Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delay.
Benefits
- No doctor visit required – order directly online with secure results
- Morning testing optimal – captures peak testosterone levels for accuracy
- Comprehensive measurement – includes both bound and free testosterone forms
- Fast results – receive confidential results within 1-3 days
- Professional quality – processed in accredited laboratories with physician review
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing fatigue, low energy, or unexplained muscle weakness
- Those with decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction concerns
- Men monitoring testosterone replacement therapy effectiveness
- Individuals concerned about fertility or reproductive health issues
- Transgender men tracking gender-affirming hormone therapy progress
- Men over 40 wanting to assess age-related hormonal changes
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – complete your purchase and receive requisition via email
- Visit lab – bring photo ID to any participating location for blood draw
- Get results – access confidential results through secure online portal
FAQ
What does this test measure? Total testosterone levels in your blood, including both bound and unbound forms of the hormone.
When is the best time to test? Morning between 7:00-11:00 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest.
Do I need to fast before testing? No fasting required, but avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before your test.
How accurate is a single test? Medical guidelines recommend two morning tests taken 2-3 weeks apart for diagnosis confirmation.
What's considered a normal testosterone level? Adult males typically range 300-800 ng/dL, with levels below 300 ng/dL potentially indicating deficiency.
Can medications affect my results? Yes, inform lab personnel about medications as some can influence testosterone levels.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures total testosterone hormone levels in your blood to detect abnormally low or high levels that may indicate hormonal imbalances. Testosterone is essential for developing male physical features, regulating sex drive, sustaining muscle mass, and supporting sperm production (Cleveland Clinic 2025). The test uses established immunoassay methodology to provide reliable hormone quantification, helping identify conditions that may cause symptoms like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or unexplained fatigue.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency would benefit most from this test. This includes those with loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility concerns, or unexplained muscle weakness (Endocrine Society 2018). The test is also valuable for men monitoring existing testosterone replacement therapy, transgender men undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy, and individuals concerned about age-related hormonal changes. Healthcare providers often recommend testing for men with enlarged breasts, decreased body hair, or brittle bones without known cause.
When should I order a Testosterone Total Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test when experiencing symptoms like loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlarged breasts, diminished body hair, unexplained muscle weakness, or brittle bones without known cause. Men over 40 with risk factors for hypogonadism should consider annual testing. If you're monitoring testosterone replacement therapy, testing every 3-6 months may be appropriate to track treatment effectiveness and adjust dosing as needed.
How do I interpret the results?
Testosterone Level: 300–800 ng/dL
- What it means: Normal range for adult males
- Typical action: Continue monitoring as needed
Testosterone Level: 150–300 ng/dL
- What it means: Borderline low
- Typical action: Retest and consider free testosterone testing
Testosterone Level: Below 150 ng/dL
- What it means: Significantly low
- Typical action: Consult healthcare provider
Testosterone Level: Above 800 ng/dL
- What it means: Above normal range
- Typical action: Further evaluation recommended
The American Urological Association recommends using total testosterone below 300 ng/dL as a reasonable cut-off for diagnosing testosterone deficiency when symptoms are present (AUA 2024).
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
No special preparation or fasting is required before this test. For most accurate results, schedule your blood draw in the morning between 7:00 and 11:00 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest. Avoid strenuous physical activity 24 hours before testing, as it may temporarily affect results. Inform laboratory personnel about any medications you're taking, as some can influence testosterone levels. Bring a valid photo ID to your appointment.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms: Two tests 2–3 weeks apart
- Monitoring testosterone therapy: Every 3–6 months
- Men over 40 with risk factors: Annually
- Transgender men on hormone therapy: Every 3–6 months initially
- General wellness screening: Every 2–3 years after age 40
Why early detection matters
Testosterone deficiency affects approximately 5.6% of men aged 30-79, with prevalence increasing substantially with age to 18.4% among men in their 70s (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2007). Early detection allows for timely intervention to address symptoms like fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and reduced quality of life. Untreated testosterone deficiency can impact bone density, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Regular monitoring helps maintain optimal hormone levels and prevents complications associated with prolonged deficiency.
Related tests you may consider
Free Testosterone Test– Measures only the biologically active, unbound portion of testosterone, particularly valuable when total testosterone is borderline or protein binding conditions exist.
Testosterone Free (Direct) and Total Testosterone Test – Combines both measurements for comprehensive evaluation, especially useful when total testosterone results are inconclusive.
Health Check Blood and Urine Test Panel, Men – Comprehensive screening including testosterone plus complete blood count, metabolic panel, cholesterol, PSA, DHEA-S, Vitamin D, and urinalysis markers for overall health assessment.
