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Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Serum, Pregnancy-Specific

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures a form of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) found in your blood, specifically during pregnancy. It helps assess reproductive health and monitor certain conditions.

Quick summary

["This test supports pregnancy diagnosis and reproductive health evaluation."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50477-9
Short code
FSH sp1 SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
FSH sp1 SerPl-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
3.5
Ref high
12.5
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83001
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. It can help determine if your pregnancy is progressing normally or if there are potential hormonal imbalances affecting fetal development.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes. If drawn from a vein, you might feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick and painless.

What the Test Results Mean

Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history and symptoms. Elevated or low levels may indicate conditions like pregnancy complications, hormonal disorders, or other reproductive health issues.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test can help monitor conditions such as early pregnancy, potential miscarriage risks, or hormonal imbalances that might affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.

Reference range

Follicular: 3.5-12.5 mIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

FSH (pregnancy-specific)

Frequently asked questions

What does a pregnancy-specific FSH test measure?
This test measures a specialized form of FSH found in your blood during pregnancy, which helps assess fetal health and pregnancy progression.
How soon after pregnancy confirmation should I get this test?
Results are typically analyzed shortly after testing, often within days. Your healthcare provider will determine the timing based on your specific clinical needs and symptoms.
Can lifestyle changes affect FSH levels in pregnancy?
While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are important for overall health, they do not directly influence FSH levels in pregnancy. Your provider will focus on medical factors when interpreting results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy