IDS-iSYS Free Testosterone Launch
We are pleased to announce the launch of the IDS-iSYS Free Testosterone assay in the European market – a fully automated assay for use with the IDS-iSYS Multi-Discipline Automated System.
The launch of the IDS-iSYS Free Testosterone assay is the latest addition to the new fertility (steroid hormones) portfolio.
The IDS-iSYS Free Testosterone assay measures a patient’s Free Testosterone level and offers clinicians an additional, non-invasive way to support diagnosis of disorders involving the male sex hormones (androgens).
In males, Testosterone (17β-OH-4-androstene-3-one) is synthesised and secreted by the Leydig cells located in the interstitium of the testis, and in females testosterone is produced in various locations such as the ovaries, adrenal gland and peripheral tissues, with additional production due to inter-conversion from other steroid hormones. Testosterone is found in circulation predominantly linked to carrier proteins, the most common of which being sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
Measurement of free testosterone can be considered useful in the diagnosis of several conditions including androgen deficiency in men and androgen excess in women1. Assessment of free testosterone levels may prove beneficial2 and may avoid an incorrect diagnosis of hypogonadism in cases when low concentrations of total testosterone are determined and alterations of SHBG are suspected.
The IDS-iSYS Free Testosterone assay is a unique assay within the developing IDS fertility portfolio.
References
1 Shea JL, Wong PY, Chen Y. Free testosterone: clinical utility and important analytical aspects of measurement. Adv Clin Chem. 2014;63:59-84
2 Diver MJ. Analytical and physiological factors affecting the interpretation of serum testosterone concentration in men. Ann Clin Biochem. 2006 Jan;43(Pt 1):3-12.