Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) [Plasma]

. Intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) is a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that helps regulate calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood.
. It is used to diagnose parathyroid disorders such as hyperparathyroidism (primary, secondary, or tertiary), hypoparathyroidism, and related calcium imbalances.
. iPTH testing also helps monitor bone health, assess chronic kidney disease-related bone disorders, and evaluate unexplained hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia. Additionally, it is used after parathyroid surgery to confirm success and detect recurrence.
. iPTH results are interpreted alongside calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels for a comprehensive evaluation.

. The Free Testosterone Index (FTI) is a calculated value that helps assess the amount of free (bioactive) testosterone in the body, which is not bound to proteins like Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) or albumin, and is essential for functions like libido, muscle mass, and bone density.
. FTI is particularly useful in cases where SHBG levels are abnormal (e.g., in liver disease, obesity, or thyroid disorders), as these variations can significantly affect the interpretation of total testosterone levels that may not accurately reflect the bioactive hormone levels.
. It is used to evaluate conditions related to testosterone imbalance, such as hypogonadism, androgen excess (e.g., PCOS), and infertility.

A proinsulin test measures the amount of proinsulin in your blood. Proinsulin is a building block of insulin, which helps your body turn food into energy. 

. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein primarily produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones, such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol, in the blood.
. SHBG regulates the amount of free (active) testosterone and other sex hormones available for the body to use.
. It is used to evaluate conditions related to abnormal hormone levels, such as infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism, and androgen deficiency in men.
. The test is often combined with total testosterone to calculate free testosterone index (FTI) for a comprehensive hormone evaluation.

. Progesterone is a hormone primarily produced by the ovaries, specifically by the corpus luteum after ovulation, and to a lesser extent by the adrenal glands and placenta during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for potential pregnancy, and maintaining a pregnancy once conception occurs. Progesterone is essential for implantation of the fertilized egg and the early development of the fetus.
. In women, progesterone levels are typically tested to evaluate ovarian function, assess ovulation (especially during fertility treatments), monitor pregnancy, or diagnose luteal phase defects (a condition where there is insufficient progesterone for pregnancy maintenance). It can also help in diagnosing miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy when progesterone levels are abnormal.