Testosterone Stimulation by HCG Test
Short Name: HCG Stimulation Test
Also known as: HCG Stimulation Test, Testosterone HCG Challenge Test, HCG Testosterone Stimulation Assay
Testosterone Stimulation by HCG Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,474. Uses Chemiluminescent Immunoassay on Serum samples. Results in Reports are available on a daily basis through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR
Consultant Physician · Reg: 8052
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the Testosterone Stimulation by HCG Test is to evaluate the ability of the testes to produce testosterone when stimulated by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). This test helps clinicians differentiate between anorchia (absence of testicular tissue), Leydig cell agenesis, and undescended testes that retain functional capacity. It is a critical diagnostic tool in the workup of ambiguous genitalia, cryptorchidism, and disorders of sex development in paediatric patients. The test also aids in assessing testicular function in males presenting with symptoms of low testosterone such as reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, depression, irritability, low sperm count, and difficulty concentrating.
- Test Code
- 1440
- Price
- ₹1,474
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are available on a daily basis through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- Yes
- Method
- Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting is preferred. The baseline specimen should be drawn in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest. Inform your physician about all medications, supplements, or hormone therapies you are currently using, as these may interfere with test results. Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours before specimen collection.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A baseline fasting blood specimen will be drawn on Day 1 via venipuncture into an SST tube (minimum 1 mL serum). Following the baseline draw, HCG 5000 IU will be administered intramuscularly by the referring physician. A second blood specimen will be collected exactly 72 hours after HCG administration.
Report Delivery
Both specimens must be clearly marked with the time and date drawn and submitted with one test request form. Specimens should be shipped refrigerated or frozen. Mild discomfort or bruising at the needle site may occur. Normal activities can be resumed after each blood draw.
Timeline: Reports are available on a daily basis through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Testosterone Stimulation by HCG Test is to evaluate the ability of the testes to produce testosterone when stimulated by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). This test helps clinicians differentiate between anorchia (absence of testicular tissue), Leydig cell agenesis, and undescended testes that retain functional capacity. It is a critical diagnostic tool in the workup of ambiguous genitalia, cryptorchidism, and disorders of sex development in paediatric patients. The test also aids in assessing testicular function in males presenting with symptoms of low testosterone such as reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, depression, irritability, low sperm count, and difficulty concentrating.
How to Prepare
- Fast overnight before the baseline blood draw on Day 1
- Baseline specimen must be drawn in the morning (ideally before 10 AM)
- HCG 5000 IU IM is administered after baseline draw by a qualified medical professional
- Return exactly 72 hours after HCG injection for the second blood specimen
- Both SST tubes must contain minimum 1 mL serum each
- Both containers must be clearly marked with time and date drawn
- Submit both specimens together with one test request form
- Ship specimens refrigerated or frozen
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052
"The HCG stimulation test is a valuable dynamic endocrine test used to assess Leydig cell function in the testes. A normal response, where post-stimulation testosterone levels rise to at least twice the basal value, confirms intact testicular tissue and Leydig cell capability. This test is particularly useful in evaluating patients with undescended testes (cryptorchidism) or suspected anorchia. It helps distinguish between absent testicular tissue and testes that are present but undescended. The test is performed under medical supervision with intramuscular HCG administration and timed serum testosterone measurements. Always consult an endocrinologist for proper interpretation and clinical correlation."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen not properly labelled with time and date drawn
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL serum per tube)
- Specimen collected in wrong container (not SST)
- Specimen received at room temperature after 6 hours
- Missing or incomplete test request form
- Contaminated or haemolysed specimen
Understanding Your Results
Normal response — confirms presence of functional testicular tissue. Compatible with unilateral or bilateral undescended testes that retain Leydig cell function.
Indicates viable testicular tissue is present. Further management of cryptorchidism or hormonal evaluation as clinically indicated.
Abnormal response — suggests anorchia (absent testes) or Leydig cell agenesis.
Compatible with absence of functional testicular tissue. Additional imaging and genetic evaluation may be warranted. Consult your endocrinologist for further workup.
Partial response — may indicate partial Leydig cell dysfunction, testicular dysgenesis, or impaired testicular reserve.
Correlate with clinical examination, imaging, and other hormonal tests. Requires specialist endocrine evaluation.
Consult an endocrinologist if you experience symptoms of low testosterone such as reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, depression, low sperm count, or hot flashes. Also consult a specialist if your child has undescended testes, ambiguous genitalia, or if previous test results indicate abnormal testosterone levels. Early evaluation and management can prevent long-term complications.
Limitations
- ⚠The test evaluates Leydig cell function only and does not assess spermatogenesis
- ⚠Results may vary based on age, pubertal stage, and assay methodology
- ⚠Single HCG stimulation may not fully assess all aspects of testicular function
- ⚠False negative responses can occur if testes are atrophic but not completely absent
- ⚠Interpretation should always be done in the context of clinical findings and other laboratory results
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild pain or bruising at the venipuncture site
- ●Rare allergic reaction to HCG injection
- ●Possible transient hormonal side effects from HCG administration such as mild testicular discomfort or swelling
- ●Very rare: infection at the injection site
Interfering Factors
- ●Use of exogenous testosterone or anabolic steroids may suppress baseline and stimulated values
- ●Recent HCG therapy may lead to falsely elevated baseline levels
- ●Severe illness or stress can affect testosterone levels
- ●Certain medications such as corticosteroids, opioids, and anticonvulsants may affect results
- ●Timing of specimen collection — testosterone follows a diurnal pattern, highest in the morning
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Testosterone Stimulation by HCG Test | Serum Testosterone Test | GnRH Stimulation Test | FSH and LH Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Testosterone Stimulation by HCG Test | Measures basal testosterone levels only without stimulation. Useful for initial screening but does not assess testicular functional reserve or Leydig cell response. | Evaluates pituitary gonadotropin (LH and FSH) response to GnRH. Helps differentiate between primary (testicular) and secondary (pituitary/hypothalamic) causes of low testosterone. | Measures basal gonadotropin levels. Elevated FSH and LH with low testosterone suggests primary testicular failure, while low FSH/LH with low testosterone suggests secondary hypogonadism. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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