madman
Super Moderator
How the CDC Clinical Standardization Programs Are Improving Hormone Tests - AACC.org
WHAT PROGRESS HAS CDC MADE WITH STANDARDIZING TOTAL TESTOSTERONE AND ESTRADIOL TESTS?
Since HoSt began in 2010, CDC has had more than 350 participants in 15 countries. Participants have shown measurable improvements for both total testosterone (TT) and estradiol (E2). Specifically, the among-laboratory bias has decreased from 16.5% in 2007 to 2.8% in 2017 for TT and from 54.8% in 2012 to 13.9% in 2017 for E2. Not only has bias improved, but data from proficiency testing programs also show that standardized testosterone assays are more accurate and consistent compared to non-standardized assays.
Recently, CDC CSP also collaborated with the Endocrine Society and PATH to develop reference ranges for testosterone in non-obese men ages 19-39 years old. These reference ranges are now part of an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline and according to this guideline can be used by laboratory tests standardized to CDC’s criteria.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS NOW THAT CDC HAS RECEIVED ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM CONGRESS FOR HARMONIZATION IN 2018?
This is the first time CDC has received dedicated funding from Congress to improve the quality and reliability of diagnostic tests for hormones. With these funds, CDC CSP plans to increase in size and scope through the addition of new programs, such as the Accuracy-based Monitoring Program for routine laboratories, and new biomarkers such as parathyroid hormones, free thyroxine, and free testosterone. CDC CSP will continue to work with stakeholders and participants to reduce calibration bias and individual sample bias in order to enhance patient care and public health.
I and many others will be looking forward to the FREE TESTOSTERONE CDC (HoSt) PROGRAM!
WHAT PROGRESS HAS CDC MADE WITH STANDARDIZING TOTAL TESTOSTERONE AND ESTRADIOL TESTS?
Since HoSt began in 2010, CDC has had more than 350 participants in 15 countries. Participants have shown measurable improvements for both total testosterone (TT) and estradiol (E2). Specifically, the among-laboratory bias has decreased from 16.5% in 2007 to 2.8% in 2017 for TT and from 54.8% in 2012 to 13.9% in 2017 for E2. Not only has bias improved, but data from proficiency testing programs also show that standardized testosterone assays are more accurate and consistent compared to non-standardized assays.
Recently, CDC CSP also collaborated with the Endocrine Society and PATH to develop reference ranges for testosterone in non-obese men ages 19-39 years old. These reference ranges are now part of an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline and according to this guideline can be used by laboratory tests standardized to CDC’s criteria.
Testosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism Guideline Resources
Recommends making a diagnosis of hypogonadism only in men with symptoms and signs consistent with testosterone (T) deficiency and unequivocally and consistently low serum T concentrations.
www.endocrine.org
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS NOW THAT CDC HAS RECEIVED ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM CONGRESS FOR HARMONIZATION IN 2018?
This is the first time CDC has received dedicated funding from Congress to improve the quality and reliability of diagnostic tests for hormones. With these funds, CDC CSP plans to increase in size and scope through the addition of new programs, such as the Accuracy-based Monitoring Program for routine laboratories, and new biomarkers such as parathyroid hormones, free thyroxine, and free testosterone. CDC CSP will continue to work with stakeholders and participants to reduce calibration bias and individual sample bias in order to enhance patient care and public health.
I and many others will be looking forward to the FREE TESTOSTERONE CDC (HoSt) PROGRAM!