Test Directory

Test Code
TTTR
Test Name
Testosterone, Total
CPT Codes
84403
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Can be used for diagnosis of hypogonadism in males and hirsutism and virilization in females. Total testosterone includes free testosterone, weakly bound testosterone (bound to albumin), and tightly bound testosterone (bound to SHBG or sex hormone binding globulin).

Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.8 mL

Processing and Submission Instructions

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Refrigerated

48 hours

Methodology
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Reference Intervals
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily