T Nation

What is the Difference in These Tests?

T Replacement
#1

I was curious what is the difference between two different Testosterone tests
I had done by two different doctors. Back in August I had a T lab done and it was called
TESTOSTERONE, FREE AND TOTAL and it had sub values. One value was TESTOSTERONE, ULTRASENSITIVE, LC MS/MS that was 308 with a standard range listed as 250 - 1100 ng/dl.

Then just a few days ago my new doctor ran another lab for me and this test was called TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL. This test only had one value of 293 with a standard range of greater than 200. If the Testosterone, Total test I did a few days ago different than the sub value TESTOSTERONE, ULTRASENSITIVE?

Does this mean my total T has dropped from 308 down to 293 or am I not comparing apples to apples?

#2

308 to 293 is within the normal variance of day to day blood tests. Different labs use different ranges and testing methodologies to establish their values and ranges.

#3

With the first test, there was probably a percentage listed along with the number. It’s actually 2 tests (%Free, and Total). At least that’s how mine are (Labcorp). Looks like the second test was just a total T. A difference of a few points isn’t a big deal, as mentioned.