Testosterone Free and Total Blood Test Panel

Quick Facts

• Sample: Blood
• Fasting: No special preparation is required.
• Turnaround: 4-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.

What's Included

Testosterone, Free

• Testosterone, Free: The portion of testosterone circulating in the blood that is not bound to proteins and is available to enter cells and exert biological effects.

Testosterone, Total

• Testosterone, Total: The total amount of testosterone in the blood, including testosterone bound to proteins and testosterone circulating freely.

Lab Note: Biomarkers tested may vary slightly between labs. Check the sample report for details. 

Benefits

• Measures total and free testosterone together in one panel.
• Uses the LC/MS-MS method for total testosterone.
• Shows overall testosterone alongside the portion not attached to proteins.
• Gives your provider hormone data to discuss symptoms like tiredness or muscle loss.

Who Is This Test For?

• Women who want to check their testosterone levels.
• Men with low testosterone (hypogonadal males) who want total and free levels measured.
• People with symptoms of low testosterone, such as tiredness or muscle loss.
• People who want to review their testosterone results with a healthcare provider.

How It Works

1. Order Your Test Online
2. Visit a Local Lab
3. Get Results Online

FAQ

1. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?

No special preparation is required.

2. How quickly will I get results?

Turnaround is 4-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.

3. What can my results tell me?

Testosterone circulates in two forms: attached to proteins and unattached. Together, the two tests show the overall amount of testosterone in your blood and the portion your body can freely use. Seeing both side by side gives you and your provider more context than either measurement alone.

4. How do the tests in this panel differ from one another?

The total test counts all testosterone in your blood, including testosterone attached to proteins, and is performed by LC/MS-MS. Its results are reported as Testosterone, Total, LC/MS and Testosterone, Total, MS. The free serum test looks only at testosterone that is not attached to proteins, reported as Free Testosterone (Direct) and Testosterone, Free. Specific biomarkers may vary slightly between labs.

5. How do I interpret the results?

Meaning comes from the pattern across your total and free values, viewed alongside your symptoms and medical history. Each test answers a different question, so the two values may not tell the same story. The method used and the performing lab also matter. A qualified healthcare provider can put your numbers in context.

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.

6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by sharing the full report with a qualified healthcare provider. One out-of-range value is only a single data point, and your provider will weigh it against your other results and your overall health. They can explain what the pattern means for you and whether any further evaluation makes sense.

Pre-test preparation

No special preparation is required.