Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from vein
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Take control of your hormonal health — Monitor testosterone levels without needing a doctor's appointment first
- Gold-standard accuracy — Uses LC-MS/MS methodology for precise results, especially at low concentrations
- Convenient nationwide testing — Choose from nearly 2,000 collection locations across the country
- Fast, confidential results — Secure online delivery within 1-2 days, protected by HIPAA privacy
- Morning optimization — Schedule between 7-10 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest
Who Is This Test For?
- Men over 45 experiencing fatigue, low libido, or erectile dysfunction symptoms
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts monitoring hormonal responses to training programs
- Individuals on testosterone therapy requiring regular treatment effectiveness monitoring
- Women with PCOS symptoms like irregular periods, acne, or excess hair growth
- Transgender men tracking hormone therapy progress and optimization
- Anyone investigating fertility concerns or unexplained reproductive health issues
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Simple checkout process with immediate test requisition number
- Visit a collection center — Professional blood draw at your chosen location with photo ID
- Get secure results — Access your results online within 1-3 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Total testosterone in your blood, including both bound and free hormone levels.
Why test in the morning? Testosterone levels are highest between 7-10 AM, providing the most accurate baseline measurement (Mount Sinai 2025).
How accurate are the results? LC-MS/MS methodology provides gold-standard accuracy with detection limits three times lower than traditional methods (Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2022).
Do I need to fast for this test? No fasting required, but maintain normal sleep patterns and avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before testing.
Can women take this test? Yes, women can test for conditions like PCOS or hyperandrogenism that cause elevated testosterone levels.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and potential additional testing or treatment options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Testosterone Total Serum Test measures the complete amount of testosterone hormone in your blood, including both bound and free testosterone. This comprehensive measurement helps diagnose conditions like hypogonadism in men or hyperandrogenism in women, and monitors hormone replacement therapy effectiveness (Cleveland Clinic 2025). The test uses advanced LC-MS/MS technology, considered the gold standard for hormone testing, providing superior accuracy compared to traditional immunoassays, especially at low testosterone concentrations.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone benefit most from this test, particularly those with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, or loss of muscle mass. Women with symptoms of excess testosterone, such as irregular menstrual periods, acne, or excess hair growth, can identify conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. Individuals on hormone replacement therapy require regular monitoring to ensure optimal treatment levels. Transgender men receiving hormone therapy need periodic testing to track treatment progress (Endocrine Society 2018).
When should I order a Testosterone Total Serum Test?
Consider testing if you experience symptoms like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, unexplained fatigue, depression, loss of muscle mass, or infertility in men. Women should consider testing for irregular periods, persistent acne, excess facial or body hair growth, or fertility issues. Men over 45 should consider annual screening, as approximately 40% of men in this age group are hypogonadal (NCBI 2024). Athletes experiencing performance decline or individuals on hormone therapy should test every 3-6 months for monitoring purposes.
How do I interpret the results?
Men: 270–1,070 ng/dL
- What it means: Normal range (varies by age)
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Men: Below 270 ng/dL
- What it means: Possible hypogonadism
- Typical action: Confirm with second morning test
Women: 15–70 ng/dL
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Women: Above 70 ng/dL
- What it means: Possible hyperandrogenism/PCOS
- Typical action: Additional hormone testing recommended
Results near borderline ranges may require additional testing of free testosterone or other hormones for complete assessment (University of Rochester Medical Center 2025).
Disclaimer: Test results and 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 test between 7 AM and 10 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest. Maintain normal sleep patterns, as sleep deprivation can affect hormone levels. Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before testing. Consult your healthcare provider about temporarily discontinuing medications that might affect testosterone levels. No fasting is required unless other metabolic markers are being measured simultaneously. Bring your test requisition number and photo ID to your appointment.
How often should I get tested?
- Testosterone replacement therapy: Every 3–6 months during the first year, then annually
- Men over 45 (screening): Annually
- Abnormal initial results: Confirm with a second morning test
- Athletic performance monitoring: Every 6–12 months
- Transgender hormone therapy: Every 3–6 months during the adjustment phase
Why early detection matters
Early detection of testosterone imbalances prevents long-term health complications and improves quality of life. Untreated low testosterone in men increases risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The 20-year economic burden of testosterone deficiency in US men aged 45-74 is estimated at $190-525 billion, highlighting the importance of early intervention (NCBI 2025). Early identification allows for lifestyle modifications, treatment optimization, and prevention of progressive symptoms that impact daily functioning and relationships.
Related tests you may consider
Testosterone Free Serum Test- measures the unbound, biologically active testosterone in your blood, providing additional insight when total testosterone is borderline or when conditions affecting binding proteins are present.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test - measures the main protein that binds testosterone, helping calculate free testosterone levels when combined with total testosterone results.
Hormone #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel, Men - includes Testosterone, Total, and Free, insulin, LH, FSH, estradiol, TSH, and DHEA-S to screens for hormone imbalances related to andropause or decreased testosterone production.
Top 12 Important Blood Test Panel, Men - is a set of 12 vital blood tests that are recommended for men to help evaluate their overall health.
