Testosterone testing kit

About testosterone testing kits

Our testosterone testing kit allows you to test your testosterone levels from the comfort of your own home. You produce a sample and send it off in a free-postage envelope to our partnered lab, which can deliver fast results via email.

Testosterone is a hormone (androgen) that is found in both sexes, male and female. It is produced in the pituitary gland, located within the brain, from which it travels through the bloodstream to serve its various roles. Its primary role is to regulate male characteristics such as the development of male genitalia during puberty, the production of sperm, sex drive (libido), distribution of fat, regulation of muscle and bone mass, and stimulation of the hair follicles.

Later in a man’s life, his testosterone levels will naturally decrease. This is commonly referred to as the male menopause (andropause) in the media.

When testosterone levels in males are low, a man can experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Low sex drive
• Low energy levels
• Hair loss
• Low muscle mass
• Low sperm count (infertility)
• Weight gain
• Lower bone mass
• Changes in mood

If you experience any of these symptoms, a testosterone test can help determine whether hormonal imbalances are the cause.

If, after taking a testosterone level test, it is confirmed that you have low testosterone, an appropriate treatment such as Testogel can be prescribed.

How to use a testosterone testing kit

The testosterone testing kit comes with detailed instructions on how to use it.

In the testing kit, you will find:

• Instructions
• Return form
• Security label
• Name label
• A blood vial
• A moist alcohol-free wipe
• Two plasters
• Two swabs
• 3 lancets (finger prickers)
• Protective packing wallet

The testosterone test is very quick and easy to do.

How do I acquire the sample?

Start by washing your hands and drying them thoroughly.

Place the vial in the packing wallet as shown in the leaflet.

Use one of the swabs to clean the finger from which you will be drawing blood, and dry it thoroughly.

Twist the top off one of the lancets.

Press the lancet firmly against the side of your pinkie finger. Do not throw the used lancet(s) away.

Wipe away the first drop of blood.

Position the finger above the vial and gently massage it to stimulate blood flow.

Continue to apply pressure to the finger to draw more blood until the vial is filled to the desired level.

Apply the plaster to the finger.

Once filled, twist the vial cap onto the vial until you hear a click.

Holding the vial, gently flip it upside down and back again 5 to 10 times.

Fill out the return form and name label accordingly. Adhere the label to the vial and place it in the packaging with the used lancets.

Place the packaging in the box and seal the box with the security label.

Put the box in the envelope with the return form and post it at your earliest convenience.

Once the lab receives your samples, it will test them and deliver the results. Your results will be available through your secured unitedpharmacyshop account.

If it is found that you have low levels of testosterone, you may then request hormone replacement therapy.

When should I post the sample?

You should post your sample as soon as you collect it – you must send the sample off the same day to prevent it from hemolysing.

Your local postbox will display times when the contents are collected. You should aim to post your sample around this time.

Special notes

For optimal results, take your blood test in the morning, as this is when testosterone levels in your blood are at their highest. During the day, your testosterone levels gradually fall.

The best place to take a blood sample is the side of the little finger on the non-dominant hand – the hand you do not write with. If you have trouble taking blood from one finger, use one of the other included lancets in the same place on the opposite hand.

When drawing blood, it is preferable to stand rather than sit. Doing this increases blood flow, making it easier to collect the blood.