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Laboratory tests in endocrinology provide quick results, and modern technology is easy to use with reasonable costs. Availability and widespread use of hormone tests has indicated analytical problems, differences between results of laboratories and manufacturers, affecting comparison of test results and impairing quality health care. International professional societies and work groups undertake activities to harmonize measurement methods and recommend referent methods, define hormone forms of diagnostic importance, reference (standard) material for calibration and traits for referent populations for reference intervals. Mass spectrometry is mostly the reference method, and immunoassays need to be calibrated according to reference material and reference method. In this review the most common problems encountered in measurement of some hormones will be presented and discussed. In clinical setting of an unexpected or discordant result with regard to clinical presentation, analytical or laboratory error should be considered in differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]