Gel application site issue

DS431 · Nov 28, 2015

I've been on Fortesta (7 pumps daily) for almost 3 years maintaining a 700-900 t-level. My most recent blood test revealed a level of 1986. .25mg daily of Anastrazole keeps the Estradiol at 24. PSA is .02.

I had just recently changed to applying the gel to my upper arms and shoulders instead of thee recommended inner thighs. My doctor thinks that may be the problem. Ordered a retest in 30 days. Hope it was a lab error, but I resumed applying the gel to my inner thighs. Do y'all think that could be the problem?

CoastWatcher · Nov 28, 2015

Is there any chance your blood draw was compromised? Timing, and perhaps more importantly, was the area clean and clear of gel?

Vince Carter · Nov 29, 2015

upper arms...if you applied it and then had a blood draw, you very likely compromised the test result. If you got the gel on the blood draw site, where they stick the needle or anywhere close it, it's a fact your test was compromised. I would suggest you have a blood draw, THEN apply your gel, anywhere.

ERO · Nov 29, 2015

Second with Vince. Most likely cause of a high reading is as he has described. Always draw blood test, then go home and apply your gel if at all possible

DS431 · Nov 29, 2015

My doctor always insists that I apply my gel 2 hrs before the blood draw. I agree with y'all though, applying after the draw to minimize compromise seems best. I'll talk to her about it.

ERO · Nov 29, 2015

If you have been on gel for 2-3 years and maintaining a 700-900 total T level, you are doing quite well. So many guys cannot get above 500 on gel that they often switch to injections.

OMI100 · Nov 29, 2015

Hmmmmm 2 hours after application.... I would think one would like to know what the low point is...... That would be a blood test BEFORE application..... I wonder what the spread would be VS 2 hours after application....

DS431 · Dec 2, 2015

My doctor said it was very important to apply the T-gel close to 2 hours before my blood was drawn. She referred to "The Endocrine Society" guidelines. I applied it to my shoulders as the draw site has always been at my inner arm at the elbow. I now apply it to my inner thighs (as per the Fortesta instructions) . I retest in 3 weeks, hoping for better results. The previous test could have ben in error also. Thanks for your reply.

Vince Carter said:
upper arms...if you applied it and then had a blood draw, you very likely compromised the test result. If you got the gel on the blood draw site, where they stick the needle or anywhere close it, it's a fact your test was compromised. I would suggest you have a blood draw, THEN apply your gel, anywhere.

DS431 · Dec 2, 2015

See the reply I made to Vince Carter earlier today.

DS431 said:
My doctor always insists that I apply my gel 2 hrs before the blood draw. I agree with y'all though, applying after the draw to minimize compromise seems best. I'll talk to her about it.