Testosterone, Total (Serum)
This test measures the amount of total testosterone, a key male sex hormone, in your blood. Testosterone plays a role in muscle and bone development, red blood cell production, and sexual function.
["Your total testosterone levels help assess hormone balance, especially in men and women with suspected hormonal issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2988-4
- Short code
- Testost Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Testost Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Your doctor may order this test to help diagnose a medical condition, check how well an organ is working, or monitor treatment you are already receiving. It can also be part of a routine checkup to screen for health problems before symptoms appear.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like low libido, fatigue, or changes in body hair. It could also be used to evaluate conditions like hypogonadism (low testosterone), infertility, or to monitor treatment for hormone-related disorders.
Before your test, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to follow. Depending on the type of test, you may need to fast for a certain number of hours, avoid certain medications, or drink plenty of water. Tell your care team about all medications, supplements, and allergies, and arrange a ride home if sedation is involved.
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your test is part of a broader metabolic or hormonal panel. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing.
During the test, a trained member of your care team will walk you through each step and answer any questions you have. You may be asked to sit or lie down while a sample is collected or while equipment takes measurements. Most tests are quick and cause little to no discomfort, though you may feel a brief pinch or pressure at certain points.
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis, where it is measured for total testosterone concentration using an immunoassay method.
Your results will help your healthcare provider better understand your health. Values within the normal range suggest everything is working as expected, while abnormal results do not always mean something is seriously wrong. Your provider will review the results with you, explain what they mean, and discuss any next steps, such as additional testing or treatment.
Results are compared to reference ranges specific to your age, sex, and overall health. Low or high levels may indicate underlying conditions that need further evaluation by your provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Testosterone
Frequently asked questions
Low testosterone levels can cause symptoms like reduced energy, mood changes, or erectile dysfunction. High levels may be linked to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or certain tumors. Always discuss results with your doctor for personalized interpretation.
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they are ready to review them with you.
If fasting is required, avoid food and liquids (except water) for 8–12 hours before the test. If no fasting is needed, you can eat and drink normally. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
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