Newcastle Laboratories

SHBG, serum

Clinical Background:

SHBG is a glycoprotein, synthesized in the liver and responsible for both transport and regulation of activity of the sex steroids testosterone and oestradiol. The activity of testosterone and oest...

SHBG is a glycoprotein, synthesized in the liver and responsible for both transport and regulation of activity of the sex steroids testosterone and oestradiol. The activity of testosterone and oestradiol is thought to be due to the unbound fractions. SHBG has a single binding site for these steroid hormones. The production of SHBG is increased by oestrogens (and thyroxine) and decreased by androgens. This effect, combined with a greater affinity for testosterone than oestradiol, will modulate the physiological action of either testosterone or oestradiol and hence the sex hormone balance.
If oestradiol production increases, the unbound (physiologically active) oestradiol rises and SHBG production is stimulated. This causes a differential fall in unbound testosterone, tipping the sex hormone balance further in favour of oestradiol e.g. as in pregnancy. An increase in testosterone production, by causing a fall in SHBG, will amplify its own effect leading to a differential rise in unbound (physiologically active) testosterone relative to oestradiol, as in males. Of particular value is the determination of SHBG levels in the investigation of hirsutism/hyperandrogenism in females where low levels of SHBG may be found.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Biochemistry

    Biochemistry

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

    Serum (SST or plain tube)

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    1 mL blood

    1 mL blood

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    1 mL blood

    1 mL blood

  • Sample Stability:

    Unseparated sample: unknown
    Separated sample: unknown at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 1 month at -20°C

     

     

    Unseparated sample: unknown
    Separated sample: unknown at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 1 month at -20°C

     

     

  • Transport Requirements:

    Ambient

    Ambient

  • Interpretation:

    Raised levels of SHBG are found in:
    Pregnancy
    Thyrotoxicosis
    Gynaecomastia
    Male
    Hypogonadism
    Liver Cirrhosis
    Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

    Decreased levels of SHBG are found in:
    Hirsuitism
    Pol...

    Raised levels of SHBG are found in:
    Pregnancy
    Thyrotoxicosis
    Gynaecomastia
    Male
    Hypogonadism
    Liver Cirrhosis
    Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

    Decreased levels of SHBG are found in:
    Hirsuitism
    Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS)
    Acromegaly
    Cushing's Disease
    Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
    Hepatic Steatosis

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  • Reference Ranges:

    Male:

    Up to 20 years: No information available

    20 to 49 years: 18 – 54 nmol/L

    50 years and over: 21 – 77 nmol/L

     

    Female:

     Up to 20 years: No information available

     20 to 49 years: 32 – 128 nmol/L

    ...

    Male:

    Up to 20 years: No information available

    20 to 49 years: 18 – 54 nmol/L

    50 years and over: 21 – 77 nmol/L

     

    Female:

     Up to 20 years: No information available

     20 to 49 years: 32 – 128 nmol/L

     50 years and over: 27 – 128 nmol/L

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  • Other Info:

    Lithium heparin plasma samples also acceptable

    Lithium heparin plasma samples also acceptable

  • Routine Contact Name:

    Duty Biochemist

  • Routine Telephone:

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889

    RVI: 0191 282 9719

    Freeman: 0191 244 8889

    RVI: 0191 282 9719

  • Routine Email:

Availability:

24/7, analysed at RVI

Turn Around:

Within 2 full access days

Send To:

Department of Blood Sciences

Level 3
Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4LP

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