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IMULAB

Free Testosterone

Free Testosterone

£79.19 GBP
£87.99 GBP £79.19 GBP
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How do you want to take your sample?

Please choose one option below

  • Collect your own finger prick sample at home  Free

    Self sampling kit containing everything you need to take your own sample at home.

  • Venous blood sample at a Superdrug Clinic  +£35.00

    Visit one of Superdrug's clinics across the UK where a healthcare professional will take your sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.

  • Book at home venous blood sample with a nurse  +£59.00

    Book an appointment for a nurse to visit your home and take your blood sample from a vein your arm. 

  • Arrange own venous sample with a healthcare professional  Free

    Make an appointment with a healthcare professional of your choice to have your venous blood sample taken. You will be responsible for arranging your appointment and any additional fees.

✅ Results expected within 2 working days

Check your free testosterone in your blood with our free testosterone blood test.

Why choose this test?

Are you experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as low sex drive, fatigue, and muscle weakness?

Our free testosterone blood test can help determine if low free testosterone levels may be the cause of your symptoms. This test measures the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in your blood, which is the form that is readily available for use by your body. Knowing your free testosterone levels can help guide treatment decisions and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

This test is suitable for a finger prick sample at home, with our partner clinics at Superdrug across the UK. Alternatively, you can choose to have one of our nurses or your own healthcare professional take your venous sample in the comfort of your own home. Results are normally available within 2 working days from receipt of your sample at our laboratory and delivered directly to you through our secure online patient portal. 

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What's included in this test?

Hormones

Free testosterone-calculation

The majority of testosterone present in the bloodstream is bound to proteins, predominantly SHBG and albumin, with only a small amount (2-3%) existing in an unbound or free state, and thus available for use by cells. The test in question employs a formula to determine the level of free or unbound testosterone based on the total testosterone level, as well as levels of SHBG and albumin.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone primarily responsible for male characteristics and is produced in the testicles of men, and to a much lesser extent, in the ovaries of women. It regulates sex drive and plays a crucial role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, as well as the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, but lower than normal levels can occur at any age, causing symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass, and lack of energy. Women have much lower levels of testosterone than men, but it is equally important for regulating libido, muscle and fat distribution, and red blood cell formation. The normal reference range for testosterone levels varies slightly depending on the laboratory and population tested, but the British Society for Sexual Medicine recommends that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, or when levels are below 12 nmol/L, especially in men who report symptoms of low testosterone or have low levels of free testosterone.

Proteins

SHBG

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is a protein produced by the liver that binds with sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream. When hormones are bound to SHBG, they become inactive and are not available for use by cells. Measuring the level of SHBG in the blood can provide important information about the levels of free or unbound hormones, which are biologically active and available for use.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein produced mainly by the liver that helps to maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood, keeping water inside the vessels. It also aids in the transport of nutrients, medications, and other substances throughout the body, and is important for tissue growth and repair. Additionally, albumin carries hormones in the blood, and measuring its levels can provide information about the amount of hormone available to the tissues.

Sampling special instructions

Prepare for your Free Testosterone Blood Test by following the instructions contained within your kit. It is also advised to collect your sample before 10am. If you are using hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, we recommend opting for a venous sample to minimise the potential contamination that can occur with finger-prick tests. In the absence of venous sampling, ensure that you wear gloves when administering any hormone supplements, and avoid contact between your fingers and hormone products for at least four weeks prior to the test. Keep in mind that hormones can penetrate deep into the skin and persist for weeks, even with rigorous handwashing. Refrain from taking biotin supplements for two days before the test, and if you have been prescribed biotin, consult with your doctor for further guidance. These precautions will help ensure accurate and reliable results for your Free Testosterone Blood Test.