Testosterone Test - Free And Total

A testosterone test is a blood test that measures the levels of testosterone in the bloodstream. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in male development and maintains male characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density, and sperm production.

There are two main types of testosterone tests: free testosterone and total testosterone. Free testosterone is the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood and is available for the body to use. Total testosterone includes both the free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to proteins.

A testosterone test may be ordered by a healthcare provider if a person is experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or infertility. It may also be used to monitor testosterone levels in individuals undergoing testosterone replacement therapy or to evaluate certain medical conditions that can affect testosterone production such as hypogonadism or testicular cancer.

To perform a testosterone test, a healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically reported as nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).

It is important to note that testosterone levels can vary throughout the day and may be influenced by factors such as age, health, medication use, and other medical conditions. It is best to discuss your test results with a healthcare provider to understand what they mean for your specific situation.

107 4.86