What is the Origin of DUTCH Testing?

The methodology was developed by a specialized laboratory to overcome the limitations of traditional hormone testing by integrating the ease of collection associated with saliva testing and the comprehensive metabolic insights provided by 24-hour urine collection. The innovation lies in the use of dried urine strips, which stabilize the metabolites and allow for the measurement of both parent hormones and their downstream breakdown products, offering a more nuanced understanding of endocrine activity.

What is the Mechanism of DUTCH Testing?

The mechanism relies on the renal excretion of steroid hormones and their phase I and phase II metabolites, which are the byproducts of hepatic and extra-hepatic metabolism. After the patient collects urine samples on filter paper at specific times, the dried samples are analyzed using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. This analysis quantifies the biologically active hormones alongside their metabolic clearance pathways, such as the 2-OH, 4-OH, and 16-OH estrogen metabolites, which provides clinically actionable data on hormone balance and potential health risks.

DUTCH Testing ∞ Area

DUTCH Testing

Meaning

DUTCH is an acronym for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, representing a non-invasive, advanced laboratory method used in endocrinology to measure the levels of various steroid hormones and their key metabolites. This testing modality provides a detailed, multi-day profile of hormone production and clearance, offering a more complete clinical picture than single-point serum or saliva measurements. It is particularly valuable for assessing adrenal function, sex hormone metabolism, and the pathways of estrogen detoxification.