The journey from the old to the new AMH assay: how to avoid getting lost in the values

Nelson, S.M. and La Marca, A. (2011) The journey from the old to the new AMH assay: how to avoid getting lost in the values. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 23(4), pp. 411-420. (doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.06.011)

Abstract

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is set to dominate reproductive endocrinology because of its unique relationship with the ovarian reserve. To date half of the published articles have used the Diagnostic Systems Lab (DSL) assay and the other half the Immunotech (IOT) assay. Unfortunately, these assays utilize two different primary antibodies against AMH and different standards, and consequently the crude values reported can differ substantially, with the IOT assay giving values for AMH that are higher than those obtained with the DSL assay. With the recent consolidation of these two companies by Beckman Coulter, and their sole ownership of the patent to measure mammalian AMH, there is finally a single commercially available assay - the AMH Gen II assay, which will fully replace the DSL and IOT assays. The aim of this article is to briefly focus on the different assays for AMH evaluation in order to give readers hopefully helpful suggestions for a correct interpretation of the AMH measurement. A brief overview on the development and performance characteristics of the new assay, how it relates to previous values and previously developed nomograms and where the future lies for AMH is also provided. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is increasingly being used by gynaecologists and fertility specialists to individualize treatment and accurately manage a patient's expectations. To date, there have been two companies producing different assays to measure AMH; however, both companies have now been bought by Beckman Coulter who have decided to remove both assays from the market and replace it with the AMH Generation II assay, using the best bits of both assays. Given that Beckman Coulter own the patent for the measurement of AMH, this assay will dominate for the foreseeable future. In this paper we review the development of the assays and provide guidance on how clinicians can interpret both the historical assay results and also how to place these in the context of the new assay as we move forward.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: AMH, anti-Mullerian hormone, IVF, ovarian reserve, pregnancy
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Nelson, Professor Scott
• Authors: Nelson, S.M., and La Marca, A.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Reproductive BioMedicine Online
• ISSN: 1472-6483
• ISSN (Online): 1472-6491

Related URLs

• PubMed