A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Testosterone, Free (Dialysis) + Total

Total testosterone plus free testosterone, from one blood draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
Morning draw is best
Before 10 a.m. is preferred. Levels peak early in the day.
Results
3 to 5 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

Most testosterone in the blood is bound to proteins, and a small share circulates unbound, called free testosterone. This test measures total testosterone by mass spectrometry and free testosterone by a dialysis method. Levels are highest in the morning, so a draw before 10 a.m. is preferred.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

This test is often used by adults following up on a borderline total testosterone result, or with questions about energy, sex drive, or muscle. Commonly related symptoms include:

Sexual

  • Low sex drive
  • Erectile changes

Body

  • Low energy
  • Less muscle strength

Mood

  • Low mood
  • Irritability

Hair

  • Unwanted hair growth

Skin

  • Acne

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your results show your total testosterone and your free testosterone, which a healthcare provider can read together when binding proteins make a total hard to read.

Testosterone, total
Testosterone is a hormone made mainly by the testes, and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Total testosterone measures both the bound and free forms. Levels are highest in the morning and can vary day to day, so an out-of-range result is often repeated before conclusions are drawn.
Why it’s measured: The total amount of testosterone, usually drawn in the morning.
Testosterone, free
Most testosterone travels bound to proteins such as SHBG and albumin. Free testosterone is the small unbound portion. This test uses a dialysis method to separate the unbound portion and a calculation to report it. It can add detail when total testosterone is borderline or when binding proteins may be higher or lower than usual.
Why it’s measured: The unbound portion of testosterone, useful when total is borderline.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. Before 10 a.m. is preferred. Levels peak early in the day. Nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 3 to 5 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

Total and free testosterone are each reported as a number and compared with the lab’s reference ranges, which differ by age and sex.

  • Each marker next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A low result is usually repeated on a morning draw before any conclusion. A healthcare provider reads your results and decides next steps.

Total testosterone alone, or with free testosterone?

Two ways to look at the same hormone.

Total and free testosterone

All your testosterone, plus the unbound share.

Measures
Total testosterone and free testosterone
Useful when
A total result is borderline or binding proteins may be higher or lower
Preparation
Morning draw, before 10 a.m. preferred

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

Most testosterone in your blood is attached to proteins, mainly sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. A small share is unbound, called free testosterone, and it is the part most readily available to your tissues.

When binding proteins are higher or lower than usual, a total result can look off even when free testosterone is in range, or the other way around.

Testosterone follows a daily rhythm and is usually highest in the morning. A draw before 10 a.m. gives a result that is easier to compare with the lab’s reference range and with your past results.

A low result is usually repeated on another morning before any conclusion is drawn.

Testosterone and other hormone medicines can change your result. If you use any, tell your healthcare provider, including when you took your last dose. Don’t stop or change any medicine or supplement without talking with your healthcare provider.

Testosterone results do not explain symptoms like low energy or low sex drive on their own, since those have many possible causes. A healthcare provider reads your results with your symptoms, an exam, and often other hormones such as LH before deciding what they mean.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.