Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required; morning draw (8–10 AM) strongly recommended
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer due to weather, holidays, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Measures total, free, and bioavailable testosterone in one convenient panel.
- No doctor's referral needed—order online and visit a local lab on your schedule.
- HIPAA-confidential results protect your privacy at every step.
- Includes albumin and SHBG measurements for the most complete androgen picture.
- Affordable direct-access pricing with no surprise fees.
- Actionable data to guide conversations with your physician about treatment options.
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing low-T symptoms — fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or mood changes.
- Men over 40 monitoring age-related testosterone decline or managing comorbidities like obesity or type 2 diabetes.
- Men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) who need routine monitoring to ensure therapy is working safely.
- Men with abnormal SHBG levels — bioavailable testosterone gives a more accurate picture than total T alone when SHBG is irregular.
- Health-conscious men seeking proactive, baseline hormonal data without waiting for a clinical referral.
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — select this test, complete checkout, and receive your lab requisition instantly.
- Visit a nearby lab — bring your requisition and a valid ID to a partnered collection site.
- Review your results — receive secure results online within 3–5 business days.
FAQ
What does this panel actually measure? It measures total testosterone via immunoassay, plus albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Free and bioavailable testosterone are then calculated from those values, giving you a complete androgen profile.
Do I need to fast before this test? Fasting is not required. However, because testosterone levels naturally peak in the morning, it is recommended to have your blood drawn between 8–10 AM for the most accurate result. Avoid high-dose biotin (vitamin B7) supplements for at least 72 hours before your draw .
Why measure bioavailable testosterone instead of just total testosterone? Most testosterone is tightly bound to SHBG and unavailable to your cells. Bioavailable testosterone — the free plus albumin-bound fraction — reflects what your body can actually use. This is especially important when SHBG levels are abnormal
What if my result is low? A total testosterone below 300 ng/dL, confirmed by two separate morning draws, supports a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency. Low results combined with symptoms warrant a conversation with your physician about next steps
Is this test available for women? This specific test is validated for adult males only. The immunoassay method is calibrated for typical male testosterone ranges and is less precise at the very low concentrations found in females
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This panel evaluates your androgen status by quantifying total testosterone alongside albumin and SHBG, then calculating the free and bioavailable fractions. It is the gold-standard screening tool for male hypogonadism — a condition affecting an estimated 40% of American men over 45 — and provides the data needed to decide whether testosterone therapy is appropriate
Who would benefit from this test?
Men with symptoms including low energy, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, loss of muscle mass, or increased body fat should consider this test. It is also valuable for men already on TRT who need periodic monitoring, and for those with obesity or type 2 diabetes — both conditions strongly linked to lower testosterone levels.
When should I order Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total?
Order this test if you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, are aged 40 or older, or have risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a history of pituitary disorders. If a previous total testosterone result was borderline low, this panel — with its bioavailable fraction — provides more diagnostic clarity. Because levels fluctuate daily, morning collection is recommended, and the AUA (2018) advises confirming a low result with a second morning draw on a separate day.
How do I interpret the results?
Total Testosterone:
- 250–827 ng/dL (adult males)
- May indicate: Below 300 ng/dL + symptoms = possible hypogonadism
Free Testosterone:
- 46–224 pg/mL (ages 18–69)
- May indicate: Low free T with normal total T suggests high SHBG
Bioavailable Testosterone:
- 110–575 ng/dL (ages 18–69)
- May indicate: Best reflects biologically usable testosterone
SHBG:
- Reference range reported with panel
- May indicate: Elevated SHBG lowers bioavailable T even if total T is normal
Fast fact: Immunoassay correlates strongly with mass spectrometry (R² >0.95) in the normal male range, making it a reliable and cost-effective first-line method for most adult men.
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
- Draw blood between 8–10 AM when testosterone is naturally highest.
- Fasting is not required, but avoid large, fatty meals immediately beforehand.
- Stop high-dose biotin supplements (vitamin B7/B8/H) at least 72 hours before your draw — biotin can interfere with immunoassay results.
- If you suspect low testosterone, plan for a possible second confirmatory draw on a different day, per AUA guidelines
How often should I get tested?
- Baseline screening (no symptoms): Once, then annually if borderline
- Symptomatic, awaiting diagnosis: Two morning draws on separate days
- On testosterone replacement therapy: Every 3–6 months initially, then every 6–12 months once stable
- Managing obesity or type 2 diabetes: Annually, or as recommended by your physician
- After significant lifestyle change (weight loss, new medication): 3–6 months post-change
Why early detection matters
Hypogonadism affects an estimated 38.5–38.7% of US men over 50, with prevalence rising alongside obesity rates (Journal of Urology Surgery, 2024 — https://jurolsurgery.org/articles/hypogonadism-prevalence-and-correlation-with-aging-male-symptoms-and-international-index-of-er). Left untreated, low testosterone is associated with reduced bone density, increased cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and diminished quality of life. Early identification — before symptoms become severe — gives you and your physician the most treatment options and the best outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Serum Test - Evaluates whether a person has an excess or deficiency of testosterone.
Estradiol (E2) Blood Test - Measures the E2 hormone levels in the blood to detect an abnormal level or hormone imbalance.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
