Luteinizing Hormone (LH) » Pathology Laboratories » College of Medicine

Additional Information:

EPIC Test Name: LUTEINIZING HORMONE

CPT Code(s):

83002

Collection Procedure:

Collect specimen in SST tube. Allow to clot. Centrifuge and store refrigerated. Transport to lab.

Specimen Requirements:

Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: SST
Sample Volume: 1 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL (Repeat testing is not possible with this specimen volume.)
Storage: Refrigerate
Stability (collection to time of analysis/testing):

Refrigerated: 2 weeks
Frozen: 2 months

Use:

Luteinizing hormone measurements are used to define the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Serum gonadotropin determinations permit distinguishing between primary gonadal failure and deficient gonadal stimulation. If LH and follicle-stimulating hormone levels are elevated, primary gonadal failure is present, whereas if gonadotropin levels are low, deficient gonadal stimulation has resulted in the hypogonadal state. LH measurement is also clinically important because LH and growth hormone are frequently the first hormones to be affected by pituitary disease. Serum LH determinations have been very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in women. A midcycle rise is a good indication that ovulation will occur approximately 24 hours later. Subfertile couples, and women being treated withgonadotropins for infertility, can be informed that ovulation is imminent.

Methodology:

Solid-phase, two-site chemiluminescent immunometric assay

Reported:

1-3 business days

Reference Values:

Adult Males (≥ 18 years): 0.8 to 7.6 mIU/mL
Adult Females (≥ 18 years):
- Postmenopausal: 11.3 – 39.8 mIU/mL
- Oral Contraceptives: ND – 8.0 mIU/mL
Ovulatory Cycles:
- Follicular Phase: 1.1 – 11.6 mIU/mL
- Midcycle: 17 – 77 mIU/mL
- Luteal Phase: ND – 14.7 mIU/mL
- Perimenstrual (± 8 days): ND – 12.0 mIU/mL