Dihydrotestosterone measurement is used to diagnose 5α-reductase deficiency and for the evaluation of androgen utilization. Dihydrotestosterone is produced by the reduction of testosterone by 5α-reductase in the target organs. Circulating dihydrotestosterone is tightly bound to sex hormone-binding globulin. The free fraction represents the dihydrotestosterone available to act on tissues.
This test was developed, and the performance characteristics determined, by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).