The Testosterone Plus Profile is a 4-marker blood test measuring total and free testosterone alongside SHBG and albumin, giving a fuller picture of biologically available testosterone, processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited ISO 15189 laboratory, and sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Test type | Testosterone profile (free + total testosterone) |
|---|---|
| No. of biomarkers | 4 — testosterone, free testosterone (calculated), SHBG, albumin |
| Timing | Morning sample (ideally 7am–10am), when testosterone is highest |
| Sample | Blood — in-store phlebotomy or at-home finger-prick |
| Laboratory | London Medical Laboratory (LML) — UKAS-accredited (ISO 15189) |
| Turnaround | Typically 3–5 working days from when the lab receives your sample |
| Options | In-store at Holborn London, or at-home self-collection kit |
| Sold by | Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered) |
Who it is for
- Men with symptoms of low testosterone wanting a fuller picture than total testosterone alone
- Men being assessed for hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, or possible infertility
- People using testosterone replacement therapy who need to monitor total and free levels
- Women being assessed for PCOS or symptoms of raised androgens, as part of a wider work-up
Not suitable for: a complete male hormone work-up (consider the Male Hormone Profile, which adds LH, FSH, prolactin, DHEAS and oestradiol); acutely unwell people who need urgent assessment; replacement for assessment by a doctor.
What is measured
- Testosterone — total testosterone, the main androgen for libido, fertility, muscle and bone
- Free testosterone (calculation) — the fraction of testosterone biologically available to tissues, calculated from testosterone, SHBG and albumin
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) — the protein that binds testosterone and governs how much is available to your tissues
- Albumin — a blood protein used, with SHBG, to calculate free testosterone
How it works
- Complete payment online and choose your option: an appointment at Holborn London, or an at-home self-collection kit posted to you.
- Plan a morning sample. Testosterone is highest between about 7am and 10am, so collect or attend in this window where possible.
- For in-store, attend Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET, where a trained operator takes a blood sample. For at-home, follow the kit instructions to collect a finger-prick sample and return it in the prepaid packaging.
- Your sample is sent to London Medical Laboratory for analysis.
- You receive a written report with each marker against its reference range, typically within 3–5 working days. A pharmacist can talk you through it and recommend GP follow-up where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What time of day should I take this test?
Testosterone is highest in the morning, so the sample is ideally taken between 7am and 10am. A morning sample gives the most reliable reading; if results are borderline, the pharmacist may suggest repeating in the morning.
What does free testosterone add over total testosterone?
Total testosterone measures all testosterone in the blood, most of which is bound to SHBG and albumin and not available to tissues. Free testosterone, calculated from testosterone, SHBG and albumin, estimates the active fraction, which can be more informative when SHBG is high or low.
How long do results take?
Results are typically returned 3 to 5 working days after London Medical Laboratory receives your sample. You will receive a written report showing each marker against its reference range.
Is the laboratory accredited?
Yes. Samples are processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited laboratory operating to ISO 15189, the international standard for medical testing laboratories.
What if a result is abnormal?
An out-of-range result does not diagnose a condition on its own. The pharmacist will explain what it means and recommend appropriate follow-up, which may include a repeat morning sample or referral to your GP. Reference ranges are provided with your report.
When to seek further advice
This profile does not diagnose a condition. Reference ranges are provided with your report; discuss your results with a clinician, and if a result is abnormal, follow it up with your GP. Seek prompt medical advice if you feel acutely unwell.
This is a private health screening service. Results are interpretive and do not replace clinical diagnosis by a GP or specialist. Abnormal results should be followed up with your GP.
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