Luteinizing Hormone

Luteinizing Hormone

Alternate Test Name

LH

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB87
LH

Category

Chemistry

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours

Container

Gold top (SST), Red top (serum), or Green top (lithium heparin) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 1.0 mL serum or plasma
Min. Vol.: 0.5 mL serum or plasma

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture

• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times

• Clot 30 minutes

• Promptly centrifuge 10 minutes

• If no gel barrier is present immediately transfer serum or plasma to a plastic tube and refrigerate

• Properly centrifuged gel barrier tube does not require transfer of serum or plasma to separate tube

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Refrigerated: 5 days

Remarks

Biotin, also referred to as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, can interfere with this test when taken in mega doses of 5mg (5000 mcg) or more. It is often promoted as a skin and hair beauty aid. Please ask your patients to refrain from taking Biotin or supplements containing Biotin for at least 24 hours before collecting specimens for lab testing.

https://biotinfacts.roche.com/

https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/safety/alertsandnotices/ucm586505.htm

CPT Codes

83002

Effective/Revised

03/31/2017

LH (luteinizing hormone), together with FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), belongs to the gonadotropin family. LH and FSH regulate and stimulate the growth and function of the gonads (ovaries and testes) synergistically. In women, the gonadotropins act within the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary regulating circuit to control the menstrual cycle.

LH and FSH are released in pulses from the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary and pass via the bloodstream to the ovaries. Here the gonadotropins stimulate the growth and maturation of the follicle and hence the biosynthesis of estrogens and progesterones. The highest LH-concentrations occur during the mid-cycle peak and induce ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum, the principal secretion product of which is progesterone. In the Leydig cells of the testes, LH stimulates the production of testosterone.

Determination of the LH concentration is used in the elucidation of dysfunctions within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads system. The determination of LH in conjunction with FSH is utilized for the following indications: congenital diseases with chromosome aberrations (e.g. Turner's syndrome), polycystic ovaries (PCO), clarifying the causes of amenorrhea, menopausal syndrome, and suspected Leydig cell insufficiency.