Morning Blood Draw Recommended.

DELAY IN GETTING RESULTS: Due to the special form of lab analysis required for this particular test, receiving your final results for this test can take up to TEN (10) days following the day of your blood draw.  Results for all other types of tests you order at the same time as this one will ALSO be delayed up to ten (10) days.  We apologize, but this is due to the lab's policy of not releasing ANY results until ALL results are finally available.  Thank you for understanding!

Synonyms: Free and Albumin-Bound Testosterone

NOTICE: This is a component of the Anti-Aging Panel (#CP311550 for MALES; #CP311549 for FEMALES) which may be more appealing for your purposes than ordering this test alone.

 

Why It Is Done

Determine whether a problem with the testicles or pituitary gland is preventing a man from being able to father a child (infertility). A low amount of testosterone can lead to low sperm counts.
Evaluate a man's sexual problems. A low level of testosterone may reduce a man's sex drive or cause impotence (erectile dysfunction).
Determine whether increased testosterone production is causing a boy younger than age 10 to have early (precocious) puberty.
Evaluate why a woman is developing male features, such as excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) and a deep voice.
Evaluate irregular menstrual periods in women.
Determine the response to testosterone-lowering medications in men with advanced prostate cancer.
Evaluate the cause of osteoporosis in a man.

Test Overview

A testosterone test measures the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. In men, it is produced in large amounts by the testicles. In both men and women, testosterone is also produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands; and, in women, by the ovaries.The release of testosterone is controlled by a hormone called luteinizing hormone, or LH, which is produced by the pituitary gland (see an illustration of the pituitary gland ). When the testosterone level is low, the pituitary gland releases LH, which increases the amount of testosterone produced by the testicles.

How To Prepare

Your health professional may recommend a morning blood test, when testosterone levels are highest.