Hormone Assays in Biological Fluids

This book reviews common techniques used to measure hormones as well as relatively new methods such as tandem mass spectrometry. It features step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Hormone measurement is necessary for the diagnosis of a wide range of clinical conditions and is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. As the number of hormone requests in the clinical field rises exponentially, it has become imperative to create hormone assays accessible to researchers with a varied range of equipment. Hormone Assays in Biological Fluids, Second Edition reviews common techniques used to measure hormones as well as relatively new methods such as tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, subsequent chapters detail methods for a broad range of hormones; Techniques and principles covered are transferable to a wide range of substances across species. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and easily accessible, Hormone Assays in Biological Fluids, Second Edition will serve students, technologists, laboratory scientists, and researchers looking to apply, or attain a greater understanding of, methods for measuring hormones.

Includes cutting-edge methods and protocols Provides step-by-step detail essential for reproducible results Contains key notes and implementation advice from the experts

Inhalt

A Short History of Hormone Measurement.- Immunoassay Techniques.- Introduction to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.- Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Hormone Measurement.- Methods for the Investigation of Thyroid Functions.- The Measurement of LH, FSH and Prolactin.- Assays of GH, IGF-1 and IGF Binding Protein-3.- Measurement of Arginine Vasopressin.- The Measurement of Anti-Müllerian Hormone.- Measurement of Gut Hormones in Plasma.- Measurement of Melatonin and 6-Sulphatoxymelatonin.- Measurement of Glucocorticoids in Biological Fluids.- Measurement of Androgens.- Measurement of Aldosterone in Blood.- Measurement of Plasma Renin Activity.- Measurement of Vitamin D.- Urine Steroid Profiling.- Internal Quality Control.- External Quality Assessment Schemes for Immunoassays.