Testosterone, Total, Males (Adult), Immunoassay
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
This test measures the level of testosterone in the body, which is mostly bound to transport proteins like sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
- Testosterone, Total
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Testosterone, Total, Males (Adult), Immunoassay - This test measures the level of testosterone in the body, which is mostly bound to transport proteins like sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Only a small fraction of testosterone is free and active. Understanding testosterone levels can help in diagnosing and treating conditions such as erectile dysfunction, infertility, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men), osteoporosis, and in assessing hormone replacement therapy.
What patients is this test right for?
This test may be recommended for men showing symptoms of low testosterone levels or hormonal imbalance, including:
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Low sex drive
- Infertility
- Development of breast tissue
- Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
- Low energy levels and mood swings
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL serum. A blood draw is necessary.
Test Resources
2–4 business days
Adult Male 250-827 ng/dL
All test requests for Testosterone on female and pediatric (<18 years) patients must use test code 15983 - Testosterone, Total, LC/MS/MS.
All test requests for Testosterone on female and pediatric (<18 years) patients must use test code 15983 - Testosterone, Total, LC/MS/MS.
Due to changes in testosterone levels throughout the day, two morning (8:00-10:00 a.m.) specimens obtained on different days are recommended by The Endocrine Society for screening.
Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 5 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 21 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Grossly icteric
Minimum age:
18
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
