Skip to product information
1 of 2

Why This Lab Is Important

+
Testosterone plays a central role in male vitality, influencing energy, strength, muscle maintenance, mood and sexual health. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, and even subtle hormonal shifts can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced stamina, lower libido and changes in body composition. The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel pairs testosterone testing with PSA, an important prostate marker that adds valuable context as part of a foundational men’s health assessment.*

Dr. Passero uses the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel to evaluate key markers of male hormonal and prostate health, including overall testosterone production and how much active testosterone is available for the body to use. By measuring both total and free testosterone, this panel helps clarify whether hormone levels may be contributing to changes in energy, performance or sexual function. Because the prostate is highly responsive to hormonal changes, this panel also includes PSA, a marker commonly used to screen for enlargement, inflammation or other prostate-related concerns.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
  • Establish a baseline view of testosterone and PSA
  • Better understand whether low testosterone may be playing a role in symptoms such as low energy, reduced libido or decreased strength
  • Monitor how diet, lifestyle or supplementation may be influencing testosterone and PSA levels over time
For most adults, Dr. Passero recommends checking this panel every 3-6 months.*

The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel provides a solid foundation for evaluating men’s health. For those interested in deeper insight into testosterone regulation, adrenal hormones and broader health markers, we also offer the Durable MALE PREMIUM panel.*

What’s Included in the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence male health:*
  • Total Testosterone—Total testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone circulating in the blood, including both protein-bound and free forms. This marker provides a broad view of the body’s total testosterone production and is a key starting point for assessing male hormone status.

  • Free Testosterone—Free testosterone measures the unbound, biologically active portion of testosterone available for the body to use. Because free testosterone is the form most directly involved in energy, muscle function, libido and sexual vitality, it offers important insight beyond total testosterone alone.

  • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)—PSA measures a protein produced by the prostate gland and is an important marker for monitoring prostate health. Changes in PSA levels can help identify prostate enlargement, inflammation, or other prostate-related conditions and provide useful context as part of a broader men’s health assessment.

What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.

Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.

Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.

How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.

If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.

Lab-Specific FAQs

+
What does the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel test for?
Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone and PSA.*

Why consider upgrading to the Durable MALE PREMIUM panel?
The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel evaluates total and free testosterone and PSA to assess foundational markers of hormonal and prostate health. The Durable MALE PREMIUM panel builds on this by adding markers such as estradiol, DHT, SHBG, DHEA and cortisol, along with broader health markers—offering deeper insight into testosterone activity, androgen balance and adrenal function which can influence male health over time.*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel does not require fasting prior to testing, but it is recommended that the blood draw is completed before 9:00AM as testosterone levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day.*

Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests included in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
No. Short-term dietary choices or alcohol intake do not significantly influence the markers included in this panel.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*

Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.

Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.

Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*

Durable MALE ESSENTIAL Panel®


Dr. Passero recommends this foundational panel to assess total and free testosterone along with PSA—helping identify common hormone imbalances and prostate-related risk factors that affect energy, strength, stamina, libido and overall male health.*

Suggested Frequency: Every 3-6 Months

Why This Lab Is Important

+
Testosterone plays a central role in male vitality, influencing energy, strength, muscle maintenance, mood and sexual health. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, and even subtle hormonal shifts can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced stamina, lower libido and changes in body composition. The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel pairs testosterone testing with PSA, an important prostate marker that adds valuable context as part of a foundational men’s health assessment.*

Dr. Passero uses the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel to evaluate key markers of male hormonal and prostate health, including overall testosterone production and how much active testosterone is available for the body to use. By measuring both total and free testosterone, this panel helps clarify whether hormone levels may be contributing to changes in energy, performance or sexual function. Because the prostate is highly responsive to hormonal changes, this panel also includes PSA, a marker commonly used to screen for enlargement, inflammation or other prostate-related concerns.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
  • Establish a baseline view of testosterone and PSA
  • Better understand whether low testosterone may be playing a role in symptoms such as low energy, reduced libido or decreased strength
  • Monitor how diet, lifestyle or supplementation may be influencing testosterone and PSA levels over time
For most adults, Dr. Passero recommends checking this panel every 3-6 months.*

The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel provides a solid foundation for evaluating men’s health. For those interested in deeper insight into testosterone regulation, adrenal hormones and broader health markers, we also offer the Durable MALE PREMIUM panel.*

What’s Included in the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence male health:*
  • Total Testosterone—Total testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone circulating in the blood, including both protein-bound and free forms. This marker provides a broad view of the body’s total testosterone production and is a key starting point for assessing male hormone status.

  • Free Testosterone—Free testosterone measures the unbound, biologically active portion of testosterone available for the body to use. Because free testosterone is the form most directly involved in energy, muscle function, libido and sexual vitality, it offers important insight beyond total testosterone alone.

  • PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)—PSA measures a protein produced by the prostate gland and is an important marker for monitoring prostate health. Changes in PSA levels can help identify prostate enlargement, inflammation, or other prostate-related conditions and provide useful context as part of a broader men’s health assessment.

What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.

Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.

Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.

How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.

If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.

Lab-Specific FAQs

+
What does the Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel test for?
Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone and PSA.*

Why consider upgrading to the Durable MALE PREMIUM panel?
The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel evaluates total and free testosterone and PSA to assess foundational markers of hormonal and prostate health. The Durable MALE PREMIUM panel builds on this by adding markers such as estradiol, DHT, SHBG, DHEA and cortisol, along with broader health markers—offering deeper insight into testosterone activity, androgen balance and adrenal function which can influence male health over time.*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
The Durable MALE ESSENTIAL panel does not require fasting prior to testing, but it is recommended that the blood draw is completed before 9:00AM as testosterone levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the day.*

Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests included in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
No. Short-term dietary choices or alcohol intake do not significantly influence the markers included in this panel.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*

Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.

Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.

Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*