Related Experiment Videos
Reliability of salivary testosterone measurements: a multicenter evaluation
J M Dabbs1, B C Campbell, B A Gladue
1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA.
Clinical Chemistry
|November 1, 1995
Summary
This study assessed the reliability of salivary testosterone tests across multiple labs. Results show moderate to good agreement for individual testosterone levels, indicating consistent assay performance in men and women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Assay Validation
Background:
- Salivary testosterone assays are widely used in research and clinical settings.
- Ensuring the reliability and consistency of these assays across different laboratories is crucial for accurate data interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inter-laboratory reliability of salivary testosterone measurements.
- To assess the consistency of testosterone assay results across multiple international laboratories.
Main Methods:
- Nine laboratories in four countries participated in the study.
- Each laboratory utilized their own radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedures to analyze samples from 100 men and 100 women.
- Statistical analyses included intraclass correlation coefficients and Fisher's Z-transformation to assess agreement.
Main Results:
- Agreement on mean testosterone scores among laboratories was within expected ranges.
- High overall agreement on individual scores was observed (r = 0.87 for men, r = 0.78 for women).
- Average laboratory agreement for individual sample ordering was estimated at r = 0.61 for men and r = 0.58 for women.
Conclusions:
- Salivary testosterone assays demonstrate good reliability for ranking individuals within populations.
- The findings support the use of salivary testosterone measurements, with an understanding of inter-laboratory variability.
- Further standardization may enhance the precision of salivary testosterone assays globally.