How to Get Testosterone Tested
Home vs Lab Guide 2025
Quick Summary
Testosterone testing requires two morning tests (7-11 AM, fasting) measuring total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG. Home kits cost $49-99 (finger prick, 3-5 days) vs labs $29-150 without insurance ($0-50 with insurance). Both use same CLIA-certified labs with equivalent accuracy. Home tests offer privacy and convenience, labs offer comprehensive panels and immediate doctor review. Just pick one and get tested—stop wondering.
- Two morning tests (7-11 AM, fasting) required for diagnosis—single afternoon test can miss diagnosis by showing falsely normal levels (testosterone is 20-30% lower in afternoon)
- Home kits ($49-99) and traditional labs ($29-150 cash, $0-50 insurance) use identical CLIA-certified labs with equivalent accuracy—choose based on convenience vs cost
- Test total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG minimum—20-30% of guys have low free testosterone with normal total, causing identical symptoms
- Normal thresholds: <300 ng/dL = low (treatment eligible), 300-400 ng/dL = gray zone, 400-1000 ng/dL = normal, >1000 ng/dL = investigate
You’re pretty sure you have low testosterone. You’ve had the symptoms for months. But you’re stuck on: How do I actually get tested? Do I need a doctor? How much does it cost? What if it’s awkward?
The straightforward approach: Order a home test kit for $49-99 (finger prick, 3-5 days for results) or go to LabCorp/Quest for $29-150 (blood draw, 1-3 days). Both are accurate. Two morning tests required (7-11 AM, fasting). That’s it.
Pick an option and get tested. This guide tells you exactly what to do.
The Three Ways to Get Tested (Pick One)
Option 1: At-Home Test Kit ($49-99, No Doctor, Most Convenient)
How it works:
- Order kit online (Hone Health, LetsGetChecked, Everlywell)
- Kit arrives in 2-3 days with instructions
- Finger-prick blood sample at home (morning, fasting)
- Mail sample back (prepaid envelope)
- Results in 3-5 days online
- Telemedicine consultation included (some providers)
Cost: $49-99 for basic panel (total T, free T, SHBG), $99-199 for comprehensive
Pros: Complete privacy, no doctor visit, no lab visit, convenient, fast
Cons: Out-of-pocket (no insurance), finger prick less reliable if done wrong, may need repeat test at lab anyway
Best for: Guys who want to know their levels without involving doctors/insurance yet, privacy-conscious, hate needles/labs
Option 2: Traditional Lab (LabCorp/Quest) ($29-150 Cash, $0-50 with Insurance)
How it works:
- Doctor orders test (or order direct-to-consumer online)
- Visit LabCorp or Quest location
- Blood draw by phlebotomist (morning, fasting)
- Results in 1-3 days
- Follow up with doctor (or review online)
Cost without insurance: $29-49 for total T only (GoodRx), $150-300 for comprehensive panel
Cost with insurance: $0-50 copay, covers comprehensive panel, may need prior authorization
Pros: Cheapest with insurance, most reliable (venous blood draw), comprehensive panels available, doctor review
Cons: Requires lab visit, may need doctor visit first, prior authorization delays, less private
Best for: Guys with insurance, want most comprehensive testing, already seeing a doctor
Option 3: Direct-to-Consumer Lab Order ($79-150, No Doctor, Visit Lab)
How it works:
- Order online (PrivateMDLabs, UltaLabTests, DirectLabs)
- Pay online
- Visit LabCorp/Quest with order form
- Blood draw
- Results emailed in 1-3 days
Cost: $49-79 for total T, $150-250 for comprehensive panel
Pros: No doctor needed, venous blood draw (reliable), fast results, privacy
Cons: Out-of-pocket, still need lab visit, self-interpretation (unless you pay for telemedicine review)
Best for: Guys who want reliable blood draw without doctor involvement, willing to visit lab
Just Do Option 1 or 2 (Stop Overthinking)
If you have insurance and symptoms: Go to your doctor, say “I have low libido, ED, and fatigue for 3+ months. I want my testosterone checked.” Doctor orders test. Visit LabCorp/Quest. Costs $0-50 copay. Done.
If you don’t have insurance or want privacy: Order Hone Health or LetsGetChecked home kit for $49-99. Finger prick at home. Results in 5 days. Done.
That’s it. Stop reading comparison charts. Just pick one and do it this week.
The Testing Protocol (Do It Right the First Time)
Two Tests Required (Not One)
Why two tests: Testosterone fluctuates 15-25% day-to-day. Single test can be misleading. You could test 280 ng/dL one day, 340 ng/dL another day. One says low T, one says normal.
Endocrine Society guideline: Two separate morning tests <300 ng/dL required for diagnosis.
Timeline: Test 1 today, Test 2 in 2-4 weeks. Both morning, both fasting.
Morning Testing (7-11 AM, Non-Negotiable)
Why morning: Testosterone peaks 7-10 AM, declines throughout day. Morning levels are 20-30% higher than afternoon.
The problem: Guy tests at 3 PM, gets result of 350 ng/dL (normal range). But his morning level would’ve been 250 ng/dL (low). Diagnosis missed.
The rule: Test between 7-11 AM. Fasting (8+ hours, water allowed). Adequate sleep night before. No intense exercise 24 hours before.
What to Test (Minimum: Total T + Free T + SHBG)
Don’t just test total testosterone. 20-30% of guys with symptoms have normal total testosterone but low free testosterone. You’ll miss the diagnosis.
Minimum panel:
- Total testosterone: Overall level
- Free testosterone: Bioavailable form (active)
- SHBG: Protein that binds testosterone (affects free T)
Comprehensive panel (better for identifying cause):
- Total T, free T, SHBG (baseline)
- LH and FSH (pituitary function—primary vs secondary hypogonadism)
- Prolactin (elevated suppresses testosterone)
- Estradiol (high estrogen can cause symptoms)
- TSH (thyroid affects testosterone)
Cost: Basic $49-99, comprehensive $150-300. Worth getting comprehensive initially—identifies cause, guides treatment.
What the Results Mean (The Numbers)
Total Testosterone
- <200 ng/dL: Severely low—symptoms in 90%+ of guys, definitely treat
- 200-300 ng/dL: Low—treatment eligible, most doctors will treat
- 300-400 ng/dL: Gray zone—treat if moderate-severe symptoms, discuss with doctor
- 400-700 ng/dL: Normal—symptoms unlikely from testosterone
- 700-1000 ng/dL: High-normal—healthy range
- >1000 ng/dL: Abnormally high—investigate cause (exogenous testosterone, tumor)
Free Testosterone
- <50 pg/mL: Low—treat even if total T is normal
- 50-100 pg/mL: Borderline—treat if symptomatic
- >100 pg/mL: Normal
The Discordant Result Problem (20-30% of Cases)
Scenario: Total T = 400 ng/dL (normal), Free T = 45 pg/mL (low), SHBG = 65 nmol/L (high)
What’s happening: SHBG is binding too much testosterone. Total looks normal but free (bioavailable) is low. You’re symptomatic.
Treatment: You need TRT despite “normal” total testosterone. This is why you test free T and SHBG—catches 20-30% of cases that total T alone misses.
Home Test vs Lab: Which Is Actually Better?
Accuracy: Identical. Both use same CLIA-certified labs (LabCorp, Quest). Same equipment. Same methods. 95%+ concordance.
Reliability: Venous blood draw (lab) slightly more reliable than finger prick (home) but only if home sample done wrong. Follow instructions carefully.
Convenience: Home test wins. No lab visit. No appointment. Do it Saturday morning. Mail it Monday.
Cost with insurance: Lab wins ($0-50 copay). Home test always out-of-pocket ($49-199).
Cost without insurance: Similar ($49-150 range). Home test includes telemedicine consultation. Lab doesn’t.
Comprehensiveness: Lab offers more comprehensive panels ($150-300). Home kits usually basic panel ($49-99).
The decision:
- Have insurance + symptoms → Traditional lab ($0-50)
- No insurance or want privacy → Home test kit ($49-99)
- Want comprehensive panel → Lab (comprehensive home kits are $150-199, same as lab)
Your Next Step (Stop Procrastinating)
If you have symptoms (low libido + ED + fatigue for 3+ months):
Option 1 (easiest): Order Hone Health home kit ($99 with consultation). Do finger prick Saturday morning (fasting). Mail Monday. Results Friday. Telemedicine consult next week. Repeat test in 2-4 weeks. If both <300 ng/dL, discuss TRT with provider.
Option 2 (cheapest with insurance): Call your doctor Monday. Say “I have low libido, ED, and fatigue for 3+ months. I want testosterone tested.” Doctor orders comprehensive panel. Visit LabCorp Tuesday morning (7-11 AM, fasting). Results Thursday. Follow up next week. Repeat test in 2-4 weeks if first test <350 ng/dL.
Option 3 (no insurance, want venous draw): Order PrivateMDLabs comprehensive panel online ($150). Visit LabCorp Saturday morning (fasting, 7-11 AM). Results Monday. Review with telemedicine provider ($50 consultation). Repeat in 2-4 weeks.
Most important: Just do it. You’ve been wondering for months. Testing takes one morning and costs $49-150. Two tests over 2-4 weeks confirms diagnosis. If you’re <300 ng/dL, you’re TRT-eligible. If you’re >400 ng/dL, look for other causes (depression, sleep apnea, thyroid). Either way, you’ll know.
Stop wondering. Get tested this week.
This guide provides general information about testosterone testing protocols based on clinical guidelines. Testing should be performed in morning (7-11 AM) after fasting. Two separate tests required for diagnosis per Endocrine Society guidelines. Consult with healthcare providers for interpretation and treatment decisions. Last updated: February 2025.
Key Takeaways
- 1
Morning testosterone (7-11 AM) is 20-30% higher than afternoon due to circadian rhythm—afternoon testing misses diagnosis by showing falsely normal results in truly low testosterone men.
- 2
Two separate morning tests confirm diagnosis because testosterone fluctuates 15-25% day-to-day—single test insufficient per Endocrine Society guidelines requiring two measurements.
- 3
Free testosterone and SHBG essential—20-30% of men have low free testosterone with normal total due to high SHBG, causing identical symptoms requiring treatment.
- 4
Home test kits ($49-99 from Hone Health, LetsGetChecked, Everlywell) use same CLIA-certified labs as traditional facilities with FDA-approved assays—accuracy equivalent to in-person testing.
- 5
Insurance covers testosterone testing when medically necessary (documented symptoms) with $0-50 copay, but may require prior authorization—home tests always out-of-pocket but include provider consultation.
- 6
Comprehensive testing (total T, free T, SHBG, LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol) costs $150-300 but identifies cause (primary vs secondary) and guides treatment—worth investment over total testosterone alone.
Common Questions About Testosterone Testing
Common questions about testosterone replacement therapy & men's health answered by our research team.
Q How do I get my testosterone tested?
Three options: 1) At-home kit ($49-99): Order online (Hone Health, LetsGetChecked, Everlywell), finger-prick blood sample at home, mail to lab, results in 3-5 days with telemedicine consultation. 2) Traditional lab ($29-150): Doctor orders tests, visit LabCorp/Quest, blood draw, results in 1-3 days, follow-up with doctor. 3) Direct-to-consumer lab ($79-150): Order online (PrivateMDLabs, UltaLabTests), visit lab location, results in 1-3 days, self-interpret or telehealth review. All use same CLIA-certified labs—choose based on convenience and cost. Just pick one and do it.
Q When is the best time to test testosterone?
Morning (7-11 AM) after fasting 8+ hours. Morning matters because testosterone peaks 7-10 AM (20-30% higher than afternoon), circadian rhythm causes afternoon decline, testing at 3 PM may miss diagnosis (falsely normal). Fasting ensures consistent conditions, easier comparison between tests. Two separate mornings required because testosterone fluctuates 15-25% day-to-day, single test insufficient. Avoid testing during acute illness (temporarily suppresses), after poor sleep, during extreme stress, within 48 hours of intense exercise.
Q Are at-home testosterone tests accurate?
Yes, when using reputable providers. Accuracy equivalent to traditional labs: use same CLIA-certified laboratories (LabCorp, Quest), FDA-cleared immunoassay methods, coefficient of variation <10% (medical standard), quality controls identical. Validated providers: Hone Health (uses Quest), LetsGetChecked (CAP-accredited), Everlywell (CLIA-certified). Studies show 95%+ concordance with venous blood draw when done correctly. Accuracy concerns: improper sample collection (user error), hemolysis (follow instructions), insufficient sample volume. Not accurate: unvalidated online tests, saliva tests for diagnosis, urine tests.
Q What testosterone tests should I order?
Minimum: total testosterone + free testosterone + SHBG. Comprehensive panel (better): total T, free T, SHBG, LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, TSH. Don't skip free testosterone—20-30% of cases have low free with normal total. LH/FSH distinguish primary vs secondary hypogonadism. Prolactin can suppress testosterone. Estradiol important for symptoms. TSH rules out thyroid. Cost: Basic $49-99, comprehensive $150-300. Worth getting comprehensive initially to identify cause and guide treatment.
Q How much does testosterone testing cost?
Home kits (out-of-pocket): Basic $49-99, comprehensive $99-199. Traditional lab without insurance: Total T only $29-49 with GoodRx, comprehensive $150-300. Traditional lab with insurance: $0-50 copay typically, may require prior authorization, covers comprehensive panel. Direct-to-consumer labs: Total T $49-79, comprehensive $150-250. Insurance covers when medically necessary (documented symptoms), age restrictions sometimes (>40), prior authorization may be required. Cheapest: GoodRx at LabCorp/Quest $29-49 for total T. Best value: Home kit $99 with comprehensive panel + telemedicine.
Q What do testosterone test results mean?
Total testosterone thresholds: <200 ng/dL = severely low (treat), 200-300 ng/dL = low (treatment eligible), 300-400 ng/dL = low-normal (gray zone, treat if symptomatic), 400-700 ng/dL = normal, 700-1000 ng/dL = high-normal, >1000 ng/dL = abnormally high (investigate). Free testosterone: <50 pg/mL = low, 50-100 pg/mL = borderline, >100 pg/mL = normal. Discordant results (20-30%): High SHBG causes normal total but low free (symptomatic, needs treatment). Treatment decisions: Two tests <300 ng/dL + symptoms = TRT eligible. One test 250-350 ng/dL + severe symptoms = discuss treatment.
Q Do I need a doctor to test testosterone?
No, but recommended for interpretation and treatment. Without doctor: at-home test kits (no prescription), direct-to-consumer labs (order online), results provided but self-interpret. With doctor: primary care or urologist orders test, insurance may cover, proper interpretation and treatment guidance, necessary for TRT prescription. Hybrid: at-home kit with telemedicine, results reviewed by licensed provider (included), can prescribe TRT if qualified, costs $99-199 total. Best approach: use home kit or direct lab to confirm suspicion, then see doctor for treatment (most insurance requires doctor visit anyway for TRT).
Have more questions? Our research is continuously updated. If you don't see your question answered here, check our complete guides or contact our team.
Kai Nakano
Health Journalist & Men's Health Specialist
Medical review by Dr. Amara Okonkwo, PharmD, BCPS - Clinical Pharmacotherapy Specialist
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