Testosterone, Free and Total Blood Test

Hormone Blood Test for Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone Screening

The Testosterone, Free and Total Blood Test measures both total testosterone and free testosterone in the blood. This provides a broader look at testosterone status than total testosterone alone.

Testosterone is an important hormone for men and women. It may be reviewed in relation to energy, libido, muscle mass, mood, fertility, menstrual concerns, erectile dysfunction, and hormone therapy monitoring.

This service provides access to lab testing only. It is intended as a screening and wellness tool and does not diagnose, treat, or replace care from a licensed healthcare provider.

✔ Measures both free and total testosterone
✔ Useful for hormone screening in men and women
✔ Simple blood draw
✔ Doctor's order included
✔ No insurance required

⏱ Typical turnaround: results are usually emailed in 1–3 days.

What This Test Measures

Total Testosterone

Total testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone in the blood. This includes testosterone that is attached to proteins, such as sex hormone binding globulin, SHBG, and albumin, plus testosterone that is not attached to proteins.

Free Testosterone

Free testosterone measures the portion of testosterone that is not bound to proteins. Free testosterone is a smaller portion of total testosterone, but it may provide helpful information when hormone-binding proteins are abnormal.

• Test name: Testosterone, Free and Total
• Sample type: Blood
• Purpose: Testosterone hormone screening
• Fasting: Usually not required
• Timing: Morning collection may be preferred, especially for men

Why Order Free and Total Testosterone?

• Low testosterone screening - May help evaluate symptoms such as low energy, low libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced muscle mass.
• Female hormone evaluation - May be reviewed when evaluating acne, excess hair growth, irregular cycles, or possible androgen imbalance.
• Fertility discussions - Testosterone may be reviewed as part of male or female reproductive hormone evaluation.
• Hormone therapy monitoring - May be used when a provider is monitoring testosterone-related treatment.
• Binding protein concerns - Free testosterone may be helpful when SHBG or albumin changes affect total testosterone interpretation.
• Provider-directed testing - Useful when your healthcare provider specifically requests free and total testosterone.

Who May Consider This Test?

This test may be appropriate for:

• Men with low libido, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, or low testosterone concerns
• Women with acne, excess facial/body hair, irregular cycles, or possible androgen imbalance
• Individuals monitoring testosterone therapy with their healthcare provider
• People with fertility or reproductive hormone concerns
• Customers who want a broader testosterone view than total testosterone alone
• Anyone whose healthcare provider requested free and total testosterone testing

Best Time to Test Testosterone

Testosterone levels can change during the day. For many adult men, morning collection is commonly preferred because testosterone levels are often highest earlier in the day.

If your healthcare provider gave you specific instructions about timing, medication, hormone therapy, or repeat testing, follow those instructions.

Important Biotin Warning

If you take biotin, also known as vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R, ask your healthcare provider whether you should stop biotin before testing.

Biotin may interfere with certain hormone lab testing methods and could affect results.

Important Symptom Warning

If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, severe weakness, sudden neurological symptoms, severe pelvic or testicular pain, pregnancy-related concerns, or any urgent medical concern, seek medical care promptly.

Do not use this testosterone test as a substitute for medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

Important: Screening Only

LabReqs and SchoolTiters provide access to lab testing. We do not diagnose low testosterone, hypogonadism, PCOS, infertility, erectile dysfunction, hormone imbalance, or any medical condition.

Results should be reviewed with a licensed healthcare provider, endocrinologist, urologist, OB/GYN, fertility specialist, or other qualified clinician.

Important Limitations

• This test does not diagnose a medical condition by itself.
• Testosterone levels may vary by age, sex, time of day, medications, supplements, sleep, illness, weight changes, and hormone therapy.
• One abnormal testosterone result may need repeat testing or additional testing.
• Additional tests may include SHBG, albumin, LH, FSH, estradiol, prolactin, DHEA-S, CBC, CMP, PSA, or thyroid testing depending on your provider's evaluation.
• Do not start, stop, or change testosterone therapy unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Before Ordering

• Confirm whether your provider wants morning testing.
• Do not stop medications, supplements, or hormone therapy unless your provider tells you to.
• If you are using testosterone therapy, follow your provider's instructions for timing the blood draw.
• If you are unsure whether this is the correct testosterone test, ask your healthcare provider before ordering.

How It Works

1. Order online.
2. Receive your lab order. A doctor's order is included.
3. Visit a participating lab location.
4. Complete a simple blood draw.
5. Receive your results. Result timing may vary by lab, location, and processing requirements.

Why Choose This Test?

✅ Measures both free and total testosterone
✅ Useful for male and female hormone screening
✅ Helpful for provider-directed testosterone evaluation or monitoring
✅ Doctor's order included
✅ No insurance needed
✅ Convenient online ordering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between free and total testosterone?

Total testosterone measures all testosterone in the blood, including testosterone bound to proteins and testosterone that is unbound. Free testosterone measures the unbound portion.

Why test free testosterone?

Free testosterone may be helpful when total testosterone does not fully explain symptoms or when hormone-binding proteins such as SHBG may be altered.

Can women order this test?

Yes. Testosterone testing may be used in women for provider-directed evaluation of androgen-related symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, irregular cycles, or hormone imbalance concerns.

Do I need to fast?

Fasting is usually not required unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions.

Should testosterone be tested in the morning?

Morning testing is often preferred, especially for adult men, because testosterone levels can vary throughout the day.

Does this test diagnose low testosterone?

No. This test provides lab information only. Diagnosis and treatment decisions must be made by a licensed healthcare provider.

Is a doctor's order included?

Yes. A doctor's order is included with this lab test.

Order Your Free and Total Testosterone Test

Use this test when you need free and total testosterone testing for hormone screening, low testosterone concerns, androgen-related symptoms, fertility discussions, or provider-directed monitoring.

Order your Testosterone, Free and Total Blood Test today.