AMNIOTIC-FLUID TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN MID-PREGNANCY

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  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (6) , 690-692
Abstract
Amniotic fluid testosterone levels were measured on specimens obtained between 12-25 wk gestation from 58 [human] male-fetus and 77 female-fetus pregnancies. For male fetuses the mean .+-. SE amniotic fluid testosterone level of 223 .+-. 10 pg/ml was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the concentration found for the female fetuses (40 .+-. 2 pg/ml). The ranges were 104-424 and 18-82 pg/ml, respectively, for the same fetuses. In male fetuses the highest mean level was found during the 17th gestational week, but the mean level observed during any 1 wk was not significantly different from any other week for both sexes. These data are consistent with the concept that amniotic fluid testosterone levels may be a rapid and effective method for establishing fetal sex in utero during midgestation.