Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Serum
Use
The Luteinizing Hormone (LH) test is useful as an adjunct in the evaluation of menstrual irregularities, evaluating patients with suspected hypogonadism, predicting ovulation, evaluating infertility, and diagnosing pituitary disorders. LH plays a critical role in both male and female reproductive health, supporting the function of ovaries in females by triggering ovulation and sustaining luteal function, and stimulating testosterone production in males by acting on Leydig cells in the testes.
Special Instructions
For 12 hours before specimen collection, the patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7). The test's limit of quantitation is 0.01 IU/L; in pediatric settings where greater sensitivity is needed, order LHPED (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Pediatrics, Serum). The preferred test to confirm menopausal status is the FSH test (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Serum).
Limitations
No clinically significant cross-reactivity has been demonstrated with related hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyrotropin, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). However, the presence of anti-animal antibodies in patients who have been exposed to animal antigens may interfere with the assay reagents and produce unreliable results. Various physiological and pathophysiological factors, including hypothalamic and pituitary disorders, may alter LH levels, affecting the test's ability to provide accurate diagnostic insights in some conditions.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 10501-5
- 10501-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |