What is SHBG?
SHBG is the abbreviation for Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. This is a protein that is made by the liver and can bind to sex hormones in both men and women. These are the hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol. SHBG regulates the amount of hormones that are delivered to our body tissues.What do we determine during the SHBG test?
Although SHBG can bind to the three hormones mentioned above, the SHBG test is mainly used to examine testosterone. While a testosterone test looks at the amount of testosterone , an SHBG test can show how much of this is used in the body. This can be useful when you want to achieve balance in the sex hormones. In women, symptoms often include excessive hair growth and an irregular menstrual cycle. In men, symptoms often include reduced libido and infertility.
In most cases, results are available within 24 hours.
When should you opt for an SHBG test?
This SHBG blood test is recommended when:- A testosterone test cannot fully explain your symptoms
- For symptoms such as infertility and reduced libido in men
- For symptoms such as irregular menstruation and excessive hair growth in women
Why an SHBG test?
Sometimes a testosterone determination is not sufficient to explain the symptoms. In that case, it may be wise to look at how much testosterone your body uses. This can be properly investigated using the SHBG blood test.How accurate is the SHBG blood test?
The accuracy of the test for SHBG is conducted through ISO-certified laboratories. The accuracy of a test method is expressed in terms of specificity and sensitivity. However, the most important aspect is that the results are interpreted and accepted among general practitioners and hospitals. This is the case with our venous samples. Mutual acceptance may not always be present due to potentially reduced reliability with a capillary sample.
How long does it take to receive the results of a SHBG blood test?
Most tests generally take 24-48 hours. Tests that go through an LC-MS method generally take longer, think about an average of 3-7 working days. Additionally, it also depends on the location. Some locations do the analysis themselves and others outsource it to another lab.
How do I interpret the results of a SHBG blood test?
Interpreting the results of SHBG is not always easy and should be seen in the broader picture, along with anamnesis and physical examination. In the doctor's advice section, the query in which you can already outline your complaints is taken into account, otherwise, the results are interpreted in conjunction with the other results. If necessary, the doctor can call to ask about physical abnormalities. You don't have to interpret the results yourself because there is always advice and explanation from the doctor.
What should I do if my results from a SHBG blood test are abnormal?
If the results of the test for SHBG are clinically significantly abnormal, the doctor will contact you by phone. If you are not reachable, you will receive an email. This includes advice and an explanation of the abnormal results and what you can do about them. If you need a prescription or referral, we can help with that.
How much does a SHBG blood test cost? Is it covered by insurance?
The costs of SHBG can be found on the product page. Depending on your insurance and additional packages, you may be reimbursed for these costs for SHBG. For example, tests for IVF treatment are often reimbursed. After your order, you will receive an invoice that you can submit to your insurance.
How can I order a SHBG blood test?
The ordering process is easy. You can add a SHBG test or the tests you want to your shopping cart. In step two, you fill in your details and pay. Then you will receive an email confirmation and you can go to a collection location. After you have been there, you will receive the results of the SHBG test in your Portal.
Is my data safe when I get a SHBG blood test?
We are certified-ready according to the NEN 7510 and 7512 standards for secure data transfer in healthcare. The Portal is secured with two-factor authentication. Your data is also encrypted. We do not send the results of SHBG to third parties without permission, not even to your general practitioner without your consent.
Do I need to visit a clinic for a SHBG blood test, or can it be done remotely?
The blood test for SHBG must take place at one of the collection locations we provide. At certain locations, it is possible for a phlebotomist to come to you. You can indicate this during checkout. An appointment will then be made as soon as possible to come to your home.
How do I book an appointment for SHBG blood test?
You can easily make an appointment for SHBG blood test after your order in your Portal. You can visit almost daily in all major cities in the Netherlands. In smaller cities, you can visit on certain days. At certain locations, it is also possible to visit on weekends.
Is a doctor's interpretation included in a SHBG blood test?
An interpretation by a doctor or an explanation is included in the SHBG test. The explanation takes into account the query that you can specify in your Portal after ordering.
How does a SHBG blood test differ from over-the-counter tests?
For blood tests, we always use venous sampling. This is the gold standard for blood collection. Over-the-counter tests, such as a finger prick test, use the capillary route for blood collection. These do not always give the same results and the accuracy depends on how, where, and with which technique the collection is done. The advantage, of course, is that the test is easier and less painful to take.
What payment options are available for a SHBG blood test?
You can always pay with iDeal and credit card (VISA, Mastercard, and Amex). This also includes Apple Pay. The phlebotomists at the collection location cannot accept cash payments.
Are the results of a SHBG blood test shareable with my doctor?
The results of Labplusarts can be shared with your general practitioner at your request. However, you can also easily arrange this yourself by downloading the result in PDF format. Because we use comparable test methods as the general practitioner, the results are interchangeable and comparable so that comparisons can be made well.
