Testosterone, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of testosterone, a key hormone involved in male and female health, including muscle development, bone density, and sexual function.
["Testosterone levels help assess hormone balance and potential health concerns like low testosterone or hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 100838-2
- Short code
- Testost sp9 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Testost sp9 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order a testosterone test to check for conditions like low testosterone (hypogonadism), high testosterone (hyperandrogenism), or to monitor hormonal treatments. It can also help diagnose symptoms such as fatigue, changes in libido, or irregular menstrual cycles.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is processed to measure testosterone levels. No special preparation is usually needed, but fasting may be required depending on the lab’s protocol.
What Are Common Reasons for Testing?
Testosterone levels may be checked if you have symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, or changes in mood. It’s also used in fertility evaluations, monitoring hormone replacement therapy, or assessing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women.
How Is the Test Performed?
The blood sample is collected in a sterile tube and sent to a lab for analysis. Testosterone is measured using a highly sensitive immunoassay method, which detects the hormone’s presence and concentration in your blood.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Serum Testosterone
Frequently asked questions
Your testosterone levels can indicate whether you have normal hormone function or if there’s an underlying issue affecting your health. Low testosterone may lead to fatigue, reduced sex drive, or muscle weakness, while high levels could cause acne, irregular periods, or other hormonal symptoms. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Testosterone results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on the lab and your healthcare provider’s workflow. Your doctor will contact you once the results are ready.
Does fasting affect testosterone test results?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy