Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A urine test that measures androstenedione levels to help diagnose hormonal disorders.
{"Androstenedione is a hormone produced by adrenal glands and gonads","This test helps diagnose conditions like PCOS, adrenal hyperplasia, and certain tumors","A simple urine sample is collected, typically over 24 hours","Results help doctors evaluate excess hair growth, irregular periods, and other hormone-related symptoms","No special preparation is usually needed beyond avoiding certain medications"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110624-4
- Short code
- A4-U
- Synonyms
- Androst Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- 24-hour urine collection container (sterile, preservative-free or with appropriate preservative such as boric acid or thymol)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2
- Ref high
- 12
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82157
- SNOMED
- 271978007
- Specimen volume
- Entire 24-hour urine collection; minimum 10 mL aliquot for testing
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is a complete blood count (CBC)?
The androstenedione urine test measures the amount of androstenedione in your urine. Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands (located above your kidneys) and, in smaller amounts, by the ovaries in women and testes in men. It serves as a precursor to other hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
Why might my healthcare provider order a CBC?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting a hormone imbalance. In women, this may include irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, or difficulty becoming pregnant. In men, it may help evaluate early or delayed puberty. The test can also help detect adrenal gland disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumors.
How is the blood sample for a CBC collected?
For a 24-hour urine collection, you will receive a special container. On the first day, urinate in the toilet when you wake up, then collect all urine for the next 24 hours in the container. Keep it refrigerated. On the second day, collect your first morning urine in the container as well. Return the container to the lab as instructed. Follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider regarding medications or diet before the test.
What do my CBC results mean?
Normal androstenedione levels vary by age, sex, and laboratory. High levels may indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or ovarian tumors. Low levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency or hypogonadism. Your doctor will interpret your results along with other tests and your symptoms to make a diagnosis.
Are there any risks with a CBC?
This test carries minimal risk. You may experience mild discomfort during urine collection. There are no significant health risks associated with the test itself.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by age, sex, and laboratory methodology. Urine androstenedione excretion is typically reported per 24 hours. Adult male: 2.0-12.0 µg/24h; Adult female: 1.0-10.0 µg/24h; Prepubertal children: <2.0 µg/24h. Values vary by reference laboratory.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should maintain normal hydration. For 24-hour urine collection, instruct patient to discard the first morning void and collect all subsequent urine for the next 24 hours, including the first morning void of the following day.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The androstenedione urine test is valuable for diagnosing and monitoring hormonal disorders. It helps identify the cause of symptoms like hirsutism (excessive hair growth), virilization, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. The test is particularly useful in distinguishing between ovarian and adrenal sources of excess androgens. It aids in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and adrenal or ovarian tumors. Results guide treatment decisions and help monitor the effectiveness of hormone therapy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I collect the urine sample at home?
How long does it take to get results?
What can affect my androstenedione levels?
Is this test different from a testosterone 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy