How can I avoid contamination from testosterone gel when taking a blood test, either by finger prick or venous sample?
To avoid contamination, it's important to thoroughly wash your hands and the application site before taking a blood test, especially if it’s a finger prick test. Any residue from the gel on your skin could affect the results.
If you are getting a venous blood draw, make sure the test is not done on or near areas where the gel was applied. Ideally, apply the gel to a different area from where the blood will be drawn, and always ensure the application area is clean and dry to prevent any transfer of the medication.
Many laboratories set an upper limit for displaying certain test results. For example, the upper limit for testosterone is often 52 nmol/l. If you are on a low dose of testosterone medication and receive a result at this level, it will be a falsely elevated result, often caused by contamination from testosterone gel or by having the blood test done too soon after an injection. The recommended course of action is to maintain your current dose and retest at a later time to obtain a more accurate result.