Free Testosterone Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGPChief Medical Officer
What is total testosterone?
Total testosterone is the amount of testosterone present in your body. However, not all this testosterone is available for the body to use because some of it is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and cannot be released to the cells. A proportion of testosterone is also loosely bound to another protein called albumin. The rest of the testosterone in the body (about 1-2%) is unbound or free for the cells to use.
What's included in this test?
Our free testosterone test looks at your total testosterone, albumin, and SHBG levels to calculate the amount of testosterone available in your body for your cells to use.
Who is this test for?
Our test is ideal for men who want to investigate low testosterone symptoms or who have previously had a normal or borderline-low result but still suffer symptoms. With this test, you can see how much free testosterone is available to your body’s tissues.
What's Included?
How to prepare for your test
Special Instructions
Prepare for your Free Testosterone Blood Test by following these instructions. Please take your sample before 10am. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, we strongly recommend selecting a venous sample to minimise contamination sometimes seen with finger-prick tests. Otherwise, administer any hormone supplements using gloves, and make sure your fingers have not been in contact with hormone supplements for at least four weeks before taking the test. Hormones can be absorbed deep within the skin even after minimal contact and remain there for weeks despite vigorous handwashing. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.