Free Androgen Index Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Free Androgen Index Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | FAI, Free Androgen Index, Testosterone:SHBG Ratio |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 to 3 working days |
| Recommended For | Adult men and women with suspected androgen imbalance |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,100 |
What is a Free Androgen Index Test?
The Free Androgen Index test, also known as the FAI test or Testosterone:SHBG Ratio, measures the balance between total testosterone and a protein called SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) in the blood. It is used to assess how much testosterone is biologically available in the body. Doctors commonly order this test for adults who show signs of hormonal imbalance. A small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm is all that is needed.
What Does a Free Androgen Index Test Measure?
The Free Androgen Index (FAI) test does not directly measure free testosterone. Instead, it calculates a ratio using two components measured from your blood sample.
The test analyses the following:
| Component | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | The overall amount of testosterone in the blood, including both free and protein-bound forms |
| Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) | A protein that binds to testosterone and controls how much of it is available for the body to use |
| FAI (Calculated) | A ratio derived from total testosterone divided by SHBG and multiplied by 100, indicating the level of testosterone available for biological activity |
Why is a Free Androgen Index Test Done?
The FAI test is ordered when a doctor suspects an imbalance in androgen (male hormone) levels in either men or women.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt your doctor to request this test. These include:
- Decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction
- Unexplained weight changes
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Acne breakouts or oily skin
- Hair loss from the scalp or excessive hair growth on the body and face
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles (in women)
- Changes in mood or energy levels
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Free Androgen Index test can assist in identifying a range of hormonal conditions, including:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a hormonal condition in women that causes irregular periods, fertility issues, and excess androgen activity
- Hypogonadism, where the testes or ovaries produce too little testosterone
- Hirsutism, which refers to excessive facial or body hair growth in women
- Chronic liver or kidney disease in men, which can affect hormone levels
- Adrenal gland disorders or ovarian disorders in women
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) a genetic condition affecting adrenal hormone production
- Pituitary gland disorders or testicular damage in men
Free Androgen Index Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The FAI test is not a one-time check for many patients. Doctors use it to track how well ongoing treatments are working, such as hormonal replacement therapy or medications prescribed to regulate androgen levels. Patients with PCOS or those on testosterone therapy may have this test repeated at regular intervals to assess their response to treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Getting this test done is straightforward, and very little preparation is needed beforehand.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. However, if your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, some of those may require fasting, so it is worth checking in advance.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure your results are as accurate as possible:
- Schedule your appointment in the morning, ideally between 8 am and 11 am, when testosterone levels in the blood are most stable
- Stop taking high-dose biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 72 hours before your sample is collected, as large amounts can interfere with results
- Inform your doctor about all medications, hormonal contraceptives, and supplements you are currently taking
- Wear clothing with loose or short sleeves so the blood collection site on your arm is easy to access
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and expose the inner side of your arm.
- A tourniquet (a soft band) is placed around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A small needle is used to draw a blood sample in one or more collection tubes. This takes only a few seconds.
- The needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied to the site, and a small bandage is placed.
- The labelled sample is dispatched to the laboratory, where testosterone and SHBG levels are measured, and the FAI is calculated.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain conditions and lifestyle factors can influence your FAI test results. These include:
- Obesity or significant recent weight changes
- Insulin resistance or thyroid disorders (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Liver disease or excess alcohol consumption
- Oral oestrogens such as contraceptive pills, which can raise SHBG levels
- Use of glucocorticoids (steroid medications), which can suppress SHBG
- Pregnancy, acute illness, or intense physical training
Understanding Your Free Androgen Index Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with a qualified doctor who can place them in the context of your symptoms, age, and medical history.
The table below shows general reference ranges for the Free Androgen Index:
| Group | Reference Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Males | 30 to 150 | % |
| Adult Females (general) | 5 to 7 | % |
| Females aged 14 to 17 years | 0.6 to 6.5 | % |
| Females aged 18 to 46 years | 0.7 to 10.9 | % |
| Females aged 47 years and above | 0.2 to 6.8 | % |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Please note that there are no universally agreed reference ranges for the FAI test, particularly in men, where it is considered a less precise indicator. Values slightly above or below the quoted ranges may not always be clinically significant.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can shift your FAI reading considerably, even when your underlying hormonal health has not changed.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, SHBG levels can rise to five to ten times their usual value, which will significantly lower FAI readings. This should be taken into account if the test is interpreted during pregnancy.
Conditions such as PCOS, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and obesity tend to reduce SHBG, pushing FAI higher. Conversely, oestrogen therapy, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and anticonvulsant medications tend to increase SHBG, resulting in a lower FAI.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General lifestyle habits that support hormonal balance include:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity, since excess body fat is linked to lower SHBG and altered androgen levels
- Managing conditions such as insulin resistance or thyroid disorders with appropriate medical support
- Speaking with your doctor before taking any supplement that claims to affect hormone levels
Lupin Diagnostics Free Androgen Index Test Price and Home Collection
The Free Androgen Index test is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home collection across major cities. Based on aggregator data, approximate prices in India are as follows:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹3,100 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3,100 |
| Bangalore | ₹3,100 |
| Chennai | ₹3,100 |
| Pune | ₹3,100 |
| Kolkata | ₹3,100 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹3,100 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your test:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the FAI test across cities in India, so you can get tested from the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Free Androgen Index test is used to assess androgen activity in the body and identify mild disorders of androgen metabolism. It helps doctors diagnose conditions such as PCOS in women and hypogonadism in men, and is also used to monitor the effectiveness of hormonal treatments over time.
No fasting is required before the FAI test. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. If additional tests have been ordered at the same time, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
Blood samples for the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test are best collected in the morning, between 8 am and 11 am, when testosterone levels are most stable. Women are generally advised to test at a consistent phase of their menstrual cycle for a more reliable comparison over time.
Yes, the test is ordered for both men and women, though it is considered more clinically useful in women. Research indicates that the FAI correlates well with free testosterone in women but is a less accurate predictor of bioavailable testosterone in men. Your doctor will advise whether it is the right test for your situation.
Yes, several medications can affect your result. Glucocorticoids (steroid medicines) can lower SHBG, raising the FAI. Oral contraceptives and oestrogen-based therapies tend to raise SHBG, which lowers the FAI. Always share a full list of your medications and supplements with your doctor before testing.
An abnormal FAI result is not a diagnosis on its own. A high FAI in women may point to PCOS, insulin resistance, or an androgen-secreting tumour. A low FAI may indicate testosterone deficiency or disorders of the adrenal or pituitary glands. Your doctor will consider the result alongside other hormone tests and your clinical picture before drawing any conclusions.
Reports for the Free Androgen Index test are typically available within 2 to 3 working days after your sample is collected. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Free Androgen Index Test: Booking, Price, and Results
