Luteinizing Hormone (LH) with Serum Preparation and Assay by Electrochemiluminescence
This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including triggering ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
["LH helps regulate your menstrual cycle and fertility."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34055-4
- Short code
- LH pre/p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LH pre/p chal 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend an LH test to evaluate reproductive health, diagnose hormonal imbalances, or monitor conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, or pituitary disorders. It may also be used during fertility treatments or to check for signs of early pregnancy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if instructed by your provider. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest after the draw. Avoid strenuous activity before the test.
How the Test Works
A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum (the liquid part) and analyzed using an electrochemiluminescence assay to measure LH levels accurately.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to your gender and reproductive status. High or low LH levels can indicate underlying health conditions that require further evaluation by your healthcare provider.
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.
LH levels can signal reproductive system issues, such as ovulation problems in women or low sperm production in men. Abnormally high LH may suggest conditions like ovarian hyperstimulation or adrenal disorders, while abnormally low LH could indicate pituitary tumors or hypothalamic disorders. Monitoring LH is critical in fertility planning and managing hormonal imbalances.
Short name
LH (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes LH levels to be tested?
How long does it take to get LH test results?
Can lifestyle changes affect LH levels?
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