Measurement of Plasma Testosterone and Δ4-Androstenedione Using Electron Capture Gas-Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

A method is presented for the estimation of testosterone and Δ⁴-androstenedione in human plasma. This consists of 1) extraction, 2) thin-layer chromatography (TLC), 3) formation of heptafluorobutyrates (HFB), 4) TLC of the HFB derivatives, and 5) GLC, using electron capture detection. Δ⁴-Androstenedione (Δ) is measured after enzymatic conversion to testosterone. This method is applicable at all levels of plasma testosterone and Δ⁴-androstenedione encountered in adults and can be completed in 3 days. Comparison with values obtained by a double-isotope method shows good agreement. The relative merits and disadvantages of electron-capture GLC are considered.