Best 5 testosterone tests for 2022
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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Regular testosterone levels are essential for certain functions, especially in males. Symptoms of low testosterone may include low sex drive, tiredness, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression. An at-home test may indicate when to contact a doctor. Share on Pinterest Quick linksBest for affordability Everlywell Testosterone TestBest for customer support LetsGetChecked Testosterone TestBest for color-coded results Verisana Testosterone Saliva TestBest for personalized results: CeraScreen At-Home Testosterone Test KitBest experience: MyLAB Box At-Home Testosterone Test KitThis article looks at some home testosterone kits and who might need one. It also gives a list of tests, advice on taking them, and approximate costs. Finally, it answers some common questions about home testosterone kits. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. What are home testosterone test kits A home testosterone test is a simple kit allowing a person to test their testosterone levels. This can help indicate if an individual has low testosterone. The kits are available to purchase online. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that low testosterone levels can predispose males to certain diseases and conditions. These include:diabetesmetabolic syndromecardiovascular diseasefracturesneurodegenerative diseasehigh mortality How to choose a home testosterone test Individuals may wish to consider purchasing a home test from a reputable brand. This could mean a company that claims to use reliable and regulated labs that produce accurate results. Reading independent reviews from companies, including the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, may also help. A person may also prefer a specific sample collection method. Some tests require a blood sample that typically involves a finger prick. Others may require a lab visit for a blood draw, and some may require a person to take a saliva or urine sample. Cost may also be a deciding factor, and some tests may be more expensive than others. An individual should consider their budget when researching different brands, as prices can vary. How to take a home testosterone test The process of taking a home testosterone test varies, and a person should always read the accompanying instructions carefully. Some services also have sample collection instruction videos on their websites. Most tests require a saliva sample, but others may require a blood sample via a finger prick. Usually, individuals send their results to the specified lab on the day of sample collection. Results are then available within a few days. How much do home testosterone tests cost Each company prices its testosterone tests differently. While some charge one-time payments, others offer subscription services. Medical insurers do not typically cover home tests. However, a person should check with their provider or benefits team to see if they are eligible for reimbursement. Some home testing companies may also accept Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) payments. How we chose MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria: Laboratories: When possible, MNT chooses companies that process test samples in labs with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification. This means that the labs follow state and federal regulations.Budget: MNT includes at-home tests that suit a range of budgets. Privacy: MNT chooses companies with robust, transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when their test results will be available and whether by email, app, or phone.Further support: MNT indicates whether companies offer further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results. Product list Below are some home testosterone tests to consider. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for affordability Everlywell Testosterone Test This Everlywell Testosterone Test requires a saliva sample. A person must register their kit when it arrives, take their sample, and return it to one of Everlywell’s CLIA-certified labs. The certification requires that labs meet high federal and state standards. Pros and cons Individuals will receive their personalized results online within a few days after an in-state physician reviews them. The company does not currently accept insurance, but it takes FSA and HSA payments. Price: Everlywell’s testosterone tests are available to purchase online for around $50, but individuals may also opt for a membership if they require regular testing. This costs around $25 per month. Learn more about Everlywell here.SHOP NOW Best for customer support LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test This company provides a variety of home tests, including a testosterone test. To collect a sample, the pack includes a lancet, so a person can perform a finger prick test. The company confirms its labs have CLIA certification. When they receive their test, an individual should follow the instructions to activate the test on the company’s website in the morning. They can then take the sample and return it the same day. An instructional video on collecting the sample is available on the LetsGetChecked website. Pros and cons Results will appear on a person’s online account within 2–5 days. Additionally, the company claims that nurses are available 24 hours a day to explain results and next steps in case of positive or indicative results. LetsGetChecked does not accept private health insurance, but it takes many FSA and HSA payments. Price: The company’s home testosterone test costs around $60 and is available to purchase online. Learn more about LetsGetChecked here. Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% offSHOP NOW Best for color-coded results Verisana Testosterone Saliva Test Verisana offers many home testing options, including its Testosterone Saliva Test, which adults can use to check their testosterone levels. The company’s terms of service note that its labs do not have CLIA certification, as they are nonclinical and do not perform clinical testing. The company requests a person collect their saliva sample between waking up and 10:59 a.m. on a Monday. Once they take their sample, they should store it in the refrigerator until they post it to the lab. If an individual takes their saliva sample on any day other than a Monday, they should store it in their home freezer and advise the lab of this with their return documentation. Pros and cons This test requires a saliva sample, which may be more comfortable for some people than a finger-prick test. Additionally, the company will email a person their results on a color-coded graph and encourage them to discuss the findings with a doctor. However, the company asks individuals to avoid specific foods and drinks for 12 hours before taking the sample. These include:winemeatmilk and milk productssoy productschocolate Verisana also advises that it does not work with insurance companies, so test expenses may be ineligible for claims. However, a person should contact their insurer to confirm this. There is no advice on the website relating to FSA or HSA payments. Price: Verisana’s Testosterone Saliva Test is available to purchase online for around $50.SHOP NOW Best for personalized results Cerascreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit The Cerascreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit requires a person to take a saliva swab in the morning and complete an online questionnaire. The company claims this will ensure individuals receive personalized results, recommendations, and tips. Pros and cons Cerascreen advises that CLIA-certified partner labs carry out the required testing. Individuals should receive their results via email within 3–4 working days. Currently, Cerascreen advises this test is not available for those in the following states:MarylandNew JerseyNew YorkRhode Island Additionally, this screening may not suit those with infections, pregnant people, those who are breastfeeding, or anyone under the age of 18. Cerascreen also advises that it does not currently accept insurance payments. However, a person may consider contacting their insurer to confirm if they are able to pay and claim. There is no advice on whether they accept FSA or HSA payments. Price: Cerascreen’s At-home Testosterone Test Kit is available to purchase online for around $60.SHOP NOW Best for fast results MyLAB Box At-Home Testosterone Test Kit MyLAB Box provides testosterone screening for adults. The test requires them to collect a saliva sample and return it to one of its CLIA-certified laboratories. Once an individual’s results are available, the company will send a secure link to their website for viewing within 2–5 days. Pros and cons The company accepts FSA and HSA payments, and a person could also claim back expenses from their insurance provider. However, this is not guaranteed, so individuals should contact their insurer to confirm their plan benefits. Price: The MyLAB Box At-Home Testosterone Test Kit is available to purchase online for around $80. Alternatively, a person can choose a subscription service that costs about $67 every 3 months or $71 every 6 months. Learn more about myLAB Box here.SHOP NOW Comparison chart The following table compares the at-home testosterone tests in this article.Collection methodResults timePriceEverlywellsaliva samplewithin days$50LetsGetCheckedfinger-prick test2–5 days$60Verisanasaliva sampleno information available$50Cerascreensaliva swab3–4 working days$60MyLAB Boxsaliva sample2–5 days$80 Who should take a home testosterone test A person should take a home testosterone test if they think they may have low testosterone. Symptoms of low testosterone in males may include:low sex driveerectile dysfunctionloss of body haira loss of lean muscle masstirednesshaving a higher body mass indexlow mood and energyissues with memory and focus However, these symptoms may not exclusively relate to low testosterone. If an individual has severe symptoms, they should not take an at-home test and instead contact a doctor as soon as possible. Understanding test results Testosterone levels should be within the range of 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter. It is usual for a person’s testosterone levels to decrease as they age. If an individual’s at-home test results are higher or lower than average, they should discuss them with their doctor, who may wish to carry out further tests and provide treatment if necessary. Insurance providers may cover treatment costs. Those with low testosterone who undergo testosterone treatment may experience many benefits, including improved memory and reduced depressive symptoms. When to contact a doctor Speak with a doctor about any symptoms of low testosterone. They can order tests and provide advice and treatment. And if an at-home test indicates low testosterone, contact a doctor to follow up. Frequently asked questions Here are some common questions relating to home testosterone tests. Are home testosterone tests accurate Although home tests may help indicate a person’s testosterone levels, they may suggest the need to consult a medical professional to confirm results. However, a 2014 study concluded that saliva samples were reliable in testing testosterone levels. How do testosterone test kits work A company will send a person a home testing kit with instructions on collecting a sample, which may involve taking saliva or blood. Once individuals collect their sample, they can return it to the specified lab, which tests the sample for testosterone. Results are typically available on the company’s website via a secure login page within a few days. What symptoms indicate testosterone levels are low Symptoms that may indicate low levels of testosterone include:reduced libidoerectile dysfunctionfatiguelow concentration levelsdecreased energydepression Although these signs may not solely indicate low testosterone, if a person has concerns or experiences severe symptoms, they should contact a healthcare professional urgently instead of taking a home test. How do you check your testosterone level with your fingers There is some evidence that the difference in length between the ring finger and index finger may indicate the level of testosterone in the body. If the ring finger is longer than the index finger, some believe, this indicates lower testosterone. However, this method is no substitute for medical testing. Anyone who suspects that they have low testosterone should contact a doctor. Does masturbation decrease testosterone Research from 2021 suggests that masturbation increases levels of free testosterone in young men without health conditions. This is the type of testosterone that the body can most easily use. Masturbation does not seem to affect any other hormones. Summary Medical professionals expect testosterone levels to decrease with age. However, these levels may fall below average, resulting in adverse symptoms. A person can test their testosterone levels using an at-home test that they can purchase online. Many use a saliva sample, but some involve a blood or urine sample. Testing companies usually provide results within a few days. If an individual’s results are higher or lower than average, they may consider discussing them with their doctor. Last medically reviewed on May 23, 2022Uncategorized 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Barbonetti, A., et al. (2020). Testosterone replacement therapy.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/andr.12774Cherrier, M. M., et al. (2015). Testosterone treatment of men with mild cognitive impairment and low testosterone levels.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1533317514556874Health savings account. (n.d.).https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/Isenmann, E., et al. (2021). Hormonal response after masturbation in young healthy men – a randomized controlled cross-over pilot study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8697462/Jeevanandam, S., et al. (2016). 2D:4D ratio and its implications in medicine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5296424/Keevil, B. G., et al. (2014). Salivary testosterone measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in adult males and females.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5029560/McBride, J. A., et al. (2016). Testosterone deficiency in the aging male.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707424/Total testosterone. (2012).https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/nhanes_11_12/tst_g_met.pdfUsing a flexible spending account (FSA). (n.d.).https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/What is low testosterone? (n.d.).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosteroneFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Suzy Davenport — Updated on May 23, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat are the symptoms of low testosterone, and how to increase itMedically reviewed by Joseph Brito III, MD Learn about the symptoms of low testosterone and the range of treatment options for all people.READ MORE7 of the best natural testosterone boostersMedically reviewed by Harshil Matta, DO Age and declining health can both cause testosterone levels to plummet. 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