Free testosterone blood test
Quick answer: This test measures the small part of testosterone in your blood that is not bound to proteins and is active. Doctors order it when total testosterone may be misleading, such as in men with low-testosterone symptoms or women with signs of PCOS.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testAn early-morning sample is usually requested.
- In fertility careTestosterone matters for sperm production in men and is often raised in women with PCOS.
How the test is done
- 1You are usually asked to come in the morning
- 2The inside of your elbow is cleaned
- 3A needle draws blood into a tube
- 4The lab measures or calculates the free part of testosterone
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Hormone ranges differ between labs and by age, sex and cycle day, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high level in women can be seen with PCOS or other causes of high androgens. A low level in men can be seen with testicular or pituitary problems, obesity or long-term illness.
Who usually has this test
Men with low-testosterone symptoms, women with signs of PCOS such as extra hair or acne, and people with abnormal SHBG levels.
Risks and aftercare
A small bruise is the only usual effect.
Names and options
Also called: free T
Listed by the hospital as
- FREE TESTOSTERONE
Questions about this test
Why is free testosterone tested when total testosterone is normal?
If SHBG, the carrier protein, is high or low, total testosterone can be misleading. Free testosterone shows the active part.
Is free testosterone useful in PCOS?
Yes. Many women with PCOS have normal total testosterone but raised free testosterone because of low SHBG.
Can weight affect free testosterone?
Yes. Being overweight lowers SHBG, which can change free testosterone in both men and women.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.