Testosterone Blood Test. Lab Analysis.
Biomarkers
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Total Testosterone
The primary male sex hormone, testosterone drives muscle mass, bone density, libido, energy, and mood in men, with levels declining naturally with age. Women produce it too, just in much smaller amounts, where it plays an equally important role in bone strength, sexual drive, and energy. Elevated levels in women can point to conditions such as PCOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is testosterone?
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Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It plays an important role in muscle mass and strength, bone density, sex drive (libido), mood and energy levels, and reproductive function.
In men, testosterone is the main sex hormone.
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Can testosterone levels change throughout the day?
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Yes. Testosterone follows a natural daily rhythm known as a diurnal pattern. Levels are highest in the early morning (peak between 7–10 a.m.), declining steadily throughout the afternoon and evening.
This is why morning sample collection is recommended for the most reliable and comparable result.
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What does a testosterone blood test measure?
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A testosterone blood test measures the concentration of testosterone circulating in your blood.
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What blood test is used to measure testosterone?
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Testosterone is measured from a blood sample, either collected by venepuncture (a needle into a vein) or by finger-prick self-collection. The sample is analysed using an immunoassay or, where greater precision is needed, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Testosterone may be tested alone or as part of a broader hormone panel.
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When is the best time to have a testosterone blood test?
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For the most reliable result, collect your sample in the morning, ideally between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., when testosterone levels are typically at their daily peak. Samples taken later in the day may show lower readings.
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Can women have a testosterone blood test?
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Yes. Testosterone is present in women at lower concentrations than in men, but still plays an important role in energy, libido, muscle strength, and mood.
A testosterone blood test can be useful for women when investigating irregular periods, excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), acne, or suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may also be monitored in women receiving testosterone as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
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Can a testosterone test detect high testosterone levels?
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Yes. A testosterone blood test can identify levels that are above the reference range for your age and sex. In men, this may be linked to TRT, anabolic steroid use, or certain medical conditions. In women, it is most often associated with PCOS or adrenal disorders.
Interpretation always depends on clinical context, symptoms, and the full hormone profile.
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Can testosterone gel affect my test results?
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Yes, this is an important consideration. If you use a topical testosterone gel (used as TRT or HRT), small amounts can remain on your fingertips or under your nails even after thorough hand-washing. During finger-prick blood collection, this can falsely elevate your measured testosterone level, sometimes significantly.
To minimise this risk, apply the gel using gloves and wait at least 4 days before collecting blood. Have a shower, wear fresh, clean clothes, and use a fresh, clean towel. While or just after showering, clip your nails and use a nail brush to clean them inside and out. Avoid touching anything that may have contacted the gel before collecting the sample, and follow all instructions provided with your test kit.
Please consult with your prescriber about the best timing for testing and whether it is appropriate to temporarily withhold the gel before your blood test.
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Can I use this test while taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
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Yes. Testosterone blood tests are routinely used to monitor TRT and ensure levels remain within a safe and therapeutic range.
However, the timing of your test relative to your last dose matters. Results should always be interpreted alongside your prescriber's guidance and your TRT protocol, whether gel, injection, pellet, or patch.
If you use a testosterone gel, please read the contamination advice in the previous question before collecting your sample.
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What are common causes of low testosterone in men?
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Low testosterone can be caused by age-related decline, obesity, chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, liver or kidney disease, testicular conditions, certain medications, and chronic stress or sleep deprivation. If symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass, or low mood are present, a testosterone blood test is a useful first step.
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Can testosterone levels be improved naturally?
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Lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on testosterone levels, particularly when levels are low due to modifiable factors. Regular resistance exercise, achieving a healthy body weight, improving sleep quality (aim for 7–9 hours per night), managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet.
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Is it discreet?
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Yes, kits are usually mailed in plain, unbranded packaging.
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Testosterone Quick Reference Ranges?
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Men (20–49 years): 8.64 – 30.00 nmol/L
Men (50+ years): 6.68 – 25.7 nmol/L
Women (under 50): 0.29 – 1.99 nmol/L
Women (over 50): 0.10 – 1.42 nmol/L
These ranges are for reference only. Always interpret results in the context of symptoms, clinical history, and your GP's or clinician's advice.
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Turnaround Time
Turnaround Time
Test Preparation
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Testosterone
Proper preparation is vital for an accurate reading. As testosterone fluctuates throughout the day, you must collect your blood sample before 10:00 AM when levels are at their natural peak. Additionally, you should avoid fatty meals 6 hours prior to collection, as consuming high-fat foods can cause lipaemia, a condition where excess fat particles enter the bloodstream, making the sample appear cloudy or milky. This cloudiness can interfere with the laboratory's optical analysis equipment, producing unreliable results or causing the sample to be rejected entirely, requiring you to repeat the test. You should also avoid strenuous exercise the night before. -
TRT Gel
If you use hormonal gels, always wear gloves when applying them. Do not test on the same day as application, as these products contain a very high concentration of hormone that can linger under the fingernails for several days and contaminate your sample, falsely elevating your results. Allow 4 to 5 consecutive days without application before testing.
To further reduce the risk of contamination when collecting your sample, we recommend the following: shower before testing and scrub your fingernails thoroughly with a nail brush to remove any hormonal residue, clipping your nails short if possible. Wear freshly laundered clothes and use a clean towel, as hormone gel can transfer onto fabric and back onto your hands without you realising, which can be enough to affect your results.
Please note that if you are using a hormonal gel on prescription, do not pause your treatment without speaking to your prescriber first. Your GP or prescribing clinician can advise on the safest way to time your test around your treatment schedule.
Symptom Check
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Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone can affect both men and women, though the symptoms may present differently. In men, common signs include persistent fatigue, reduced sex drive, difficulty building or maintaining muscle mass, increased body fat, low mood or depression, poor concentration, and reduced bone density.
Some men also notice erectile dysfunction or a decline in morning erections.
In women, low testosterone can cause low libido, fatigue, reduced muscle tone, difficulty with concentration and memory, low mood, and a general loss of motivation or sense of wellbeing. Because many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, such as thyroid disorders, anaemia, or depression, a blood test is the most reliable way to confirm whether low testosterone is a contributing factor.
Result Report
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Result Report (in-use)
The final report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your biomarkers, displaying your specific levels alongside standard UK reference ranges to show exactly where you fall on the spectrum. Beyond just the raw numbers, the report includes a brief commentary.
View your results in a clear, easy-to-understand format with charts and reference ranges. If you repeat the same biomarkers with us, your report includes historical comparisons to help track changes, trends, and progress over time.
Take the guesswork out of your energy, performance, and drive.
Testosterone is the driving force behind male vitality, directly influencing your muscle mass, energy levels, mental focus, and libido. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast tracking your baseline, feeling constantly fatigued, or simply want to proactively monitor your men's health, this straightforward blood test gives you the definitive clinical data you need.
Our At-Home Total Testosterone Blood Test Kit measures the total amount of testosterone currently circulating in your blood. It acts as an excellent, affordable first step to see if your baseline hormone levels fall within the healthy, expected range for your age.
How to check your testosterone from home:
The process is fast, entirely confidential, and easily done from your living room.
Order Your Kit: Everything you need is delivered in discreet packaging. Inside, you will find sterile lancets, a lab request form, a collection tube, a prepaid UN3373 envelope, and clear instructions.
Collect Your Sample: Use the minimally invasive finger-prick lancet to collect a small blood sample. Note: For the most accurate baseline, you must collect your sample in the morning before 10:00 AM.
Post It Back: Drop your prepaid envelope into your nearest Post Office.
All samples are analyzed directly in our in-house, CQC-regulated UK laboratory. Within 24 to 48 hours of the lab receiving your sample, you will receive a secure email containing your quantitative PDF lab report, complete with clear remarks for any results that fall outside the normal range.
⭐ UPGRADE TO THE FULL PICTURE This kit measures your baseline Total Testosterone. For a fuller picture of male hormonal health, our male hormone profile test kit covers 4 biomarkers, and our comprehensive male hormone profile covers 8 biomarkers for an even more in-depth view. For women, our female hormone profile test kit covers 6 biomarkers.
What is the difference between Testosterone and Free Testosterone?
How it works
Order test online
Collect a few drops at home
Return sample to the lab
