Understanding Your Laboratory Test and Why Your Healthcare Provider May Have Ordered It
A test to measure the level of androstenedione, a steroid hormone, in capillary blood to help diagnose hormonal disorders.
{"Androstenedione is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries/testes","This test helps diagnose conditions like PCOS, adrenal disorders, and puberty issues","A small blood sample is collected from a finger prick","Results are often interpreted alongside other hormone tests","Abnormal levels may require further evaluation by your healthcare provider"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1852-3
- Short code
- AND-CAP
- Synonyms
- Androst BldC-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Capillary blood collection device (e.g., filter paper, microtainer with separator, or dried blood spot card depending on laboratory protocol). EDTA or heparinized capillary tubes may also be used.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.3
- Ref high
- 3.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Immunoassay
- CPT
- 82157
- SNOMED
- 13971003
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 mL of capillary whole blood or sufficient volume per device instructions
- Stability
- Whole blood stable at 2-8°C for 24 hours; separated serum/plasma stable at 2-8°C for 7 days; frozen at -20°C for up to 6 months. Dried blood spots stable at room temperature for extended periods per protocol.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 30
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what does it measure in your blood, urine, or another type of patient sample?
The androstenedione test measures the amount of androstenedione in your capillary blood. Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands in both men and women, and also by the ovaries in women and testes in men. It serves as a precursor to other hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
Why is this test done, and how can the results help your healthcare provider evaluate symptoms, monitor a condition, or guide treatment?
This test is commonly ordered to help diagnose conditions related to hormone imbalances, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland disorders (such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumors), early or delayed puberty, and infertility issues. It may also be used to monitor certain treatments or conditions affecting hormone levels.
How is the sample collected, and what should you expect during the collection process, including any brief discomfort or possible aftercare?
A healthcare professional will prick your finger with a small lancet to collect a few drops of capillary blood. The sample is then placed on a special test strip or into a small container for laboratory analysis. This method is quick and involves minimal discomfort compared to venipuncture.
How should you prepare for the test, including whether you need to fast, change medications, avoid certain activities, or follow other instructions?
Your doctor may ask you to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. Some medications, such as birth control pills, steroids, or hormone supplements, may affect test results. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. The test is often performed in the morning, as hormone levels can vary throughout the day.
Reference range
Adult males: 0.6-3.1 ng/mL; Adult females (premenopausal): 0.3-3.5 ng/mL; Adult females (postmenopausal): 0.3-2.0 ng/mL. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, assay method, and population.N/A
No special preparation required. However, sample collection in the early morning (between 7-10 AM) is often recommended due to diurnal variation. For women of reproductive age, specimen may be collected on a specific cycle day (e.g., follicular phase) as directed by the clinician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated androstenedione levels in women may indicate PCOS, ovarian tumors, or adrenal hyperplasia. In men, high levels may suggest testicular or adrenal tumors. Low levels might indicate adrenal insufficiency or ovarian/testicular dysfunction. In children, abnormal levels can signal early or delayed puberty. This test is typically interpreted alongside other hormone tests (such as testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH, and estradiol) for accurate diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks?
What do abnormal results mean?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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