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The volume measurement, or hct blood test, is the proportion of blood that the red blood cells take up. Hemoglobin, on the other hand, is a density or concentration measurement and is expressed in grams per liter or deciliter. (Hemoglobin is, if you will recall from your high school biology, the iron-based protein that transports oxygen.) RBC is a simple count and is usually expressed as the number of million red blood cells that you have per microliter. Usually, hematocrit is three times the amount of hemoglobin.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increases hematocrit in most men.  Read more about how to decrease hematocrit.

NOTE: Hematocrit is also part of the CBC panel, so there is no need to order separately if your order already includes CBC.

The most complete of all blood test panels for men that include: Total and Free Testosterone, Ultra Sensitive Estradiol, IGF-1, Prolactin, DHT, DHEA-S, PSA, SHBG, Lipids, CBC, CMP, and Thyroid Function.

This is the most cost effective testosterone test panel that takes the least amount of time to perform and that includes 5 important tests: 1- Total testosterone, 2- Calculated free testosterone, 3- Bioavailable (unbound) testosterone, 4- Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and albumin. Testosterone upper limit under 1,500 ng/dL (ECLIA, immunoassay). It is accurate for most men using or not using TRT . For men expecting very high testosterone blood levels over 1,500 ng/dL or low total T below 250 ng/dL, the LC/MS testosterone test is more appropiate but it takes a few more days to perform.

Bodybuilders using testosterone and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have to be smart about maximizing benefits and minimizing short- and long-term side effects while exercising and eating effectively for proper muscle gain, fat loss, and quality of life.  Harm reduction is key especially in the presence of barriers to care caused by stigma and judgement from medical practitioners. Here is a list of 14 carefully selected lab tests and panels that are essential in maintaining proper health while improving body composition and strength: Hematocrit, Lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), Cystatin C kidney test, eGFR kidney test, GGT liver test, Total Testosterone (LC/MS), Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration), Ultrasensitive Estradiol, Prolactin, DHT test (LC/MS), IGF-1 test (LC/MS), and ferritin. Fasting is required.

This panel provides smart bodybuilders with information that can help minimize potential short and long-term side effects and risks. This basic bodybuilder panel includes the following gold standard tests/panels: Cystatin C (The only accurate kidney function test for bodybuilders), hematocrit (blood viscosity factor), CMP (glucose, liver & kidney function, and electrolytes), total and free testosterone (LC/MS assay-no upper limit and no interference with anabolics), ultra-sensitive estradiol (The only accurate estradiol test for men), & lipid cholesterol panel. Fasting is required.

The most economical lab test panel with 4 tests for men on TRT:

1. Total Testosterone, Liquid Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry
2. Free Testosterone, Equilibrium Dialysis
3. Ultrasensitive Estradiol, Liquid Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry
4. Hematocrit

THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE AND ACCURATE ESTRADIOL TEST IN THE U.S. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that has been shown to more accurately measure estradiol in men and women than the old immunoassay-based test. 

Important note:  The blood sample is sent out to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano, Caifornia.  Overnight delivery and testing is performed on Sunday and Friday.  Reports are available within 5-7 business days from the time the specimen is collected.

The causes of fatigue are multifactorial and could involve imbalances in several hormones. This panel includes most hormones and variables involved in the diagnosis and treatment of fatigue. Ordering this panel provides substantial cost savings when compared to ordering each test separately. The panel is useful for men and women. TESTS INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL: TOTAL AND FREE TESTOSTERONE, THYROID FUNCTION: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Antibodies, HEMOGLOBIN A1c, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test (Includes white, red cells and platelets), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), IRON, TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity), FERRITIN, ADRENAL FUNCTION: Cortisol and DHEA-S

This PCT after cycle panel is designed to measure the health and recovery of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA) after attempting to normalize it spontaneously or with the use of Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) . PCT is prescribed by some physicians for men who stop testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or other androgens. Fasting is required for CMP (glucose test).

This hormone panel for men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) contains upstream and downstream hormones to testosterone.  TRT has been shown to decrease upstream hormones like pregnenolone and progesterone, and slightly decrease DHEA. Downstream hormone metabolites like ultrasensitive estradiol and DHT are also included.  Lastly, prolactin is added since high prolactin can decrease sexual function.  No LH and FSH were included since TRT shuts them down.