Free Testosterone Level

[Honkey_Kong]

So my doctor has ordered me to get a free testosterone test done using the dialysis method. I've only had my levels done via the direct method before.

So what I'm asking is if anyone could tell me about this method and why it is "more accurate?"

[Honkey_Kong]

Nobody knows anything about this method of testing?

[Windex]

So my doctor has ordered me to get a free testosterone test done using the dialysis method. I've only had my levels done via the direct method before.

So what I'm asking is if anyone could tell me about this method and why it is "more accurate?"

Can you extrapolate what you mean by the dialysis method ? When I've got to do Bloodwork, they pin me, take some blood, shake it by inversion in the tube to prevent coagulation, and send it off to get results.

[lovbyts]

“Historically, free testosterone levels were determined by a method known as equilibrium dialysis. … The method is cumbersome, time-consuming, and equipment intensive.” Conversely, we are told, the DSL direct method is simple and rapid. The only difficulty is that “the equilibrium dialysis method gave values approximately 4 times higher than did theFIA test from DSL (Diagnostic Systems Laboratories)kit.

Experiments conclusively show that the direct RIA of free testosterone is seriously inaccurate, underestimating its concentration by many-fold compared to equilibrium dialysis method. Most doctors still use it because it's cheaper and faster.

* Equilibrium Dialysis

This test is the gold standard for testing free T levels, as it is extremely accurate. In the past has been slow and expensive to perform, limiting its use largely to clinical studies. The last decade has seen great advances in the field of rapid, inexpensive equilibrium dialysis equipment however, so it is becoming more common in the mainstream.

[Honkey_Kong]

Thanks, Lovbyts. But what I was wondering is how does the testing work? I'm guessing they aren't exactly going to draw one syringe of blood and call it an ends. And will this method be able to detect esters that I didn't have an rx for?

Basically, I'm wondering what to expect from somebody who's had this method done.

[lovbyts]

Everything I read leads me to believe there is nothing different for the patient. No extra blood required, no fasting. It's all on how they test and how long it takes.

[Honkey_Kong]

Cool.... Thanks.