Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 4-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Complete hormone picture – measures both total and free testosterone levels
- Highly accurate – uses advanced LC/MS-MS testing method
- Early detection – identifies imbalances before symptoms worsen
- Privacy and convenience – no physician referral required
- Fast results – get answers within 4-7 business days
- Morning optimization – captures peak testosterone levels for accuracy
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing fatigue, low libido, or muscle mass changes
- Women with irregular periods or excessive hair growth
- Adults monitoring testosterone replacement therapy effectiveness
- Individuals with unexplained mood changes or energy loss
- People assessing fertility or sexual dysfunction concerns
- Health-conscious adults tracking hormonal wellness proactively
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - select your test and complete checkout securely
- Visit lab location - get blood drawn at convenient nearby facility
- Receive results - access detailed report online within 4-7 business days
FAQ
What's the difference between total and free testosterone? Total testosterone measures all hormone in your blood, while free testosterone measures only the active form your body can immediately use.
When should I take this test? Morning hours are best since testosterone levels peak then, providing the most accurate baseline measurement.
Do I need to fast before testing? No fasting is required, but morning collection between 7-10 AM is recommended for optimal accuracy.
Can women take this test? Yes, this test helps women evaluate hormonal imbalances, PCOS symptoms, and fertility concerns effectively.
How often should I retest? Healthy adults can test annually, while those with symptoms or on therapy may need testing every 3-6 months.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Testosterone Free and Total Blood Test Panel measures testosterone levels in your blood to diagnose hormonal imbalances. Total testosterone accounts for all hormone in your bloodstream, both bound to proteins and unbound. Free testosterone represents the 2-3% that's biologically active and readily available for your body to use. This comprehensive analysis helps identify conditions like low testosterone, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or fertility issues (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Men with erectile dysfunction, fatigue, or depressed mood can identify low testosterone causes. Women with irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, or fertility concerns can detect conditions like PCOS (WebMD 2025). People undergoing hormone replacement therapy need regular monitoring to ensure proper dosing. Health-conscious adults can proactively assess their hormonal wellness before symptoms develop.
When should I order Testosterone Free and Total Blood Test Panel?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms like decreased libido, unexplained fatigue, muscle mass changes, or mood fluctuations. Morning collection between 7-10 AM provides the most accurate results since testosterone levels peak naturally during these hours (MedlinePlus 2025). Consider testing if you're starting or monitoring hormone therapy, investigating fertility issues, or conducting preventive health screening.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show specific testosterone levels alongside laboratory reference ranges that vary by age and sex. Levels outside these ranges may indicate hormonal imbalances requiring medical evaluation.
Below normal range
- What it means: Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
- Typical action: Medical evaluation, possible therapy
Within normal range
- What it means: Adequate testosterone levels
- Typical action: Continue monitoring if symptomatic
Above normal range
- What it means: High testosterone levels
- Typical action: Investigate underlying causes
Normal total, low free
- What it means: Binding protein issues
- Typical action: Consider SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) testing
Free testosterone testing is particularly valuable when symptoms suggest low testosterone despite normal total levels.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Schedule your blood draw for morning hours when testosterone levels are naturally highest. No fasting is required, but avoid strenuous exercise or stress before testing as these can temporarily affect hormone levels. Continue taking prescribed medications unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Inform the lab technician of any supplements or hormones you're currently taking.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your health status and treatment goals. Regular monitoring helps track changes and treatment effectiveness.
- Healthy adults (baseline screening): Every 1-2 years
- Symptomatic individuals: Every 3-6 months initially
- Hormone replacement therapy: Every 3-6 months
- PCOS monitoring: Every 6-12 months
- Fertility assessment: As recommended by specialist
Why early detection matters
Early identification of testosterone imbalances can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Low testosterone in men can lead to osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic syndrome if untreated. In women, hormonal imbalances may cause fertility problems, irregular cycles, and increased risk of diabetes. Prompt diagnosis enables timely interventions, potentially preventing progression to more serious health conditions while addressing symptoms that impact daily functioning and well-being.
Related tests you may consider
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)- Evaluates whether a person has an excess or deficiency of testosterone.
Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Blood Test Panel - Screens for issues with fertility or reporductive organs, ovulation, or pituitary function by measuring FSH and LH levels.
Prolactin Serum Test - Screens for a pituitary tumor by measuing the level of prolactin in the blood.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
