Measurement of the ratio of urinary testosterone to urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) can detect anabolic steroid abuse. Chronic testosterone use reduces the production of LH, with reduction in its excretion, increasing the ratio.
Urine specimens collected on short notice are considered more effective in the detection of anabolic steroid use.
The molecular weight of testosterone is 288.4. The conversion factor for µg/L to nmol/L is 3.47.
ratio of urinary testosterone to urinary LH in µg/IU =
= (urinary concentration of testosterone in µg/L) / (urinary LH in IU/L)
Interpretation:
• A ratio >= 30 is a sensitive marker for anabolic steroid use then the testosterone epitestosterone ratio. It is also positive for a longer period after use (up to 9 weeks for the testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio; up to 25 weeks for the testosterone-to-LH ratio).
Performance:
• Urine ratios have the advantage of being independent of urine volume and some other factors that influence the absolute concentration.
• A cutoff of >= 30 is 76% sensitive and 86% specific.
• A cutoff of >= 74 is 52% sensitive and 100% specific.
Limitations:
• There is no reference method for LH although there is a reference preparation (WHO 68/40).
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
