Test Code SHBG Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
Specimen and Container/Tube
Specimen Type: Serum
Preferred Specimen: Red Top
Other Acceptable specimens: None
Specimen Stability
Storage Temperature |
Stability |
Room Temperature |
Not stable |
Refrigerated |
3 days |
Frozen |
1 months |
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen per standard laboratory collection procedures.
Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions
UCMC Onsite Instructions:
- Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately.
UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions:
- Samples should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
- Centrifuge specimens at >2500 x g for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Aliquot sample into plastic transport tube containing a minimum of 0.2 mL of specimen.
- Whole blood/unspun samples greater than 6 hours will be rejected.
- Samples should be sent refrigerated.
Rejection Criteria
- Common specimen rejected situations include: incorrect specimen type, insufficient volume, missing or incomplete specimen identifiers, incorrect specimen transport, or specimens outside stability limits.
- Specimens that are clotted or grossly hemolyzed.
- Specimens that were transported unspun/whole blood and draw time is greater than 6 hours
Reference Values
Test |
Age |
Sex |
Reference Range |
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin |
0 – 1 year |
Female |
Not applicable |
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin |
1 – 10 years |
Female |
28 – 124 nmol/L |
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin |
10 – 40 years |
Female |
20 – 100 nmol/L |
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin |
0 – 1 year |
Male |
Not applicable |
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin |
1 – 10 years |
Male |
28 – 124 nmol/L |
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin |
> 10 years |
Male |
10 – 80 nmol/L |
Critical Values
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
Turnaround times are relative to the time the specimen is received in the test laboratory.
STAT Turnaround Time: 1 hour
Routine Turnaround Time: up to 4 hours
Testing Schedule: 24/7
Clinical Indications
Measurement of SHBG can be an important indicator of an excessive/chronic androgenic action where androgen levels are normal, but where clinical symptoms would seem to indicate androgen in excess. SHBG is a useful supplementary parameter in the determination of androgen where a relatively high concentration of free androgen (e.g. testosterone) is suspected.
Test Components
Not applicable
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) (Roche Diagnostics)
CPT Codes
84270
LOINC Codes
TBD
Synonyms/Keyword Search
Not applicable
Additional Information
This test may be affected by biotin interference. Patients on high dose biotin (5mg/day or more) should not have samples drawn until at least 24 hours after the last biotin administration.
Last Review Date
4/16/2025
Volume
Preferred Volume: 0.5 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL