๐Ÿงฌ
Testosterone Panel
Quest Code 070038 ยท LC/MS-MS
Total Testosterone via Mass Spectrometry
Free Testosterone via Equilibrium Dialysis
% Free Testosterone (Calculated)
Gold Standard Methodology
Quest Diagnostics ยท Nationwide Labs
Insurance Billable ยท Serum Sample

Panel: Total Testosterone

The gold standard testosterone test. Total Testosterone measured by LC/MS-MS (liquid chromatographyโ€“tandem mass spectrometry) and Free Testosterone measured by equilibrium dialysis โ€” the most accurate methods available.

LC/MS

Mass Spectrometry

ED

Equilibrium Dialysis

3

Biomarkers

Quest

Diagnostics

How It Works

Simple. Accurate. Insurance Billed.

We send your lab order to Quest Diagnostics. Walk into any of 2,000+ Quest locations nationwide โ€” no appointment needed for most locations.

01

Medical Intake

Complete a brief online intake. A licensed provider reviews your symptoms and orders the appropriate labs.

~5 minutes

02

Visit Quest Lab

Walk into any Quest Diagnostics patient service center. Simple blood draw โ€” morning fasting recommended.

2,000+ locations

03

Insurance Billed

Your insurance is billed directly by Quest Diagnostics. You're only responsible for your copay/deductible.

Most plans accepted

04

Get Results

Receive your detailed results online. A provider reviews your levels and provides personalized guidance.

3โ€“5 business days

What's Measured

Total + Free Testosterone โ€” Gold Standard

This test measures three values using the most accurate methodologies recognized by the Endocrine Society.

Total Testosterone
Total Testosterone (MS)
Measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood โ€” both bound to proteins (SHBG, albumin) and freely circulating. Measured via LC/MS-MS, the most accurate method โ€” no interference from other steroids.
Reference Ranges (Adult Males)
Age 20โ€“49249โ€“836 ng/dL
Age 50+193โ€“740 ng/dL
Optimal (functional)500โ€“900 ng/dL
Free Testosterone
Free Testosterone (Dialysis)
Measures the testosterone not bound to proteins โ€” the bioactive form your body can actually use. Equilibrium dialysis is the reference method; more accurate than calculated or analog free T assays.
Reference Ranges (Adult Males)
Age 20โ€“499.3โ€“26.5 pg/mL
Age 50+6.8โ€“21.5 pg/mL
% Free Testosterone1.0โ€“3.5%

Your Report

Your Results โ€” Clear & Actionable

Results include exact values, reference ranges, and a provider review with personalized guidance.

๐Ÿงฌ
Testosterone Panel โ€” Sample Results
Quest Diagnostics ยท Test Code 070038
Total Testosterone (MS)
Liquid Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry
612 ng/dL
Ref: 249โ€“836 ng/dL
Normal
Free Testosterone (Dialysis)
Equilibrium Dialysis
14.8 pg/mL
Ref: 9.3โ€“26.5 pg/mL
Normal
% Free Testosterone
Calculated
2.4%
Ref: 1.0โ€“3.5%
Normal

Simple. Medical. Personalized.

Medical intake

A licensed provider reviews your intake and determines the right test. Your results are reviewed for actionable guidance.

Medical Intake

Answer a few online questions about your health history, lifestyle, and goals โ€” no clinic visit required.

Personalized plan

Receive a personalized provider review of your testosterone levels with guidance on next steps โ€” whether that's lifestyle optimization, further testing, or a TRT consultation.

Ongoing support

Stay connected with your care team for follow-ups, adjustments, and expert answers โ€” all online.

FAQs

Why is LC/MS-MS better than a standard testosterone test?

Standard immunoassays can cross-react with other steroids, producing inaccurate results โ€” especially at low or high levels. LC/MS-MS physically separates testosterone from other molecules before measuring it, making it the most accurate method available. The Endocrine Society recommends it as the gold standard.

Why is equilibrium dialysis better for Free T?

Most labs offer "calculated" free T (an estimate based on formulas) or "analog" assays (inaccurate). Equilibrium dialysis physically separates free testosterone from protein-bound testosterone using a dialysis membrane โ€” measuring actual unbound hormone. It's the recognized reference method.

Do I need to fast before this test?

Fasting is not strictly required but is recommended. Testosterone levels are highest in the early morning and can be affected by recent meals. For the most accurate results, draw blood between 7โ€“10 AM after an overnight fast.

Will my insurance cover this test?

Quest Diagnostics accepts most major insurance plans. The lab bills your insurance directly. You'll be responsible for your copay, deductible, or coinsurance as determined by your plan. If you have symptoms of low testosterone, most plans cover diagnostic testing.

What's the Quest test code?

This test is Quest Diagnostics order code 070038 โ€” "Testosterone, Free (Dialysis) and Total, MS." It includes Total Testosterone (LC/MS-MS), Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Dialysis), and % Free Testosterone (Calculated).

How long do results take?

Results are typically available within 3โ€“5 business days after your blood draw. Because equilibrium dialysis is a specialized methodology, it may take slightly longer than standard testosterone immunoassays.

What if my levels are low?

If your Total or Free T is below the reference range, a provider will review your full clinical picture. Options may include lifestyle modifications (sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress management), targeted supplementation, or referral for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) if medically indicated.

The information and products provided on this website are for educational and wellness purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All treatments require evaluation and approval by a licensed healthcare provider through a telemedicine consultation. Individual results may vary, and products carry potential risks and side effects. Certain products may not be evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unless explicitly stated. Services are provided by licensed physicians and nurse practitioners in states where they are authorized to practice, including California, Florida, Nevada, and other participating states. This service is not intended for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care. We take reasonable measures to protect personal health information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including HIPAA. By using this website or its services, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Telehealth Consent. You must be 18 years of age or older to use this service.