A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood.
Alternative NamesSerum testosterone
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testThe health care provider may advise you to stop taking drugs that may affect the test.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test may be done if you have symptoms of abnormal male hormone (androgen) production.
In males, the testes produce most of the circulating testosterone. The hormone LH from the pituitary gland stimulates the Leydig cells in the testicles to produce testosterone.
In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone. The adrenal cortex produces another male hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Testosterone levels are used to assess:
Note: ng/dL = nanograms per deciliter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What abnormal results meanIncreased production of testosterone:
Decreased production of testosterone:
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
More sensitive tests can not only measure the total amount of testosterone in the blood, but can also determine how much of that total amount is "free" or "bioavailable" testosterone.
ReferencesWebster RA. Reproductive function and pregnancy. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2006:chap 25.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/21/2010
Robert Cooper, MD, Endocrinology Specialist and Chief of Medicine, Holyoke Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Yes, testosterone is an organic compound. It is composed of C, H and O.
Testosterone has an -OH group, which gives a positive result with the Lieberman-Burchard test. (A greenish blue color is seen.)
yes
for men testosterone, for women estrogen.
Inhibin
The Predominant hormone in males are testosterone
Testosterone
testosterone
It is only in male.It is produced in testosterone.
Testosterone is what makes us more masculine.
Check it out: <a href="http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/testosterone">testosterone</a>
The pituitary gland secretes a tiny amount of testosterone, this is why ther is a tiny amount of testosterone presant in females
Testosterone
testosterone
“I am 62 with a testosterone level of 132. How does that compare with normal. What are the consequences of low testosterone?”
Testosterone is an enzyme.
Testosterone