Serum AMH

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

When this test is required

An AMH blood test may be requested in the following circumstances: When a woman has been referred for assisted conception procedures. During investigation of abnormal sexual development. AMH may be requested in the newborn period when an infant has ambiguous genitalia or in a male child with undescended testicles. When a woman has an AMH-producing ovarian tumour

What the Test Detects

The test measures a hormone called anti – Müllerian hormone (AMH). This hormone is very important during the development of the male foetus as it is essential for the formation of male reproductive organs.In males, AMH is generated within cells in the testes. AMH is detectable at birth in males and levels rise rapidly in infancy. After puberty, the levels of AMH decline in men.In females, small amounts of AMH are produced by developing follicles in the ovaries. At birth and in childhood the level of AMH in girls is very low, but increases significantly at puberty reaching a peak in early adulthood. As women age, the number of follicles (which produce AMH) decreases and so the level of AMH declines and becomes undetectable after the menopause. AMH levels in women therefore reflect the declining ovarian function, and its measurement is said to indicate ovarian reserve.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

No test preparation is needed

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from the vein in your arm or from a heel prick in an infant

Additional Notes

AMH is a relatively new diagnostic test. Some in the medical community may advocate its use for other clinical situations, (not discussed here) however further evidence is required before these uses become accepted routinely in the UK.

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