Testosterone Test (Total)
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This test measures the total amount of testosterone circulating in the bloodstream. Testosterone is the primary androgen (sex hormone) in men, produced mainly by the Leydig cells in the testes. Women also produce testosterone in smaller quantities through the ovaries and adrenal glands. The total measurement captures both bound and unbound hormone: the majority of circulating testosterone travels attached to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, while a small fraction circulates freely.
Testosterone drives the development and maintenance of male physical characteristics and plays important roles in both sexes, supporting muscle mass and strength, bone density, red blood cell production, libido, mood regulation, and energy levels. Levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the early morning and declining into the evening. This test provides a foundational assessment of hormonal status and can help identify imbalances that may be contributing to symptoms like persistent fatigue, reduced motivation, changes in body composition, or diminished sexual function.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Men experiencing decreased energy, low sex drive, or changes in mood that may indicate hormonal imbalance
- Individuals noticing changes in muscle mass, strength, or physical endurance
- People dealing with unexplained fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances
- Men concerned about fertility or reproductive health issues
- Those experiencing symptoms like irritability, depression, or loss of motivation
- Individuals wanting to establish baseline hormone levels for future health monitoring
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is needed. Morning testing is preferred as testosterone levels are typically highest then, though this becomes less important with age.
Sample Type
A simple blood draw from a vein in your arm, similar to routine blood work
Collection
Visit any participating lab location with a photo ID. The blood draw takes just a few minutes
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days and delivered securely online
Understanding your results
Normal testosterone ranges vary by age, sex, and laboratory methodology, so results should always be compared to the reference range printed on the same report. Timing matters: testosterone levels in young men can be roughly 50% higher in the early morning than in the evening, and readings can fluctuate meaningfully from one day to the next. For this reason, healthcare providers may recommend a repeat morning draw before concluding that levels are abnormal. Results are interpreted alongside symptoms and, when warranted, additional markers like free testosterone and SHBG.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult men (19-39 years) | 264-916 ng/dL | Based on harmonized reference standards from multiple studies |
| Adult men (general) | 300-1000 ng/dL | May vary by laboratory and age |
| Adult women (premenopausal) | 10-55 ng/dL | Varies with menstrual cycle |
| Adult women (postmenopausal) | 7-40 ng/dL | Levels typically decrease after menopause |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Low testosterone in women may cause subtle symptoms including decreased libido and nonspecific mood changes, while in men it results in partial or complete degrees of hypogonadism with symptoms like reduced energy and sexual function.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated testosterone levels in women can cause varying degrees of virilization, including hirsutism, acne, and oligomenorrhea, while in men, pronounced elevations may indicate genetic conditions, adrenal or testicular tumors, or hormone abuse.
Privacy & confidentiality
Your test results are delivered confidentially through a secure online portal accessible only to you. Results are never shared with employers, insurance companies, or third parties without your explicit consent. All testing is conducted with complete discretion and privacy.
Frequently asked questions
Related conditions
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I Think I Have Low Testosterone. What Should I Do First?
Read ArticleWhat Blood Tests Should Men Get in Their 30s, 40s, and 50s?
Read ArticleTestosterone Levels by Age: What Is Normal?
Read ArticleQuest Diagnostics vs LabCorp: Which Lab Should You Choose?
Read ArticleLast reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 84403
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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