Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient's Guide to Testing, Preparation, and Results
This test measures androstenedione levels in blood to evaluate hormone production from the adrenal glands.
{"Androstenedione is a hormone produced by adrenal glands that converts to testosterone and estrogen","This test helps diagnose conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal disorders","The '8th specimen' indicates this is part of a stimulation test where blood is drawn multiple times after a challenge"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16384-0
- Short code
- AND8PC
- Synonyms
- Androst sp8 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST); plasma may be collected in lithium heparin or EDTA tubes.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.6
- Ref high
- 3.1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
- CPT
- 82157
- SNOMED
- 173080007
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum or plasma
- Stability
- Serum/plasma stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended stability, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what does it check for in my body?
The androstenedione test measures the amount of androstenedione hormone in your blood. Androstenedione is produced mainly by the adrenal glands (small glands above your kidneys) and is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. The '8th specimen post challenge' means this blood sample is the eighth one taken during a stimulation test, where a medication is given to stimulate your adrenal glands to produce hormones.
Why might my doctor recommend that I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of abnormal hormone levels, such as irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, or infertility in women; or early puberty, enlarged breasts, or infertility in men. It helps diagnose conditions affecting the adrenal glands, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal tumors, or adrenal insufficiency.
How is this test performed, and what should I expect during the procedure?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. Since this is the 8th specimen in a challenge test, you will have already received a stimulation agent (such as ACTH) before this sample is collected. Multiple blood samples are taken at specific time intervals to track how your adrenal glands respond to stimulation over time.
What do my test results mean, and how will my doctor explain them to me?
Normal androstenedione levels vary by age, sex, and menstrual cycle phase in women. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your specific situation. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or adrenal tumors. Low levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency or pituitary problems.
Reference range
Androstenedione reference ranges vary by age, sex, and pubertal stage. For adult males: 0.6-3.1 ng/mL; for adult females: 0.3-2.5 ng/mL (follicular phase). Post-challenge specimen interpretation should be compared against appropriate stimulated reference ranges established by the performing laboratory.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen collection should follow the specific timing protocol of the stimulation or suppression challenge as ordered by the physician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant for diagnosing and monitoring adrenal gland disorders. It helps differentiate between adrenal and gonadal sources of excess hormones. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the test helps confirm the diagnosis and monitor treatment effectiveness. For adrenal tumors, androstenedione levels can indicate tumor activity. The multiple specimen approach (stimulation test) provides more accurate assessment of adrenal function than a single measurement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Are there any risks with this test?
How long does the entire stimulation test take?
Should I tell my doctor about medications I'm taking?
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