Name of the Procedure:

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Test

Summary

A DHT test measures the levels of dihydrotestosterone in your blood. DHT is an androgen, a male sex hormone, that is derived from testosterone and plays a key role in developing male characteristics and secondary sexual attributes.

Purpose

The DHT test is primarily used to evaluate conditions related to abnormal androgen levels. These can include:

• Diagnosing and managing conditions like male pattern baldness, prostate issues, and certain hormonal disorders.
• Assessing patients with symptoms of androgen insensitivity or excess, such as hirsutism in women.

The goal of the procedure is to provide precise measurement of DHT levels to aid in the diagnosis and treatment plan for conditions related to hormone imbalance.

Indications

• Symptoms of androgen excess like severe acne, hirsutism (excessive body hair), or male-pattern baldness.
• Monitoring and evaluation of conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.
• Investigating concerns related to pubertal development issues.

Preparation

• The patient may need to fast or avoid certain medications before the test, as instructed by the healthcare provider.
• A detailed medical history and any current medications should be reviewed with the doctor.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein, typically in your arm.
2. The area will be cleaned and sterilized.
3. A needle will be inserted to collect the blood into a vial or syringe.
4. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Tools and equipment:

• Sterile needle and syringe
• Tourniquet
• Antiseptic swab
• Blood collection vials

No anesthesia or sedation is required for this non-invasive procedure.

Duration

The blood draw typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic, hospital laboratory, or diagnostic center.

Personnel

• Phlebotomist or nurse to draw the blood.
• Laboratory technician to analyze the blood sample.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks include mild discomfort, bruising, or slight bleeding at the puncture site.
• Rarely, there can be infection or phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein.

Benefits

• Accurate measurement of DHT levels to help diagnose and manage various conditions.
• Quick and minimally invasive procedure with immediate return to normal activities.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care involves keeping the puncture site clean and monitoring for any signs of infection.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the blood draw.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss test results and treatment options.

Alternatives

• Alternative hormone tests such as testosterone levels, and other androgen markers.
• Imaging studies or physical examinations might also provide relevant diagnostic information.
• The choice of testing depends on the specific clinical scenario and patient history.

Patient Experience

• During the blood draw, the patient might feel a quick pinch or stinging sensation.
• Mild discomfort might persist briefly after the needle is removed.
• Applying pressure and a bandage to the puncture site can aid in minimizing bruising and bleeding.
• The entire process is typically brief and straightforward, with patients feeling little to no residual effects.