The impact of assay sensitivity in the assessment of diseases and disorders in children.
Accurate measurement of the low levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E(2)) present in normal children and in children with disorders of puberty and sexual development is critical both for appropriate diagnosis and treatment and for clinical research studies. However, measurement of these levels lacks needed precision because of inadequate sensitivity of most commercially available assays and poor accuracy at the low levels found in normal childhood and most disorders. While immunoassays presently do not appear to have the potential to provide more accurate measurements, isotope dilution-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry techniques offer promise to meet this need to improve clinical care and research.
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA.
Samar N
SN
Rahhal
John S
JS
Fuqua
Peter A
PA
Lee
D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol