Health & Treatments / Testosterone Venous Blood Test

Ultimate Testosterone Venous Blood Test

Confirm your diagnosis or monitor your treatment transformation.

  • Follow up low T with root-cause testing
  • Track your progress throughout treatment
  • Includes specialist TRT doctor consultation
  • 46-marker in-depth analysis within 3-5 days

You'll need qualifying results from your initial At-home Testosterone Blood Test to proceed with this test.

Root-cause testing for effective, tailored treatment

This 46-marker venous blood test is the next step to confirm your initial diagnosis. Using key insights including liver, kidney and heart health, your specialist TRT doctor will tailor the most effective treatment plan for you. You can also use this test to monitor your progress throughout treatment.

Total testosterone reflects the combined levels of both free and protein-bound testosterone present in the bloodstream. Free testosterone, which constitutes only a small fraction of the total, is unbound and biologically active. The majority of testosterone circulates in a bound form, primarily attached to sex hormone‑binding globulin (SHBG) and human serum albumin (HSA).
Sex Hormone‑Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced primarily by the liver. It binds to sex hormones—mainly testosterone and estradiol—and transports them through the bloodstream. By binding these hormones, SHBG regulates their access to tissues and influences how much of each hormone is bioavailable.
Albumin is a protein made by the liver and is essential for maintaining oncotic pressure (fluid balance in blood vessels) and transporting substances like hormones (including testosterone), fatty acids, and medications through the bloodstream. It is the most abundant protein found in plasma (part of blood).
Free testosterone refers to the fraction of testosterone in the blood that is not bound to sex hormone‑binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin. This free portion is what your body can immediately use for its various functions.
Oestradiol (E2) is the most potent form of estrogen. In men, it is primarily produced by the conversion of testosterone. It is present in much smaller amounts in men than in women but remains critical for several physiological processes.
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It is best known for its role in lactation in women, but in men, it helps regulate reproductive health and may influence mood, immune function, and the modulation of the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑gonadal axis.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland. Its primary role is to regulate the production of thyroid hormones—thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—by the thyroid gland. When thyroid hormone levels are low, TSH increases to stimulate production; when high, TSH decreases.
Free T4 (FT4), or free thyroxine, is the unbound, biologically active form of the thyroid hormone T4 circulating in the bloodstream. Unlike total T4, which includes protein‑bound hormone, FT4 reflects the amount available to tissues. It plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation and is converted into the more active hormone T3 in the body’s cells.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is part of the HPG axis. In men, LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, essential for spermatogenesis, sexual function, and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
Follicle‑Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In men, it acts on Sertoli cells in the testes to promote spermatogenesis—the development and maturation of sperm. FSH works in coordination with LH, which stimulates testosterone production from Leydig cells. FSH secretion is regulated by GnRH from the hypothalamus and feedback from inhibin B and testosterone from the testes.

Your liver plays a vital role in digestion, detoxification, metabolism, and hormone balance. Our Liver Panel checks key markers to assess liver function, detect inflammation or damage, and help identify potential underlying conditions—before symptoms appear.

This test measures:

  • Total Bilirubin – Assesses the liver’s ability to process waste and detect signs of liver disease or bile duct issues.
  • Alanine Transaminase (ALT) – Released when liver cells are damaged; helps identify liver inflammation.
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) – Linked to liver and heart health; high levels may suggest liver or muscle issues.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – Important for bile flow; elevated levels can indicate bile duct obstruction or liver damage.
  • Total Protein – Reflects liver function and nutritional status.
  • Gamma‑Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) – Sensitive to liver and bile duct problems; often elevated in alcohol‑related liver damage.
  • Globulin – Proteins involved in immune function; can reveal inflammation or chronic liver disease.

Your body relies on a delicate balance of fluids and minerals to function at its best. The Urea & Electrolyte Panel measures essential markers to assess kidney performance, fluid balance, and overall metabolic health.

This test measures:

  • Sodium – Regulates fluid balance, nerve function, and blood pressure.
  • Potassium – Crucial for heart and muscle function.
  • Chloride – Helps maintain proper fluid and pH balance.
  • Urea – Waste product filtered by the kidneys; elevated in dehydration or reduced kidney function.
  • Creatinine – Reflects kidney filtration; often assessed alongside urea.
  • Bicarbonate – Helps maintain acid‑base (pH) balance.
  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) – Calculated value indicating overall kidney function.

The Full Blood Count is one of the most commonly requested blood tests—because it gives a detailed overview of your overall health. It examines red and white blood cells, haemoglobin levels, and platelets, helping detect signs of infection, inflammation, anaemia, immune issues, and more.

This test measures:

Red Blood Cell Health

  • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count – Assesses how many red blood cells are circulating in your blood.
  • Haemoglobin – The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells; low levels may indicate anaemia.
  • Haematocrit – The proportion of blood made up of red cells; used to evaluate anaemia or dehydration.
  • Mean Cell Volume (MCV) – Measures the average size of your red blood cells; helps identify the type of anaemia.
  • Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) – Indicates how much haemoglobin is in each red blood cell.
  • Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) – Shows how concentrated haemoglobin is within red blood cells.
  • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW-CV) – Assesses variation in red blood cell size; useful for diagnosing types of anaemia.

White Blood Cell Health

  • White Blood Cell (WBC) Count – Measures your immune cell levels; high or low counts may indicate infection, inflammation, or immune disorders.
  • Lymphocyte % and Absolute Number – A type of white cell key to immune defence, especially against viruses.
  • Monocyte % and Absolute Number – White cells involved in fighting bacteria and clearing dead cells.
  • Neutrophil % and Absolute Number – The most abundant white cells; first responders to infection and inflammation.
  • Eosinophil % and Absolute Number – Elevated in allergic reactions and certain infections.
  • Basophil % and Absolute Number – Play a role in allergic responses and inflammation.

Platelet Health

  • Platelet Count – Essential for blood clotting; low or high counts may affect healing or increase risk of clotting disorders.
  • Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) – Indicates the average size of platelets; helps assess platelet function and production.

The Lipid Panel is a key blood test used to assess heart health by measuring the types and levels of fat (lipids) in your blood. It helps identify risks for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions—even before symptoms appear.

This test measures:

  • Total Cholesterol – The overall level of cholesterol in your blood, including both “good” and “bad” types.
  • High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol – Known as "good" cholesterol; higher levels help protect your heart.
  • Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol – Often called "bad" cholesterol; high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
  • Non-HDL Cholesterol – A calculation of all harmful cholesterol types (total minus HDL); considered a strong indicator of heart disease risk.
  • Triglycerides – A type of fat in your blood; high levels are linked to increased risk of heart disease and pancreatitis.
  • Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio – A helpful marker to evaluate your overall heart health risk by comparing total cholesterol to protective HDL levels.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, stress, and blood pressure. Levels are highest in the morning and decline throughout the day. Low morning cortisol usually signals inadequate adrenal function.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your liver, spleen, bone marrow, and muscle. Blood ferritin levels are used as the best single indicator of total body iron stores. Normal ranges vary by age and sex but generally fall between 20–300 ng/mL in adult men. Levels below 30 ng/mL typically indicate iron deficiency.
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measures how much glucose has bonded to haemoglobin in red blood cells over their 2–3 month lifespan.
Free PSA measures the portion of prostate‑specific antigen in the blood that is not bound to proteins. It is expressed as a percentage of total PSA. Men with benign prostate conditions typically have a higher percentage of free PSA, while those with prostate cancer often have a lower percentage.
25‑hydroxyvitamin D (25‑OH‑D) is the main form of vitamin D measured in blood.

Testing methods to suit your schedule

Clinic blood draw

Have your blood sample taken by a professional at one of our partner Viva Health Labs’ clinics. With over 170 phlebotomy locations across the UK, VHL offers convenient access to testing services nationwide.

At-home nurse blood draw

A nurse will visit your home or another convenient location of your choice to take your blood sample on a day that works for you.

We partner with Viva Health Labs, giving you access to one of the UK’s most extensive mobile nursing networks for maximum convenience.

How does testing work?

1. Book your blood test

Visit a clinic or have a nurse come to you, at home or another convenient location.
The service will contact you by email or phone to arrange your booking location, date and time.

2. Collect your sample

Once your blood sample is collected by the nurse, it will be sent directly to the lab. Your results will be ready in 3–5 days.

3. View your results

Get access to your results online within days. Our doctors will advise the next steps to assess if low-T treatment is right for you.

Low testosterone explained

What is Low Testosterone?

Testosterone levels decline naturally as you get older but for the first time in medical history, lifestyle factors are catching up with age as a risk factor. If testosterone levels drop too low, it can cause symptoms such as low libido, brain fog, loss of muscle mass, depression and more. The formal name for low T is hypogonadism.

Learn More

 

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

TRT helps to restore healthy testosterone levels for male vitality, body function and longevity. Maintaining them helps to promote muscle mass, sexual function, metabolic health, cognitive function and more.

Learn More

What makes us different?

Get access to medical experts like top-tier endocrinologists and root-cause treatment within just a few days. Track your progress for life-changing results.

Take advantage of our lifestyle-forward approach for effects that stick for years to come. Nutrition education and mindset training included.

We don’t do cookie-cutter treatment. Take back control of your hormones, health, and vitality with low T testing that looks at the whole picture.

Meet our in-house experts

Prof. Suks Minhas MD FRCS (Urol)

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Consultant Urologist and Andrologist

Prof. Tet Yap MA MD FRCS (Urol)

Co-Founder & Chief Longevity Officer, Consultant Andrological Surgeon

Dr. Ian Gallen CBE

Consultant Endocrinologist and Sports Medicine Advisor

Dr. Richie Kirwan PhD RNutr

Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology

Paula Allchorne eMBA RN Dip

Urological Nurse and Psychosexual Therapist

Dr. Vinit K. Shah MSc

Consultant in Endocrinology, Diabetes and General Internal Medicine

Meet our team

What results can I expect from TRT?

From first step to total transformation: How the journey works

1. Purchase our at-home Testosterone Blood Test.

It all starts with a convenient Tasso+ blood test kit used to assess your testosterone levels at first glance.

  • Results for Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and Albumin
  • Simple Tasso+ blood test, done at home

Blood test £68.00 £54.40

2. Speak to a specialist

Talk through your blood results, symptoms, medical background, and further understand treatment choices, pricing, and follow-up care with an expert.

  • Private Video Consultation with Qualified TRT Expert

3. In-Depth testosterone testing with a venous blood draw

To validate your initial result, better understand your health, and determine treatment readiness, a comprehensive venous blood draw is required.

  • Venous blood collection by a nurse - multiple locations or at-home testing available.
  • Comprehensive check for over 46 markers

4. Receive your treatment plan

Consult with a TRT expert to cover your results, symptoms, history, treatment paths, pricing, and follow-up care. A bespoke treatment plan will be designed just for your needs.

  • Private Video Consultation with Qualified TRT Expert
  • Start personal treatment plan

5. Track and optimise your results

Blood testing at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months helps your doctor monitor progress and tailor your plan over time.

  • Track your progress
  • Manage your treatment plan

Men’s health is broken. We’re here to fix it.

Prof. Suks Minhas

MD FRCS Urol

"As a Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, my mission is to provide world-class, evidence-based care across the full spectrum of men’s health—encompassing sexual function, fertility, low testosterone, hormonal health, and urological wellbeing. Every man deserves access to expert, compassionate care regardless of background, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Equitable healthcare is not just an ideal—it is a responsibility."

DR. Ian Gallen

Endocrinologist & Medicine Advisor

"In the UK, we know that men are disproportionately less likely to seek medical help for various reasons, not least when it comes to conditions that may seem to carry a stigma. Heracles wants to break that cycle not just through treatment, but by equipping men with the knowledge and confidence to own their health and to thrive inside out."

Dr. Richie Kirwan

PhD Nutritionist

"Our modern food environment, our activity levels and the way we live our lives simply do not lead us towards health. My goal at Heracles is to help educate and guide men towards healthier food, movement and lifestyle habits that will lead them to the state of optimal health and function that they deserve, and that will help them live a longer, healthier, more fulfilling life."

FAQs & Common Concerns

Low testosterone (testosterone deficiency) also known as hypogonadism in men occurs when the body is unable to make enough testosterone. Low testosterone can significantly affect a man's health and quality of life.
The symptoms of low testosterone vary depending on when you develop it. In adult males, the most common symptoms include: erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, difficulty concentrating, decrease in muscle mass, low mood and more.
Low testosterone is diagnosed by a combination of medical history and symptoms review, blood tests and a physical where appropriate. The best place to start is with an initial Testosterone Blood Test and your doctor will take it from there.
Low testosterone is relatively common, especially as men age. A European study found that testosterone deficiency affected about 2 in 100 men aged 40 to 79 years and about 5 in 100 men aged 70 to 79 years. It is also more common in men who are overweight and men who are in poor general health with long-term health conditions.
TRT directly raises testosterone levels to the normal physiological range and relieves symptoms like fatigue, low libido, ED, depression, and muscle loss. Common forms of TRT include injectables, gels, creams, patches and implants.
No, you cannot take standard TRT if you are trying to conceive because it can drastically lower sperm production, even within a few weeks. Contact our medical team to discuss further. You may be able to try clomid or hCG treatment for low testosterone that preserves your fertility. Check out our guide to fertility-friendly low T treatment here.
The combination of TRT with hCG in men is not strongly evidence-based, despite a physiological rationale. While hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) and may help maintain intratesticular testosterone and spermatogenesis during TRT, the clinical evidence supporting this approach is limited. Most studies are small, short-term, and observational, lacking the rigor of large randomized controlled trials needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Moreover, individual responses to hCG vary widely, and there is little long-term data on potential risks such as increased estradiol levels or overstimulation of the testes. As a result, the use of hCG alongside TRT remains a clinician-guided decision rather than a standard, well-supported medical practice.
TRT is generally safe for men with medically confirmed low testosterone when prescribed and monitored properly by a specialist. However, like any long-term hormonal therapy, it comes with risks and side effects that must be balanced against the benefits. Please consult with one of our specialists who will be able to conduct a thorough review of your suitability for TRT.
Yes! Testosterone deficiency is a hormonal condition that requires medical diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors are experts in low testosterone, fully licensed with decades of clinical experience between them.
When under medical supervision and with the appropriate protocols in place, yes. This is exactly what we do here at Heracles.

Ultimate Testosterone Venous Blood Test

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