Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: Understanding Your Results
This test measures the level of androstenedione, a steroid hormone, in your blood to evaluate adrenal and gonadal function.
{"Androstenedione is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and sex glands","This test helps diagnose conditions like adrenal disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain tumors","Blood is typically drawn in the morning when hormone levels are highest","Results may vary based on age, sex, and menstrual cycle","Abnormal levels may require further testing for accurate diagnosis"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35190-8
- Short code
- ANDRO
- Synonyms
- Androst SerPl-msCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; plasma may be collected in heparin or EDTA tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.3
- Ref high
- 2
- 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
- 17378005
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum or plasma
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
A complete blood count, or CBC, is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, to give your doctor a clear picture of your overall health.
The androstenedione test measures the amount of androstenedione in your blood. Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced primarily 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.
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup or to help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, or bruising, and to check for conditions like anemia or infection.
Your doctor may order this test if you show signs of hormonal imbalance. In women, it may help diagnose conditions causing excessive hair growth (hirsutism), irregular periods, or infertility. In men, it may help evaluate early or delayed puberty. The test can also help identify adrenal disorders, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumors.
No special preparation is usually needed, and you can normally eat and drink before the test unless your doctor gives you other instructions. Let your care team know about any medicines or supplements you take.
Follow these preparation guidelines: Fast for 8-12 hours before the test (usually overnight). Schedule the test in the morning, as hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, as certain drugs can affect results. Women should note their menstrual cycle phase, as levels may vary. Avoid strenuous exercise before the test, as it can affect hormone levels.
A healthcare provider will wrap a band around your upper arm, clean the skin at the draw site, and collect a small sample of blood from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the process typically takes only a few minutes.
A healthcare professional will clean the injection site with antiseptic, insert a needle into a vein in your arm, and collect a blood sample. The procedure takes only a few minutes. You may feel slight pain or bruising at the injection site, but this is temporary.
This test is very safe. You may feel a quick sting when the needle goes in, and the site may be slightly sore or bruised for a day or two. Serious complications are rare, but tell your provider if you bleed easily or take blood thinners.
The risks are minimal and include slight bleeding, bruising, or infection at the injection site. Some people may feel dizzy or faint during or after the blood draw. These risks are generally low and the procedure is considered safe.
Reference range
Adult Male: 0.4-1.5 ng/mL; Adult Female: 0.3-2.0 ng/mL (varies by cycle phase and laboratory); Premenopausal females: 0.3-2.0 ng/mL; Postmenopausal females: 0.3-1.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. However, for females of reproductive age, specimen collection timing relative to menstrual cycle should be noted, as androstenedione levels fluctuate during the cycle. Morning collection (7-10 AM) is preferred for baseline assessment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated androstenedione levels may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or ovarian tumors. In men, elevated levels may cause early puberty. Low levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency or ovarian failure. This test alone is not diagnostic; doctors interpret results alongside other hormone tests and clinical symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What are normal androstenedione levels?
Can I take my medications before the test?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast 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