doubt about gel and blood test

[billy99]

Hi everyone,
I'm new here, though I've been reading the forum for a while.
I'm six weeks on T (gel) and next month I've an appointment for blood test (to see how everything goes). So, I apply gel in the morning about 9:00 am and I have to go to the test at that time.

So, do you think it's better doing blood test after o before I put the gel? I'm worried about results can be altered, because on one side, it would have been almost 24 hours since last application or just a few minutes. I don't know the endocrinologist phone number, so I'm kinda lost.

Thanks for your help

[Tay]

I've been told about 5 hours after applying gel is best (although I've heard guys say they've been told anything from 2 hours to 12) but my GP will only do blood tests from 8-10am, so I have never stuck to that. I just put it on when I wake up and go from there. Although your T level will fluctuate through the day, it's not like after 24 hrs it will be nothing - you will have built up a base level in your blood and will have peaks and troughs throughout the daily cycle around that point. Hope that makes sense.

One thing I do know is that on the day of your blood test, do not put the gel anywhere near where they will take the blood from - it can really mess up the readings. On blood test days I put the gel on my inner thighs, my endo said that's perfectly fine to do.

[cynthialee]

Tay pretty much nailed it.

[billy99]

thank you very much to all
I think I will put it on at 7:00 (sligthly sooner than usual) and then I will go to blood test, about 9:00 am. Because if I apply like everyday it would pass about 24 hours, you're right about it's not like it will be nothing, but perhaps it would be at lower levels and could "mislead" the doctor.

And thanks for warn me about not applying on arms!