Luteinizing Hormone (LH) by Immunoassay, Serum
This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone in your blood. LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
["LH helps regulate important reproductive functions and may be checked if you have symptoms or concerns related to fertility or hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57104-2
- Short code
- LH 1h p GnRH SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH 1h p GnRH SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83002
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order an LH test to evaluate reproductive health, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), assess fertility issues, or monitor hormonal treatments. It can also help check for pituitary gland disorders or other hormonal imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have your blood drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re taking hormonal medications, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect a blood sample. The process usually takes a few minutes. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s generally quick and painless.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported in international units per liter (IU/L) or milliliters per liter (mIU/mL). Your results will be compared to standard reference ranges provided by your healthcare provider to determine if your hormone levels are within a healthy range.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
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
LH Serum
Frequently asked questions
What does an LH test measure?
Can LH levels change with the menstrual cycle?
Is LH testing the same as checking for other reproductive hormones?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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