Testosterone, Total LC/MS-MS Blood Test

Total Testosterone Blood Test for Hormone Level Screening

The Testosterone, Total LC/MS-MS Blood Test measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood using an LC/MS-MS testing method.

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, but it is present in both men and women. In men, testosterone is produced mainly by the testicles. In women, smaller amounts are produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands.

This test may be useful for provider-directed evaluation of low testosterone symptoms, puberty concerns, fertility questions, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, hormone therapy monitoring, or androgen-related symptoms in women.

✔ Measures total testosterone
✔ LC/MS-MS testing method
✔ Useful for male and female hormone screening
✔ Doctor's order included
✔ No insurance required

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

What This Test Measures

This blood test measures total testosterone. Total testosterone includes testosterone that is bound to proteins in the blood, such as SHBG and albumin, plus the small amount that is unbound.

• Test name: Testosterone, Total LC/MS-MS
• Sample type: Blood
• Purpose: Testosterone hormone screening
• Testing method: LC/MS-MS
• Fasting: Usually not required unless instructed

Why Order Total Testosterone?

• Low testosterone screening - May help evaluate low libido, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, or reduced muscle mass.
• Fertility evaluation - Testosterone may be reviewed during male or female reproductive hormone evaluation.
• Puberty concerns - May be used when a provider is evaluating early or delayed puberty.
• Female androgen evaluation - May be reviewed for acne, excess hair growth, irregular cycles, or possible androgen imbalance.
• Hormone therapy monitoring - May be used when a provider is monitoring testosterone-related treatment.
• Provider-directed testing - Useful when your healthcare provider specifically requests total testosterone by LC/MS-MS.

Who May Consider This Test?

• Men with low testosterone concerns
• Men with low libido, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, or fertility concerns
• Women with acne, excess facial/body hair, or irregular cycles
• Individuals monitoring testosterone therapy with their healthcare provider
• Adolescents or younger patients when testosterone testing is requested by a provider
• Anyone whose healthcare provider requested total testosterone testing

Why LC/MS-MS Matters

LC/MS-MS is a testing method often used when more sensitive testosterone measurement is needed, especially when testosterone levels may be low or when testing women, children, adolescents, or hypogonadal males.

If your provider specifically requested Total Testosterone LC/MS-MS, this product is intended for that type of testing.

Best Time to Test Testosterone

Testosterone levels can change throughout the day. For many adult men, morning collection is often preferred because testosterone levels are commonly 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: Screening Only

LabReqs and SchoolTiters provide access to lab testing. We do not diagnose low testosterone, hypogonadism, PCOS, infertility, erectile dysfunction, hormone imbalance, puberty disorders, 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, and hormone therapy.
• One abnormal testosterone result may need repeat testing or additional testing.
• This test measures total testosterone only and does not include free testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol, prolactin, or DHEA-S unless ordered separately.
• Do not start, stop, or change testosterone therapy unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Before Ordering

• Confirm whether your provider wants total testosterone only or free and total testosterone.
• Confirm whether your provider specifically requested LC/MS-MS testing.
• Ask whether morning collection is preferred for your situation.
• Do not stop medications, supplements, or hormone therapy unless your provider tells you to.
• 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 total testosterone
✅ LC/MS-MS testing method
✅ Useful for male and female hormone screening
✅ Helpful for provider-directed testosterone evaluation or monitoring
✅ Doctor's order included
✅ No insurance needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this test measure?

This test measures total testosterone in the blood.

Is this the same as free testosterone?

No. This test measures total testosterone only. Free testosterone is a separate marker unless included in a different panel.

What does LC/MS-MS mean?

LC/MS-MS refers to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, a laboratory method used to measure testosterone.

Can women order this test?

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

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 Total Testosterone LC/MS-MS Test

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

Order your Testosterone, Total LC/MS-MS Blood Test today.