum 1.0 mL); additional volume required if both free and total fractions are analyzed
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months. For free androstanolone, samples should be separated promptly and frozen if not analyzed within 24 hours.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your blood serum. DHT is a powerful hormone made from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. It plays a key role in male sexual development, muscle growth, and other masculine characteristics. The test measures both free DHT (the active form not bound to proteins) and total DHT (all DHT in your blood).
Why is it done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of too much or too little androgen (male hormone). In women, it helps find causes of excessive hair growth (hirsutism) or acne. In men, it may help evaluate hair loss, prostate problems, or rare hormone disorders. It can also help diagnose 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, a rare genetic condition.
How to prepare
You may need to fast (not eat or drink except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. Tell your doctor about all medications you take, as some medicines can affect DHT levels. Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as it may temporarily change hormone levels. Women should tell their doctor about their menstrual cycle, as hormone levels can vary during the cycle.
What to expect
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch or sting. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by age, sex, and assay methodology. Typical adult male: Total androstanolone (DHT) 30-85 ng/dL; Free androstanolone 0.5-2.5 ng/dL. Adult female: Total androstanolone 5-20 ng/dL; Free androstanolone 0.05-0.5 ng/dL. Pediatric ranges differ significantly and should be interpreted using age-specific reference data.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients on androgen therapy or supplements should inform their healthcare provider, as this may affect results. For optimal baseline assessment, samples are preferably collected in the morning (7-10 AM) due to diurnal variation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to do anything special after the test?
Can women have this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy