Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Pediatrics, Serum
Use
The Luteinizing Hormone (LH) test is critical for assessing and diagnosing precocious (early) and delayed puberty in pediatric patients. This test helps determine if the onset of puberty is hormonally driven or if it is due to other factors, by measuring the levels of LH in conjunction with other hormones. In children, excessively high levels of LH may indicate central precocious puberty, while insufficient levels can suggest delayed puberty due to inadequate gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. The test provides clarity on whether puberty is progressing under the influence of gonadotropins or independent processes.
Special Instructions
This test is exclusively designed for pediatric patients. Adults or individuals aged 18 and older must order the general Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Serum test. It is important to adhere to the specific age requirements for accurate diagnosis and clinical relevance.
Limitations
The test is highly sensitive to 0.02 IU/L, surpassing most available immunoassays by a tenfold increase in analytical sensitivity. There is no significant cross-reactivity confirmed with other hormones, although minimal cross-reactivity might be seen with thyrotropin (TSH) at concentrations over 500 mIU/L. Antibody interferences, such as those arising from human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA), may cause issues in some immunoassay results and should be considered when results do not match clinical expectations.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 83103-2
- 83103-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.25 mL
Minimum Volume
0.13 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge within 2 hours of collection. For red top tubes, transfer serum to a plastic vial immediately. For serum gel tubes, refrigerate on gel but aliquot into a plastic vial within 4 hours.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |