Testosterone Blood Test — Free & Total Testosterone Profile

The Testosterone Blood Test (Free Testosterone Calculated Profile) measures four things: total testosterone, SHBG, albumin and calculated free testosterone. Free testosterone is the portion your body can actually use, which is why it can be more informative than a total testosterone result alone.

Low energy, reduced drive, a drop in libido, difficulty building muscle and flat or irritable mood are common reasons men look into testosterone. They also have many other possible causes, which is why testing matters.

What the Testosterone Blood Test measures

Why free testosterone matters more than total

Two men can have identical total testosterone and very different experiences. If one has high SHBG, most of his testosterone is bound and unavailable, so he can have the symptoms of low testosterone despite a "normal" total. Measuring free testosterone shows what is really available. It is the difference between knowing your bank balance and knowing what you can actually spend.

What happens after you buy

1. We arrange a time and come to you to take the blood sample.
2. Your sample is analysed by the laboratory.
3. You receive your results within 72 hours, with an explanation of what they mean and what to do next.

Who it's for

• Men with persistent fatigue, low motivation or difficulty concentrating
• Men who have noticed a drop in libido or sexual performance
• Men struggling to build or keep muscle despite regular training
• Men with mood changes, irritability, anxiety or low mood
• Men who suspect andropause and want blood results to discuss
• Men whose total testosterone has been tested before but who still feel symptomatic
• Men on testosterone treatment who want accurate monitoring, under the care of their prescriber

Frequently asked questions

How long do results take?

Results are usually available within 72 hours.

What time of day should I have a testosterone test?

Testosterone is usually highest in the morning, so a morning sample is generally advised. We will confirm timing and any preparation when you book.

Can this test diagnose low testosterone?

No. It measures your levels. A diagnosis depends on your symptoms, your results and often a repeat test, and is a clinical decision.

What is the difference between free and total testosterone?

Total testosterone is everything in your blood, including testosterone bound to proteins. Free testosterone is the unbound portion that is available to your tissues, calculated here from total testosterone, SHBG and albumin.

Does the test lead to a testosterone prescription?

Not automatically. Testosterone is a prescription-only medicine, and any decision about treatment is a clinical one made by a prescriber after assessment.

Should I choose this or the Well Man Blood Test?

This test looks at testosterone in detail. The Well Man Blood Test covers 46 biomarkers including heart health, thyroid, liver, kidney and PSA.

Looking for the full picture?

See all our men's health tests.

Good to know

This test measures your hormone levels and does not diagnose a condition. Symptoms like these have many causes, and any decision about treatment is a clinical one made in consultation. This test does not replace care from your GP, and if you feel unwell you should seek medical advice. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle your health information.