Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: 8–12 hours required for lipid measurements
- Turn-around: 7–10 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive hormonal assessment - Measures both total and free testosterone levels
- Monitor treatment safety - Tracks potential side effects like elevated blood cell counts
- No doctor referral required - Direct access to professional laboratory testing
- Convenient nationwide locations - Blood draw services at thousands of lab sites
- Secure online results - Confidential access to detailed reports within days
- Treatment optimization - Helps healthcare providers adjust TRT dosing effectively
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing low testosterone symptoms - Fatigue, decreased libido, muscle loss
- Individuals starting TRT - Establishing baseline hormone levels before treatment
- Current TRT patients - Quarterly monitoring for effectiveness and safety
- Men with risk factors - Obesity, diabetes, or pituitary disorders affecting hormones
- Health-conscious individuals - Proactive monitoring of hormonal health status
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order your test - No appointment needed, visit any participating lab location
- Quick blood draw - Healthcare professional collects samples via simple venipuncture
- Access results online - Secure portal delivers comprehensive reports in 7-10 days
FAQ
What hormones does this panel measure? Total testosterone, free testosterone, and related markers including complete blood count and prostate-specific antigen.
When is the best time to get tested? Schedule morning testing between 7-10 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest for most accurate results.
How often should I test while on TRT? The Endocrine Society recommends quarterly monitoring during ongoing testosterone replacement therapy (Endocrine Society 2018).
Do I need to prepare for this test? Fast 8-12 hours before testing and avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours to prevent laboratory interference.
What if my testosterone levels are low? Total testosterone below 300 ng/dL generally indicates low levels - consult with a healthcare provider for treatment options.
Can I share results with my doctor? Yes, comprehensive reports can be easily shared with healthcare providers for treatment decisions and monitoring.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel measures testosterone levels and related biomarkers to diagnose low testosterone and monitor testosterone replacement therapy effectiveness and safety. It provides a complete assessment of hormonal status while screening for potential treatment side effects (LabCorp OnDemand 2024).
The panel includes total testosterone, free testosterone, complete blood count, and prostate-specific antigen measurements. This combination allows healthcare providers to evaluate both the biological activity of testosterone and monitor for complications like elevated blood cell counts or prostate changes.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone benefit most from this comprehensive assessment. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, decreased libido, reduced muscle mass, mood changes, and erectile dysfunction. The test is particularly valuable for men over 45, as approximately 40% have testosterone levels below normal range (LabCorp OnDemand 2024).
Individuals with conditions affecting testosterone production - including obesity, diabetes, and pituitary disorders - should consider regular testing. Current TRT patients require ongoing monitoring to ensure treatment effectiveness and safety.
When should I order a Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Blood Test Panel?
Order this panel before starting TRT to establish baseline hormone levels, then quarterly during ongoing therapy for monitoring. The Endocrine Society recommends morning testing between 7-10 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest for accurate results (Endocrine Society 2018).
Consider testing if you experience persistent low testosterone symptoms or have risk factors affecting hormone production. Men on TRT should test regularly to optimize dosing and monitor for side effects.
How do I interpret the results?
Testosterone level below 300 ng/dL:
- What it means: Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
- Typical action: Consult healthcare provider for treatment options
Testosterone level between 300-1000 ng/dL:
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: Continue current approach or lifestyle optimization
Testosterone level above 1000 ng/dL:
- What it means: High levels (possible over-treatment)
- Typical action: Reduce TRT dosage, monitor closely
Free testosterone typically comprises only 2-3% of total testosterone but represents the biologically active form available for tissue use.
Total testosterone below 300 ng/dL generally supports a diagnosis of low testosterone, while the American Urological Association recommends maintaining levels in the middle tertile of normal range during treatment (American Urological Association 2023). Free testosterone provides insight into biologically active hormones, especially important when sex hormone-binding globulin abnormalities are suspected.
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 morning testing between 7-10 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest. Fast for at least 8 hours before testing if your panel includes lipid or glucose measurements. Discontinue biotin supplements at least 72 hours before testing to prevent laboratory interference.
Inform the laboratory of any medications, especially hormone therapies or steroids, as these can affect results. Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before testing, as this may temporarily alter hormone levels.
How often should I get tested?
- Before starting TRT: Baseline testing required
- First 3 months of TRT: Every 3-6 weeks for dose optimization
- Stable TRT treatment: Every 3-4 months
- Symptoms or dose changes: 4-6 weeks after adjustment
The Endocrine Society recommends regular monitoring during TRT, with more frequent testing initially and quarterly monitoring once stable dosing is achieved. Studies show 25-38% of men on TRT require dose adjustments based on regular monitoring (Marek Diagnostics 2025).
Why early detection matters
Early detection of low testosterone allows for timely intervention before symptoms significantly impact quality of life. Untreated low testosterone can lead to decreased bone density, increased cardiovascular risk, metabolic dysfunction, and reduced muscle mass.
For men on TRT, regular monitoring prevents complications like polycythemia, where men have a 3.5-fold higher risk of elevated blood cell counts (American Urological Association 2023). Early detection of side effects allows for prompt treatment adjustments.
Related tests you may consider
Estradiol Sensitive Test - Essential for monitoring testosterone conversion to estrogen during TRT, which can cause side effects like gynecomastia. Particularly important for men with higher body fat percentages.
Hormone #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel, Men - For complex symptoms or suboptimal TRT response, includes luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and thyroid function tests to identify underlying causes.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) - Critical for men over 40 on TRT to monitor prostate health, as testosterone therapy may affect prostate tissue growth.
