---
title: SHBG Test
type: biomarker
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg"
also_known_as:
  - shbg
  - sex hormone binding globulin
  - sex hormone-binding globulin
category: Hormones
units:
  - nmol/L
order_price_usd: 69.99
order_item: Testosterone, Free & Total + SHBG
order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/testosterone-free-total-shbg"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-05
---

# SHBG

> SHBG is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 16.5 – 55.9 nmol/L (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $69.99 all-in as Testosterone, Free & Total + SHBG, results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.

Also known as: shbg, sex hormone binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Units | nmol/L |
| Sample | Blood draw |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Results | 3–5 business days |
| Price | $69.99 |
| Labs | Quest |

## What does SHBG measure?

A protein that binds sex hormones. Affects how much testosterone and estrogen are biologically active.

## What is the normal range for SHBG?

| Population | Reference range |
| --- | --- |
| Male, age 18+ | 16.5 – 55.9 nmol/L |
| Female, age 18+ | 24.6 – 122 nmol/L |

Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them.

## How do you get tested for SHBG?

| Order | Type | Price | Includes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Testosterone, Free & Total + SHBG](https://www.test-well.com/tests/testosterone-free-total-shbg) | Single test | $69.99 | This marker |

## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference

| Lab | Available | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $69.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. |
| Labcorp | No | — | Not offered through Labcorp for this test. |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — | Not available in NY/NJ for this test. |

- [What a high SHBG means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg/high)
- [What a low SHBG means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg/low)

## Common questions about SHBG

### Do I need a doctor's order to test my shbg?

No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.

### How long does it take to get SHBG results?

Most SHBG results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.

### How much does a SHBG test cost?

Our Testosterone, Free & Total + SHBG starts at $69.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

### Do I need to fast before my SHBG test?

Fasting is not required for the SHBG test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.

### Which lab will process my SHBG test?

Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/9285)
- [MedlinePlus (NIH) — SHBG Blood Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/shbg-blood-test/)

## Related biomarkers

- [Total Testosterone](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone)
- [Free Testosterone](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone)
- [Estradiol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/estradiol)
- [Cortisol AM](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/cortisol-am)
- [DHEA-S](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s)
- [FSH](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/fsh)

- [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup)
- [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter)
- [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-05. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.