Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Introduction

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland in both males and females. In females, an “LH surge” triggers ovulation. In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone. Abnormal LH levels can be indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome, testicular failure, reduced fertility, and increased miscarriage risk.

Pricing

$49

How to order a test

Synonyms

• LH
• Interstitial Cell-Stimulating Hormone

What is Included?

Measurement of luteinizing hormone levels by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.

Turnaround Time

1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.

Related Documents

Additional Information and Resources

» The importance of luteinizing hormone (LH)
» Perimenopause and postmenopause: what are they?
» What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Special Instructions

Fertility testing in females: Samples should be collected on the third day of the menstrual cycle (third day of menstruation) for optimum results.

Preparation Before Specimen Collection

None

Specimen Type

Blood

Volume

50 μL in a microtainer

Container

Microtainer (regular blood tube)

Collection Method

This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.

1. First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
2. Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
3. Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood.
5. Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
6. Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
7. Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.

NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.

Specimen Storage

Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.

Specimen Stability

Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection

• Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
• Incorrect specimen collection
• Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
• Incorrect specimen volume

Purpose

To measure luteinizing hormone levels in a blood sample to aid in the investigation of fertility in women, hypogonadism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and the onset of menopause.

Limitations

• This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
• These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
• Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance.
• Assay interference may occur in specimens from individuals routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.
• False results may occur in specimens from individuals that have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.

Methodology

Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Alinity i LH assay)

Reference Intervals

Normal menstruating females¹:
– Follicular phase: 1.0 – 18.0 mIU/mL
– Mid-cycle peak: 20.0 – 80.0 mIU/mL
– Luteal phase: 0.5 – 18.0 mIU/mL

Postmenopausal females²: 14.2 – 52.3 mIU/mL
Males³: 0.57 – 12.07 mIU/mL

These reference ranges were obtained from:
¹ “Laboratory Reference Ranges” from the Endocrine Society.
² Rifai N, Horvath AR, & Wittwer C. (2018). Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics (Sixth edition.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.
³ Alinity i LH package insert.