All Tests, General Health, Fertility & Sexual Health, Annual Wellness, Hormones, Men’s Health
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Comprehensive Testosterone Test

$ 139.0
$139

Male hormone check: Get a complete picture with our comprehensive testosterone test

Testosterone is responsible for many essential male functions and characteristics—from your sex drive to your muscle mass. Some men experience symptoms when their free testosterone is low—even if their total testosterone is normal—which is why measuring both free and total testosterone can give you more answers.1 


Our comprehensive testosterone test provides insights on albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total and free testosterone levels. Albumin and SHBG are proteins associated with testosterone and influence how much testosterone is available for bodily functions. By measuring albumin and SHBG, you get an accurate assessment of the free testosterone level in the body. Knowing albumin and SHBG levels alongside total and free testosterone can help you and your healthcare provider understand if your symptoms may be associated with high or low testosterone levels.


Note: This testosterone test is only clinically appropriate for individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB). If you’re an individual assigned female at birth (AFAB) seeking a testosterone test, please contact your healthcare provider. 

Comprehensive Testosterone Test
$ 139.0
$139

Test Details

Sample Type: Blood
Collection Method: In person at a Labcorp location
Age: 18+
Results: 1 day from when your sample arrives at our lab
HSA/FSA: Accepted
Test must be taken by purchaser

Preparation: If you’re taking a supplement containing biotin (also called vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R), commonly found in products promoting nail, skin and hair health, we recommend that you wait at least 72 hours from your last dose before taking the test.

 

It is recommended that your blood sample is collected between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. when testosterone levels are typically highest.

What's Tested
  • Total Testosterone

    Testosterone is a key hormone that is responsible for regulating sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and production of red blood cells and sperm. This test measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood, including the testosterone that’s both attached and not attached to proteins (albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin).

  • Free Testosterone

    Free testosterone refers to the portion of testosterone that is not bound to proteins (albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin) and is readily available for use in the body. It is the active form of testosterone that regulates sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and the production of red blood cells and sperm.

  • Albumin

    Albumin is a protein that circulates in the blood and plays several roles. It provides nourishment to the tissues, carries substances like hormones and drugs in the blood and helps keep fluids within the blood vessels. Low levels of albumin may indicate malnutrition or a disease of the liver, thyroid or kidneys, among other conditions. Higher than normal levels of albumin may suggest dehydration or other underlying health issues. Additionally, albumin is a factor used to calculate the free testosterone level.

  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)

    SHBG is a protein produced mainly in the liver that attaches to sex hormones in your bloodstream. Its primary function is to regulate the amount of active sex hormones in your body. When SHBG binds to sex hormones, like testosterone, they become inactive and cannot be used by your tissues. Only the sex hormones that are "free," or unattached to proteins like SHBG, can be utilized in the body. By measuring the level of SHBG in your body, you can accurately calculate free testosterone levels.

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Testosterone Testing by Age


Testosterone levels naturally decline as men get older. This typically occurs slowly over time and is considered a normal part of aging. Learn more about how testosterone levels change with age.

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Understand Total vs Free Testosterone


Not all testosterone in the bloodstream is equally available for your body to use. Learning about the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone can help you better understand how this hormone may be impacting certain aspects of your health.

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Ask the expert: How does testosterone affect my health?


To help you learn more about testosterone, we sat down with Irene Cheung, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner and clinical lead at Labcorp, who answered your top questions about this important hormone.

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FAQ

  • Total testosterone and free testosterone tests are two different measurements of the male sex hormone testosterone found in the blood.

     

    A total testosterone test is often ordered by health care providers as an initial evaluation for low testosterone and it can provide a broader picture of your hormone health. It measures the total testosterone in your blood, including the testosterone that’s both attached and not attached to proteins. A free testosterone test measures the “free” testosterone that’s not bound to proteins and can be used by the body.3

     

    Our testosterone blood test measures total testosterone levels, which is a great starting point for assessing hormonal health. Our test does not measure free testosterone. Any abnormal results should be discussed with a health care provider to determine next steps.

  • Our comprehensive testosterone blood test measures total testosterone, albumin and SHBG levels and calculates free testosterone to help assess and provide insights on hormonal health. 

     

    Albumin and SHBG are proteins associated with testosterone. Testosterone is more tightly bound to SHBG than albumin. Higher levels of SHBG may indicate lower levels of free testosterone that are available for your body’s use. Conversely, lower SHBG levels may result in higher free testosterone levels. 

     

    Any abnormal results or concerning symptoms should be followed up with your healthcare provider to determine next steps.

  • The frequency of testing depends on your health status and if you are experiencing symptoms associated with low or high testosterone. Your provider may recommend repeat testing or additional tests to learn more about what may be causing your symptoms and/or the change in your testosterone level.

     

    Any abnormal results or concerning symptoms should be followed up with your healthcare provider to determine next steps.

  • Low testosterone (Low T) is more common than high testosterone in men. Low testosterone levels can lead to a variety of symptoms which can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing low T levels, you may notice:

     

    • Reduced sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction 
    • Low sperm counts and potential male infertility 
    • Increased body fat, often including breast enlargement 
    • Decrease in testicle size 
    • Loss of muscle mass and strength 
    • Decreased endurance 
    • Depressed mood 
    • Difficulty concentrating 
    • Reduced bone density

     

    These symptoms could also be caused by other conditions. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your results or symptoms.

  • Normal testosterone levels vary throughout the day, from person to person and throughout life. 

     

    Learn more by reading our blog post about why testosterone levels change with age.   

     

    Consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about the results of your testosterone levels blood test.

  • Some healthy habits that can help support your testosterone levels include:

     

    • Exercising regularly
    • Eating a healthy well-balanced diet
    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Limiting stress
    • Optimizing sleep quality
    • Avoiding excessive alcohol and drug use

     

    Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the results of your testosterone levels blood test and next steps.

  • Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.

  • Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order.  If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.

     

    If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  • Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.