Investigations
1st investigations to order
clinical diagnosis
Test
Usually no testing is necessary.
Result
clinical features of acne vulgaris
Investigations to consider
hormonal evaluation
Test
Rarely required.[36]
Free testosterone is the most sensitive test to establish the presence of hyperandrogenism; ordered only when there is concern for hyperandrogenism.
A 17-hydroxyprogesterone test is used to identify the most common type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, sometimes called 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
If laboratory tests are abnormal, refer to an endocrinologist. See Polycystic ovary syndrome and Precocious puberty.
Result
elevated total testosterone, dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, decreased 21-hydroxylase
bacterial culture
Test
Rarely required.[36]
Ordered only when standard treatments are not efficacious and there is clinical suspicion of gram-negative folliculitis.
Collect a sample from multiple inflammatory lesions and also from a pustule if present.
Treatment based on isolation and sensitivities of bacteria.
Result
positive culture of gram-negative bacteria
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