Test Name
SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN
Aliases
SEX STEROID BINDING PROTEIN, TESTOSTERONE-OESTRADIOL BINDING GLOBULIN, ESTOSTERONE-ESTRADIOL BINDING GLOBULIN.
Abbreviations
SHBG, SBP, TOBG, TEBG
Test Classification
INDIVIDUAL
Department
SPECIAL CHEMISTRY
Sub Department
-
TAT Category
ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME
Estimated TAT
5
TAT Units
DAYS
Test Requirements
Serum in plain tube (red top) or SST tube (yellow top) or in a separation vial. Centrifuge tubes within 1 hour. Separate centrifuged serum in plain tubes within 1 hour.
Clinical Utility
SHBG is the major sex steroid binding protein & influences bioavailable levels of testosterone. Further testing when total testosterone levels are discordant with signs & symptoms e.g. calculation of free androgen index from total testosterone & SHBG levels. Also used in evaluation of patients with features of androgen excess (hirsutism, PCOS etc.)
Last Review
26th Feb 2026