This test is ideal if you're experiencing low energy, decreased muscle mass, reduced sex drive, or difficulty building strength despite regular exercise. It measures the active form of testosterone in your blood that's actually available to your cells and tissues. Many men use this highly accurate test when they suspect low testosterone but want the most precise measurement available, especially if standard testosterone tests have been inconclusive.
How should I prepare for this test?
If you use a testosterone cream, avoid applying it to the inner elbow area of your arm for at least 24 hours before your blood draw, as residue can artificially elevate your results. Otherwise, no special fasting or preparation is typically required. For the most accurate results, try to have your blood drawn in the morning when testosterone levels are naturally at their peak.
What's included in this test?
This test measures free testosterone (the active form available to your cells) and total testosterone levels using the most accurate methods available. Free testosterone is measured by equilibrium dialysis, which is considered the gold standard technique, while total testosterone is measured by mass spectrometry. These advanced methods provide the most precise assessment of your hormone status, which is especially important for women, children, and men with suspected low testosterone where accuracy matters most.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your free testosterone levels mean for your energy, muscle building, libido, and overall vitality. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle changes, supplement suggestions, or whether you should consider testosterone therapy or further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your hormone levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are working.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is particularly valuable for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, athletes monitoring hormone optimization, and anyone who has had borderline or inconsistent testosterone results with standard testing methods. It's also recommended for women with PCOS or signs of androgen excess, children with delayed or early puberty, and people on testosterone therapy who need precise monitoring. The advanced testing methodology makes it ideal when accuracy is critical for diagnosis or treatment decisions.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common signs include persistent fatigue, difficulty building or maintaining muscle mass, reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction, mood changes like irritability or depression, and decreased motivation or mental focus. You might also experience increased body fat despite diet and exercise, reduced beard or body hair growth, or difficulty recovering from workouts. If you have these symptoms and want the most accurate testosterone measurement possible, this test provides that precision.
How can I naturally support healthy testosterone levels?
Regular strength training and high-intensity interval exercise are among the most effective natural testosterone boosters. Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night, as poor sleep significantly lowers testosterone production. Include zinc-rich foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, along with healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish. Managing stress through meditation or outdoor activities and maintaining a healthy body weight also support optimal hormone balance.
What is free testosterone and why does it matter?
Free testosterone is the small portion of total testosterone (typically less than 3%) that's not bound to proteins in your blood. This unbound fraction is what's actually available to enter your cells and interact with receptors to produce effects like building muscle, maintaining energy, and supporting libido. While total testosterone tells you how much hormone is in your blood, free testosterone reveals how much is actually active and usable by your body, which is why it's often a better indicator of hormonal function.
What does low free testosterone mean?
Low free testosterone means you have less active hormone available to support muscle growth, energy production, sex drive, and other vital functions. This can result from natural aging, obesity, chronic stress, certain medications, or underlying health conditions affecting hormone production. Low levels may explain symptoms like fatigue, reduced muscle mass, low libido, and difficulty concentrating, even if your total testosterone appears normal on standard tests.
How often should I retest my testosterone levels?
If you're starting testosterone therapy or making significant lifestyle changes, retest in 6-8 weeks to assess the impact and adjust your approach. For ongoing monitoring while on treatment, most doctors recommend testing every 3-6 months once levels are stable. If you're testing to establish a baseline or track natural optimization efforts, retesting every 6-12 months can help you monitor trends and see if your interventions are working.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.
Long story short:
In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want.
If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
[email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
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Demo results
Free Testosterone6.2 pg/mL
Demo results
LowOptimal 7.2 - 24.0High
6.2 pg/mL
What this means
Your free testosterone level is slightly below the optimal range. While not severely low, this may contribute to symptoms like reduced energy, difficulty building muscle, decreased motivation, or lower sex drive. This level suggests there's room for improvement through lifestyle optimization or medical intervention.
Recommended actions
Incorporate regular strength training and compound exercises like squats and deadlifts
Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night and manage stress levels
Include zinc- and magnesium-rich foods such as shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, and leafy greens
Consider retesting in 8-12 weeks after implementing lifestyle changes
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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