Testosterone test difference

**jaybigboy34** · 08-31-2011, 10:09 AM

Hello I am a new member and I have a question I would like to ask. I had my toal testosterone level checked for the first time by my dr. The range on the test was 175 to 740. My test was 386. My buddy had his tested and the range for his test was 350 to 850. My question is, are there different ranges for these tests? What I am wondering is if I was tested the same place his was, would my testosterone level be higher because the range was different? I was also tested about 4:30 in the afternoon and I have heard that this can affect the level. But how much would this affect my level? I went to my uralogist and he said that it does depend on what machine they use to test so there are different ranges. Is this true or is he just feeding me a bunch of crap? Thanks in advince for all the answers.

**redz** · 08-31-2011, 10:18 AM

Differnt clinics use different ranges which they consider normal levels. Your level sould be the same on either test.

**jaybigboy34** · 08-31-2011, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by redz

Differnt clinics use different ranges which they consider normal levels. Your level sould be the same on either test.

My dr told me that my level would be about 200 points higher on my friends test. So basically he was lying to me so I wouldn't be tempted to take anything right?

**redz** · 08-31-2011, 10:23 AM

Well I`m not an expert on this so you may want to wait for others to chime in, maybe your doctor jsut doesn`t like TRT.

**GotNoBlueMilk** · 08-31-2011, 10:32 AM

What were the measurement units on each test?

**jaybigboy34** · 08-31-2011, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by GotNoBlueMilk

What were the measurement units on each test?

I am sorry, but I am not really for sure what you mean? I haven't gotten the paperwork yet, but they called me and said that the range was from 175 to 740. And mine was 386

thanks

**Fred40** · 08-31-2011, 11:51 AM

I've never seen a Total T range of 175-740. That sounds like an ng/dl scale but can't be sure until you report back. Those number look low on both ends though and you could certainly have symptoms at your reported level of 386. Do you?

**jaybigboy34** · 08-31-2011, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Fred40

I've never seen a Total T range of 175-740. That sounds like an ng/dl scale but can't be sure until you report back. Those number look low on both ends though and you could certainly have symptoms at your reported level of 386. Do you?

Yes I do! I haven't slept well at night in months. I feel tired all day long. I am just in the daze at work all the time. So that is why I wanted it checked. So you think the specialist that told me the tests are different and told me that mine would be almost 200 points higher on another test was just telling me this? I just find it hard to believe that what he is telling me is true.

**Fred40** · 08-31-2011, 01:05 PM

No way to be sure without the results in your hands.

My total T was virtually identical to yours and I had all the same symptoms plus a low libido. My GP put me on 100mg of testosterone cypionate every week.

I'm just getting started (3 injections so far) but it's already having some impact.

**zaggahamma** · 08-31-2011, 03:49 PM

not gonna read all posts...

you posted numbers only and not measurements if the measurements are the same then its apples and apples and the range becomes irrelevant..

measurements are like ng/dl; etc.

**-_-** · 09-01-2011, 02:42 AM

I'm no expert, but my understanding is that the point of reference ranges is to give an idea of "normal" while combatting variation in testing methods and/or equipment; different labs can report different results from the same sample.

**GotNoBlueMilk** · 09-01-2011, 05:39 AM

If different labs give different results, then something is very very wrong! The only difference would be units, which would then change the number itself. But if you convert to the same units, then the numbers will match.

**jaybigboy34** · 09-01-2011, 07:18 AM

Ok I am more confused then ever now! Lol I know I am sounding stupid, but what is the difference between numbers and measurements?

**GotNoBlueMilk** · 09-01-2011, 07:44 AM

1 cup of water. 1 is the number, cup is the measurement.

700 ng/dl: 700 is the number, ng/dl is the mesurement.

**jaybigboy34** · 09-01-2011, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by GotNoBlueMilk

1 cup of water. 1 is the number, cup is the measurement.

700 ng/dl: 700 is the number, ng/dl is the mesurement.

Ok I got cha. I haven't gotten the paperwork back yet, but my guess would be ng/dl because they told me the range is 175-740 so wouldn't the other measurements like pg/ml not make since because the range is much lower? Or am I missing something?

**Fred40** · 09-01-2011, 07:59 AM

You need to find out if your numbers were given in ng/dl or something else.

It does look like a ng/dl scale......however I've never seen a range of 175-740. More typical is 250-850

**jaybigboy34** · 09-01-2011, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by Fred40

You need to find out if your numbers were given in ng/dl or something else.

It does look like a ng/dl scale......however I've never seen a range of 175-740. More typical is 250-850

Yea I will have to get the paperwork and they are sending it to me soon. But that is what part of my original question was. I have never heard of a range that low either. So when i asked my urlogist about it he said that it just depends on the machine that tests it. So if the range was 250-850 my results would be 461 instead of 386 on a range of 175-740. But i don't know if I believe that or not because I have never heard of anything like that. That is why I was asking you guys.

**zaggahamma** · 09-01-2011, 08:12 AM

it looked like ng/dl to me and its whats usually used and thats what i meant if your number was taken with ng/dl and your friends ng/dl then the reference range at either lab becomes a mute point in comparing your results....the ranges are more for red flags/doctors/THE NORM and what doesnt make sense is wtf would there be different ranges for ALL our health...i guess to keep the non consistent way of the rest of our health care system

**Fred40** · 09-01-2011, 08:38 AM

The particular machine should not matter.......ng/dl is ng/dl. (<Period)

**steroid.com 1** · 09-01-2011, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Fred40

You need to find out if your numbers were given in ng/dl or something else.

It does look like a ng/dl scale......however I've never seen a range of 175-740. More typical is 250-850

Not true in all cases. Labs use different ranges based in their own statistical interpretation of "normal range" and it does present a problem if one is doing comparative assay analysis.

For example, my lab, a prominent hormonal testing facility, uses a range of 280 -1100 ng/dl for normal Total Test range. Now, compare that to Quest's range which is 241-847 ng/dL.

Big difference and the biggest reason you will see variances in lab ranges is do to the age of the individual being tested; more advanced labs use age adjusted ranges.

**zaggahamma** · 09-01-2011, 09:06 AM

doesnt make sense for one lab or reference range to say "this guy is out of range" when/ if his level is in range on another lab/reference range..

like i said...more inconsistency as usual

**jaybigboy34** · 09-01-2011, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Fred40

The particular machine should not matter.......ng/dl is ng/dl. (<Period)

This is what I am thinking, but the specialist told me otherwise.

**jaybigboy34** · 09-01-2011, 11:46 AM

Ok I got the sheet. This is what it says. 378 NG/DL. Reference 175-781

**steroid.com 1** · 09-01-2011, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by jaybigboy34

Ok I got the sheet. This is what it says. 378 NG/DL. Reference 175-781

Who is the lab?

If you're 378 ng/dl you are not clinically low but in the bottom quartile.

How old are you?

**jaybigboy34** · 09-01-2011, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by gdevine

Who is the lab?

If you're 378 ng/dl you are not clinically low but in the bottom quartile.

How old are you?

I don't see on the sheet who it says the lab is. It is HMG Call Center is all that it says.
I am 34 years old. Plus remember in my original post I said the test was taken at around 4:45 in the afternoon not in the morning so how much could it change between that time?
It also has on there prepubertal 10-20 ng/dl. I don't really know what that means or if it is associated with testosterone .

**steroid.com 1** · 09-01-2011, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by jaybigboy34

I don't see on the sheet who it says the lab is. It is HMG Call Center is all that it says.
I am 34 years old. Plus remember in my original post I said the test was taken at around 4:45 in the afternoon not in the morning so how much could it change between that time?
It also has on there prepubertal 10-20 ng/dl. I don't really know what that means or if it is associated with testosterone.

To answer your question; most men have higher T levels in the morning versus later in the day or evening. Wake up feeling horny much?

Test levels flux day in and day out...some by as much as 75 points. It would have been ideal to have your baseline done in the morning but it's really not going to swing that much to determine if you are low T and need optimization.

The prepubertal range is probably a standard on all of their labs and has nothing to do with you...unless of course you 10 years old

**jaybigboy34** · 09-01-2011, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by gdevine

To answer your question; most men have higher T levels in the morning versus later in the day or evening. Wake up feeling horny much?

Test levels flux day in and day out...some by as much as 75 points. It would have been ideal to have your baseline done in the morning but it's really not going to swing that much to determine if you are low T and need optimization.

The prepubertal range is probably a standard on all of their labs and has nothing to do with you...unless of course you 10 years old

Well thanks for you help. I was afraid of this so it sounds like I am in normal range but on the low end. What are some natural ways to boost it some to get it up to at least 500 or more? Thanks for all the help.

**steroid.com 1** · 09-01-2011, 02:10 PM

Your test assay is a "snap shot" of where you were at at the time of the blood draw. To get a statistical understanding of your Test levels you'd need to be tested 4 to 6 times a day for about a month...no one is going to do that.

BTW, for what it's worth; yes, you are in the labs normal range BUT you are on the low end of that and present symptoms. My Doc would treat you in a heart beat and most other TRT Docs would as well.

You need treatment as it's not going to get better and there are few if any supplements that can boost your Test to be of any real help.

Find a Doc and get help man.

**Fred40** · 09-01-2011, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by gdevine

Your test assay is a "snap shot" of where you were at at the time of the blood draw. To get a statistical understanding of your Test levels you'd need to be tested 4 to 6 times a day for about a month...no one is going to do that.

BTW, for what it's worth; yes, you are in the labs normal range BUT you are on the low end of that and present symptoms. My Doc would treat you in a heart beat and most other TRT Docs would as well.

You need treatment as it's not going to get better and there are few if any supplements that can boost your Test to be of any real help.

Find a Doc and get help man.

+1

My total was nearly 400 but (more importantly) my Free was 8.8 ... that's a different scale but still very low. Free T levels are more important to the diagnosis of Low T than Total. Do you know what your Free T was?

My GP got me started on Test injections right away when he saw the free levels (combined with many symptoms).

**steroid.com 1** · 09-01-2011, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by Fred40

+1

My total was nearly 400 but (more importantly) my Free was 8.8 ... that's a different scale but still very low. Free T levels are more important to the diagnosis of Low T than Total. Do you know what your Free T was?

My GP got me started on Test injections right away when he saw the free levels (combined with many symptoms).

Yes, Bio Available and/or Free T% are the most important; especially after starting a TRT protocol.

My Free T% was like 1.26% well below optimal and I had symptoms...Total T was 389 ng/dl = Problem.

Total now is like 1500 BUT Free T% is now 2.56% which is ideal.

Oh yea, E2 = 22.6 ng/dl.

**jaybigboy34** · 09-02-2011, 07:08 AM

Originally Posted by gdevine

Your test assay is a "snap shot" of where you were at at the time of the blood draw. To get a statistical understanding of your Test levels you'd need to be tested 4 to 6 times a day for about a month...no one is going to do that.

BTW, for what it's worth; yes, you are in the labs normal range BUT you are on the low end of that and present symptoms. My Doc would treat you in a heart beat and most other TRT Docs would as well.

You need treatment as it's not going to get better and there are few if any supplements that can boost your Test to be of any real help.

Find a Doc and get help man.

Well I really didn't want to be on shots for the rest of my life at my age, but I guess I need to check into it. I was just hoping that there are different readings for different tests. But it doesn't sound like that is true. I probably need to see if my dr can test my free t to see where I am at. What is the range for good free t? Thanks