Testosterone, Serum (Mass Concentration) – High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method
This test measures the amount of testosterone, a key hormone in both men and women, present in your blood serum. Testosterone plays a role in muscle and bone development, sex drive, and overall health.
["Understanding your testosterone levels can help identify hormonal imbalances that may affect energy, mood, or reproductive health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58851-7
- Short code
- Testost 3D p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Testost 3D p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 80
- Ref high
- 200
- Critical range
- 20 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84436
- SNOMED
- 302346007
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like low libido, fatigue, muscle weakness, irregular menstrual cycles, or unexplained mood changes. It may also be used in fertility evaluations, hormone replacement therapy planning, or monitoring conditions like hypogonadism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed. Wear comfortable clothing for easy blood draw access. Avoid smoking or caffeine before the draw if advised.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to separate and measure testosterone levels precisely.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a mass concentration (typically in nanograms per deciliter, ng/dL). While reference ranges vary by lab, lower or higher-than-expected levels may signal underlying health concerns that require further evaluation.
Reference range
Adult: 80-200 ng/dLN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Testosterone Level (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) can cause fatigue, reduced muscle mass, or mood disturbances. High levels may indicate conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or tumors. Results help guide treatment for hormonal disorders or support reproductive health decisions.
What if I have concerns about my testosterone levels?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy