Total Testosterone

Measures the total concentration of testosterone in the blood.

To assess androgen status and hypogonadism.

1. Check in advance whether the time of day, the day of your menstrual cycle or other timing matters.
2. Testosterone is often best tested in the morning, especially when checking for a deficiency. Tell your doctor about any hormone treatment or supplements.
3. Tell your doctor about hormone preparations and dietary supplements; do not change your treatment on your own.
4. Stay calm before the blood draw and keep to the time agreed with you.

Fasting is often not necessary for this test alone. If other tests have also been ordered, or your doctor has prescribed specific preparation, follow the agreed rules.

In the morning, as ordered. If your doctor has set a different time, follow their instructions.

• Hormone preparations and supplements
• Blood draw time or cycle phase, when relevant
• Immunoassay interference, including biotin on some platforms

Venous blood — serum or plasma, depending on the method

The blood sample is collected by a qualified staff member. The tube type, required volume, and processing and storage conditions are set by the laboratory's specific method. You do not need to store the sample yourself.

Age, sex, time of day, cycle phase and the method used all matter when interpreting the result. The meaning of a high or low result depends on age, symptoms, the method used and the reference interval.

If your result is outside the reference interval, you have symptoms, or your condition changes, contact your doctor. If symptoms are severe or develop quickly, seek emergency care.

Do not stop treatment on your own. Confirm the final test conditions with the laboratory.