Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delay.
Benefits
- Advanced testing methods - Direct analog enzyme immunoassay and LC/MS-MS technology
- No doctor visit required - Order directly without physician referral
- Complete privacy protection - HIPAA-compliant confidential testing
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing fatigue, low libido, or erectile dysfunction
- Women with irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or acne
- Individuals monitoring testosterone replacement therapy effectiveness
- People investigating fertility concerns or reproductive health
- Those with borderline testosterone results needing further evaluation
- Health-conscious individuals tracking hormonal changes with aging
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive requisition number
- Visit collection site - Walk into any participating lab with ID
- Get results - Access secure results online in 3-5 business days
FAQ
What's the difference between free and total testosterone? Total testosterone measures both bound and unbound hormone, while free testosterone measures only the active form available for your body to use.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required, but morning collection is recommended when testosterone levels are naturally highest.
Can women take this test? Yes, women produce testosterone in smaller amounts, and testing helps evaluate conditions like PCOS or hormonal imbalances.
How accurate are the results? Results use advanced LC/MS-MS methodology with high precision, performed in accredited laboratories for maximum reliability.
Should I stop taking supplements before testing? Stop biotin supplements 72 hours before testing as they may interfere with results. Continue other medications unless directed otherwise.
When will I get my results? Results are typically available within 3-5 business days through secure online portal access. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delay.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures testosterone levels to evaluate hormone imbalances affecting your health and quality of life. Total testosterone measures both bound and free hormone in your blood, while free testosterone specifically measures the active form available for your body's tissues to use. These tests help diagnose conditions like hypogonadism in men and hormonal disorders in women, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Since free testosterone represents only about 2% of total testosterone but is the biologically active form, both measurements provide complementary information for accurate hormone assessment (LabCorp 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone benefit most from this testing, including those with fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or muscle weakness. Women with symptoms of excess testosterone, such as irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, or severe acne, should also consider testing. Individuals monitoring testosterone replacement therapy need regular testing to ensure optimal dosing and safety. People with fertility concerns, whether male or female, can use testosterone testing as part of comprehensive reproductive health evaluation (Endocrine Society 2018).
When should I order this test?
Order testosterone testing when experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance that affect your daily life and well-being. Consider testing if you have persistent fatigue, changes in sex drive, mood changes, or physical symptoms like muscle weakness or unexplained weight changes. This test is particularly valuable when monitoring testosterone replacement therapy or when total testosterone results fall in borderline ranges. Testing is also recommended when conditions affecting binding proteins exist, such as obesity, liver disease, or thyroid disorders (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2012).
How do I interpret the results?
Testosterone results must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and overall health picture. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and biological sex, making professional interpretation essential for accurate assessment.
Total Testosterone: Below 150 ng/dL (men)
- What it means: Likely hypogonadism
- Typical action: Further evaluation recommended
Total Testosterone: 150–280 ng/dL (men)
- What it means: Possible deficiency
- Typical action: Check free testosterone, repeat testing
Total Testosterone: 280–350 ng/dL (men)
- What it means: Borderline low
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consider lifestyle changes
Total Testosterone: Above 350 ng/dL (men)
- What it means: Likely normal
- Typical action: Routine monitoring if symptomatic
Free Testosterone: Below normal range
- What it means: Active hormone deficiency
- Typical action: Evaluate for treatment options
Free Testosterone: Normal range
- What it means: Adequate active hormone
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Research shows total testosterone must exceed 350-400 ng/dL to reliably rule out hypogonadism, with 97-98% sensitivity at these levels.
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 fasting is required before testosterone testing, making it convenient for your schedule. However, collect your blood sample in the morning when testosterone levels are naturally at their highest for most accurate results. Stop taking biotin supplements at least 72 hours before testing, as they may interfere with test accuracy. Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. If you're currently taking testosterone supplements, steroids, or hormone therapy, inform the laboratory as these significantly impact results and interpretation (Mayo Clinic 2019).
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances, symptoms, and treatment status. Regular monitoring ensures optimal hormone management and early detection of changes.
- Initial symptoms evaluation: Once, then follow-up as needed
- Testosterone replacement therapy: Every 3–6 months initially, then annually
- Monitoring treatment response: 6–12 weeks after dose changes
- Routine health screening (men >40): Every 2–3 years
- High-risk individuals: Annually or as recommended
- Post-treatment monitoring: Every 6–12 months
Why early detection matters
Early detection of testosterone imbalances can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent long-term health complications. Approximately 40% of men over 45 have some degree of hypogonadism, yet many remain undiagnosed and untreated (StatPearls 2024). Untreated testosterone deficiency can lead to decreased bone density, muscle mass loss, cardiovascular risks, and metabolic dysfunction. The economic burden of undiagnosed testosterone deficiency is substantial, with affected patients experiencing 62% higher healthcare costs compared to those with normal levels (PubMed 2017). Early intervention through proper testing and treatment can prevent these complications and restore optimal health.
Related tests you may consider
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) - measures the primary protein that binds testosterone, providing insight into bioavailable hormone levels. This test is particularly valuable when protein binding abnormalities are suspected due to liver disease, thyroid disorders, or obesity.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)- help differentiate between primary and secondary hypogonadism by measuring the pituitary hormones that regulate testosterone production.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - assesses overall health status, including liver and kidney function, which can affect testosterone metabolism and provides broader health context for hormone evaluation (American Urological Association 2018).
