There are three phases of clinical biochemistry laboratory testing: (1) pre-analytical, in which the sample is collected, handled, transported, processed and stored before analysis; (2) analytical, in which the sample is analysed and a result generated; and (3) post-analytical, in which the result is reported and interpreted. A rudimentary understanding of endocrine laboratory terminology, the importance of an optimized sample collection procedure and how samples are routinely analysed, aids the clinician in arranging endocrine tests and interpreting the results.