Complete Blood Count (CBC): What This Common Blood Test Measures and When Your Doctor Uses It
A blood test that measures the level of androstenedione, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes.
{"Androstenedione is a hormone that serves as a building block for testosterone and estrogen","This test helps doctors evaluate adrenal gland function and detect hormone imbalances","Abnormal levels may indicate conditions like adrenal hyperplasia, PCOS, or adrenal tumors","The test is performed on a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm","Results are typically available within a few days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97756-1
- Short code
- ANDRO
- Synonyms
- Androst Fld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (serum separator tube acceptable)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.3
- Ref high
- 3.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
- CPT
- 82157
- SNOMED
- 167898009
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is a complete blood count (CBC), and what does this routine blood test actually measure inside my body?
The androstenedione test measures the amount of androstenedione in your blood or other body fluids. Androstenedione is an androgen (male hormone) produced mainly by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts made by the ovaries in women and testes in men. It serves as a precursor (building block) for other important hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
Why might my doctor order a CBC, and what can it reveal about my symptoms, infections, anemia, or overall health?
Your doctor may order an androstenedione test if you have symptoms of a hormone imbalance. For women, this may include irregular periods, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For men, it may help evaluate early or delayed puberty. The test is also used to check adrenal gland function and may help diagnose conditions affecting the adrenal glands.
How should I prepare for my CBC blood draw, and do I need to fast, drink water, or adjust my medications beforehand?
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. Certain medications can affect test results, so inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications temporarily. It's best to have the test done in the morning, as hormone levels can vary throughout the day.
What happens during a CBC blood test, from the moment the needle is placed in my arm to the laboratory analysis?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch or sting. The blood will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes. There is minimal risk involved, though you may experience slight bruising or bleeding at the needle site.
What do my CBC results mean, and how do reference ranges help explain whether my red cells, white cells, or platelets are high or low?
Normal androstenedione levels vary by age, sex, and laboratory reference ranges. High levels may indicate conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal tumors, or ovarian tumors. Low levels may be due to adrenal insufficiency or other adrenal disorders. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
Reference range
Adult Male: 0.6-3.1 ng/mL; Adult Female (Premenopausal): 0.7-3.5 ng/mL; Adult Female (Postmenopausal): 0.3-2.7 ng/mL. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay methodology.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected in the morning (7-10 AM) when possible, as diurnal variation affects androstenedione levels. For females, the phase of the menstrual cycle should be noted as levels peak at mid-cycle.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The androstenedione test is clinically significant for diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to androgen excess or deficiency. It aids in identifying adrenal disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic condition affecting adrenal hormone production) and adrenal tumors. In women, it helps evaluate causes of hirsutism, acne, androgenetic alopecia, and menstrual irregularities. The test is also useful in assessing pubertal disorders and in the evaluation of infertility. Additionally, androstenedione measurements may be used alongside other hormone tests (such as testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol) to provide a comprehensive assessment of endocrine function.
Frequently asked questions
Is the androstenedione test painful?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Do I need to fast before the androstenedione test?
Sources
- 1
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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