Understanding Your Testosterone Testing Options
We offer testosterone testing through multiple lab partners, each with different test options, pricing, and methods. This guide will help you understand what's available and choose the right test for your needs.
What's the Difference Between Testosterone Tests?
Testosterone testing isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's what the different measurements mean:
Total Testosterone — The total amount of testosterone in your blood, including both bound and unbound forms. This is the basic measurement included in all tests.
Free Testosterone — The "active" testosterone available for your body to use (only 2–3% of total). This can be measured directly or calculated from other values.
Bioavailable Testosterone — Free testosterone plus testosterone loosely bound to albumin. Considered a better indicator of usable testosterone than free T alone.
SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin) — A protein that binds to testosterone. Higher SHBG means less free testosterone available.
Albumin — A protein that loosely binds testosterone. Used to calculate bioavailable testosterone.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) — A potent androgen converted from testosterone. Relevant for hair loss, prostate health, and certain hormonal conditions.
Testing Options by Lab
Quest Diagnostics
Test | Price | What's Included | Best For |
Total MS | $11 | Total T only | Basic Total T screening using the Endocrine Society's recommended LC-MS/MS method. Reports values up to 10,000 ng/dL. Best if you only need Total T |
Testosterone, Free and Total, MS | $15 | Total T + Free T (calculated via equilibrium dialysis) | Adds Free T to the Total MS using the Vermeulen equation — a well-validated method. Good value if you want both Total and Free T |
Free, Bio & Total | $22 | Total T, Free T, Bioavailable T, SHBG, Albumin | Most comprehensive Quest option. Includes Bioavailable T (Free T + albumin-bound T), which many consider the best indicator of usable testosterone |
LabCorp
Test | Price | What's Included | Best For |
Testosterone, Free (Calculated) and Total, SHBG, Albumin | $59 | Total T, Free T (calculated), SHBG, Albumin | Most people — best value. Note: standard immunoassay, caps at >1,500 ng/dL |
Testosterone, Free (Calc) and Total LC/MS, SHBG, Albumin — Women, Children, and Hypogonadism | $59 | Total T, Free T (LC/MS), SHBG, Albumin | Women, children, suspected hypogonadism, or anyone on TRT wanting uncapped results |
Testosterone, Free, Equilibrium Ultrafiltration With Total Testosterone, LC/MS-MS | $58 | Total T, Free T (direct measurement), Free T % | Gold-standard accuracy for free T; best for tracking Free T changes over time |
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) | $135 | DHT only | Investigating hair loss, BPH, or suspected 5-alpha reductase activity |
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Free, LC/MS/Dialysis | $241 | DHT, Free DHT, additional DHT markers | Comprehensive DHT picture; best when your doctor needs the full breakdown |
BioReference
Test | Price | What's Included | Best For |
Testosterone, Free and Total (LC/MS) | $45 | Total T, Free T (calculated), SHBG | Good value, similar to LabCorp $40 test. Reports values up to >4,000 ng/dL |
Which Test Should I Choose?
Choose LabCorp $40 test if:
You want a complete picture of your testosterone levels at the best value
You want guaranteed Free T results (not optional)
Your levels are unlikely to exceed 1,500 ng/dL (i.e., you're not on TRT)
Choose Quest Total MS ($11) if:
You only need a basic Total T screening
Budget is your primary concern
You've had Free T tested recently and just need a Total T check
Choose LabCorp $70 test (LC/MS) if:
You're a woman, child, or have suspected hypogonadism
You need more sensitive testing (LC/MS method)
You have elevated testosterone and want uncapped results (e.g., you're on TRT)
Choose LabCorp Equilibrium Ultrafiltration ($80) if:
You need the most accurate Free T measurement possible
You're tracking Free T changes over time and need consistency
Your doctor specifically requested direct measurement
Testosterone Testing in Our Panels
Many of our comprehensive panels include testosterone testing. Here's what's included:
Quest Panels
Panel | Price | Testosterone Test Included |
Comprehensive Men's | $200 | Free, Bioavailable & Total T |
Comprehensive Women's | $200 | Free, Bioavailable & Total T |
Men's Hormone | $60 | Free, Bioavailable & Total T |
Women's Hormone | $60 | Free, Bioavailable & Total T |
Function Health Equivalent | $450 | Free, Bioavailable & Total T |
Body Builder | $280 | Free & Total T + DHT |
LabCorp Panels
Panel | Price | Testosterone Test Included |
Comprehensive Men's | $200 | Calculated Free T — caps at >1,500 ng/dL |
Comprehensive Women's | $200 | LC/MS — more sensitive, uncapped |
Men's Hormone | $80 | Calculated Free T — caps at >1,500 ng/dL |
Women's Hormone | $120 | LC/MS — more sensitive, uncapped |
BioReference Panels
Panel | Price | Testosterone Test Included |
Comprehensive Men's | $200 | LC/MS — reports up to >4,000 ng/dL |
Comprehensive Women's | $200 | LC/MS — reports up to >4,000 ng/dL |
Men's Hormone | $80 | LC/MS — reports up to >4,000 ng/dL |
Women's Hormone | $80 | LC/MS — reports up to >4,000 ng/dL |
Important: Reporting Limits for High Testosterone Levels
If you have elevated testosterone — for example, if you're on TRT or use performance-enhancing hormones — some tests will report ">1500" or ">50" rather than your actual value when results exceed certain thresholds. Here's how each lab compares:
Lab | Test Method | Reporting Cap |
LabCorp (standard — $40 test) | Immunoassay | Caps at >1,500 ng/dL |
BioReference (LC/MS) | LC/MS | Caps at >4,000 ng/dL |
Quest | LC/MS | Caps at >10,000 ng/dL (effectively uncapped for most people) |
LabCorp ($70, $80 tests) | LC/MS | Uncapped for the vast majority of users |
If you have high testosterone and want an actual number rather than ">1500", choose one of the following:
Any Quest test or panel
LabCorp $70 or $80 test (LC/MS method)
Any BioReference test or panel
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before a testosterone test? No fasting is required for testosterone testing.
Does the time of day matter? Testosterone levels are typically highest in the morning. For the most accurate results, especially if tracking changes over time, try to test at a consistent time (ideally morning).
What's the difference between "calculated" and "direct" Free T?
Calculated: Free T is estimated using a formula based on your Total T, SHBG, and Albumin. Accurate for most people.
Direct (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration): Free T is measured directly from your blood sample. This is the gold standard but costs more.
Why do women's panels use different tests? Women have much lower testosterone levels than men. The LC/MS method used in women's panels is more sensitive and accurate at detecting these lower levels.
What is DHT and do I need to test it? DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a potent androgen converted from testosterone. Most people don't need to test it routinely — it's most relevant if you're experiencing hair loss, prostate symptoms, or your doctor has specifically flagged androgen-related concerns.