Sex-Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Clinical Biochemistry
Sample and container requirements
Serum Lithium Heparin Plasma (paediatrics only)
Minimum volume required
Special requirements
None
Patient preparation
None
Sample viability
Turnaround time
3 days
Reference range
Females: 20 – 155 nmol/L Males: 14 – 71 nmol/L (Source: Abbott Diagnostics)
Clinical guidance
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein synthesised by the liver. Circulating androgen and eostrogen concentrations influence SHBG synthesis. The regulation of SHBG synthesis, combined with the higher affinity of SHBG for testosterone, impacts bioavailable testosterone concentrations. It can be measured to investigate conditions related to abnormal levels of sex hormones, such as infertility, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) or disorders affecting testosterone levels. Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about SHBG. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/sex-hormone-binding-globulin-shbg
Notes
Images to go here
This information was last updated on 19 August 2026