Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test measures the level of SHBG in your blood. SHBG is a glycoprotein made by the liver that binds to the three sex hormones, estrogen, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone that is found in both women and men. SHBG carries these sex hormones throughout the blood. The hormone that is critical in this test is testosterone, although SHBG binds all the three hormones. SHBG controls the level of testosterone that can be used by the body tissue. Too much testosterone in women and too little testosterone in men can cause problems. The level of SHBG in the blood changes due to factors like age and sex. The level can also change due to several disorders like hyperthyroidism, liver disease, and obesity.
As such no special preparation is required for SHBG test. You do not need to fast for your SHBG test. You can have your food and drink normally before the test. You just need to inform the doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions or is suffering from any sort of allergies or are on any medications before undergoing SHBG test. The doctor will give specific instructions depending on your conditions. You also need to know the do’s and don’ts of the laboratory before undergoing for SHBG test.
The SHBG test helps in monitoring the levels of testosterone. It is a test that monitors anti-androgen and sex-steroid therapy. It also helps in diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, thyrotoxicosis, and puberty. The test helps in diagnoses of various disease and conditions like: Hypogonadism – This condition is mostly found in men. This condition persists in men when they have low sperm production and low level of testosterone. Androgen deficiency – The Androgen hormone causes sexual problems and general weakness in men. In Women, Androgen hormone might help with bone strength and thinking and also helps in proper working of the ovaries.
SHBG test is an automated sandwich immunoassay which uses chemiluminescent detection technique. Simply a blood sample is collected from the patient’s body from the vein. The area from where the blood sample will be collected is first cleaned with the help of alcohol pad and then a needle is injected into the vein. The blood is then dragged out from the needle and is saved in a small bottle and is sealed with the patient’s name labeled on it. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for examination of SHBG level. ,/p>
| Type | Gender | Age-Group | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SHBG
|
Male/Female
|
All age groups
|
10-57/18-144nmol/L
|
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