: Luteinizing Hormone, Serum or Plasma, Triple Bolus Stimulation Test
: This test measures luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in serum or plasma after a series of three stimulation doses (a "triple bolus") to assess how the pituitary gland responds.
[": Your LH response to repeated stimulation helps your care team evaluate pituitary function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40376-6
- Short code
- LH 2h p Triple Bolus SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH 2h p Triple Bolus SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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
: What This Test Measures
: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone made by the pituitary gland that helps regulate reproductive function. This test measures LH in a sample of serum or plasma collected after a triple bolus stimulation protocol, in which stimulating agents are given in three doses and blood samples are drawn at set times.
: Why Your Doctor Ordered It
: Your care team may order this test to check how well your pituitary gland responds to stimulation. A normal response pattern helps confirm that the pituitary is working properly, while an unexpected pattern can point to a problem that needs further evaluation.
: How the Test Is Done
: You will receive three separate stimulating doses (boluses) according to your care team's protocol, and blood samples will be collected at scheduled times. The timing of the doses and draws is chosen to capture the hormone response; follow your care team's instructions about preparation and timing.
: What the Results Mean
: Results are interpreted as a pattern of LH levels over time rather than a single number. Your care team will compare your response to expected patterns for your age and clinical situation. Do not interpret the numbers on your own; ask your provider to explain what your results mean for you.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: The LH response to stimulation provides information about pituitary reserve and the reproductive hormone axis. Abnormal response patterns can help identify pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction and guide further testing or treatment. Interpretation depends on the specific protocol, timing of samples, age, sex, and clinical context, so results should always be reviewed by the ordering provider.
Short name
: LH Triple Bolus Test
Frequently asked questions
: Do I need to fast or prepare before this test?
: Will this test hurt?
: Can I take my regular medications before the test?
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