A method for the determination of plasma testosterone by competitive protein-binding after chromatography on Sephadex LH-20

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of testosterone in plasma by a competitive protein-binding technique. The procedure includes ether extraction and chromatography on Sephadex LH-20. Sex steroid-binding plasma protein (SBP), present in pregnancy plasma, was used as the binding protein and bound testosterone was precipitated with saturated ammonium sulphate solution. The mean plasma testosterone found in normal females was 45.5 ng/100 ml (range 27.6–68.7) and in normal males: 427.8 ng/100 ml (range 280–597.5). Values for a number of endocrinological disorders are also reported. The suitability of the method for clinical use is discussed.