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Free Testosterone Assessment

Meaning

Free Testosterone Assessment is a clinical diagnostic procedure used to accurately measure the biologically active fraction of testosterone that is unbound to plasma proteins, primarily Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) and albumin. This measurement is considered a more accurate indicator of androgenic status and tissue-level biological effect than total testosterone, as only the free fraction can readily diffuse into target cells to interact with androgen receptors. The assessment is crucial for diagnosing subtle hypogonadism, evaluating androgen-related symptoms, and monitoring the efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy. Precise determination requires specialized laboratory techniques, such as equilibrium dialysis or mass spectrometry.