Testosterone Total Test - More Information

The total testosterone test, sometimes known as a low T total test, or a total testosterone lab test, measures the total testosterone blood level.

While testosterone plays a role both male and female hormone health, the total testosterone test is more frequently thought of in terms of its importance in men. Sometimes referred to as an androgen hormone, men make testosterone in their adrenal glands as well as in their testes. In men, testosterone is important for sex drive, energy, memory, sperm production and hair and muscle health. Low testosterone levels can lead to lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low energy, low muscle mass, memory loss and metabolic issues. In men, testosterone levels drop with age and more than 20% of men are thought to have significantly lower testosterone levels after age 60.

Most testosterone hormone is transported through the blood via special carrier proteins known as albumin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). When the carrier proteins with testosterone on board get to tissues that need testosterone, they will release testosterone so it can perform its functions. This particular total testosterone test measures the total amount of testosterone attached to albumin and SHBG and reports it as the total testosterone test result. Sometimes, people concurrently check their SHBG test to make sure there is enough carrier protein for their testosterone hormone. Testosterone levels are also dependent on DHEA levels which is why DHEA testing is also performed with testosterone testing.

To get a total testosterone test near you, order online and get tested at the Quest Diagnostics' lab that you selected. Once your total testosterone lab results are ready, they will be available for download. As can be seen on the sample total testosterone lab report, the total testosterone blood level is reported as a number which can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab. This testosterone blood test utilizes the LC/MS methodology.

Please note that, because the way this particular testosterone test was designed by the lab, it can only be ordered by men. For women interested in getting their testosterone levels and for men interested in their bioavailable testosterone level, we would recommend checking out the testosterone free and total test. Men taking testosterone replacement therapy sometimes also order the estradiol test to make sure that their testosterone supplementation is not causing unwanted side effects.