The proper clinical approach to a wide range of disorders relies on the availability of accurate, reproducible laboratory results for sexual steroids measured using methods with a high specificity and sensitivity. The chemiluminescent immunoassays currently available have analytical limitations with significant clinical implications. This position statement reviews the current limitations of laboratory techniques for the measurement of estradiol and testosterone and their impact on diverse clinical scenarios.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAccurate measurement of sex steroids, particularly testosterone and estradiol, is relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions. Unfortunately, current chemiluminescent immunoassays have analytical limitations with important clinical consequences. This document reviews the current state of clinical assays for estradiol and testosterone measurements and their potential impact in different clinical situations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEndocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed)
January 2022
Prolactin measurement is very common in standard clinical practice. It is indicated not only in the study of pituitary adenomas, but also when there are problems with fertility, decreased libido, or menstrual disorders, among other problems. Inadequate interpretation of prolactin levels without contextualizing the laboratory results with the clinical, pharmacological, and gynecological/urological history of patients leads to erroneous diagnoses and, thus, to poorly based studies and treatments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEndocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed)
April 2021
Prolactin measurement is very common in standard clinical practice. It is indicated not only in the study of pituitary adenomas, but also when there are problems with fertility, decreased libido, or menstrual disorders, among other problems. Inadequate interpretation of prolactin levels without contextualizing the laboratory results with the clinical, pharmacological, and gynecological/urological history of patients leads to erroneous diagnoses and, thus, to poorly based studies and treatments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFContext: Cushing's syndrome (CS) is challenging to diagnose. Increased prevalence of CS in specific patient populations has been reported, but routine screening for CS remains questionable. To decrease the diagnostic delay and improve disease outcomes, simple new screening methods for CS in at-risk populations are needed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Thyroglobulin (Tg), the most common marker to determine remission of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), can take 18 months or longer to be undetectable. We hypothesized that Tg stimulated after surgery and immediately before radioiodine treatment (baseline-stimulated Tg) could be a good predictor of remission at 18-24 months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of baseline-stimulated Tg as early prognostic marker of DTC.
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