Serum/plasma progesterone concentration (qualitative/quantitative screening or confirmatory)
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced mainly by the ovaries, in your blood. It helps assess reproductive health, fertility, and hormone balance.
["Progesterone levels can indicate pregnancy, menstrual cycle phases, or potential hormonal imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63887-4
- Short code
- Progesterone Ds CTS
- Synonyms
- Progesterone Ds CTS
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.1
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- california-teachers-study
- CPT
- 84144
- 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 this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like pregnancy, evaluate menstrual irregularities, check for ovarian cysts, assess fertility, or diagnose hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It can also be used during early pregnancy to confirm ovulation or rule out miscarriage risk.
What Does a Low or High Level Mean?
Low progesterone levels may suggest issues like premature ovarian failure, hormonal imbalances, or problems with ovulation. High levels could indicate pregnancy, certain tumors, or other hormonal conditions that require further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to measure progesterone concentration.
What Are Common Reference Ranges?
Reference ranges vary by lab and cycle phase. Typically, they may differ for pre-ovulation, mid-cycle, and post-ovulation stages, or during pregnancy. Your doctor will provide your specific target range based on your situation.
Reference range
Follicular: 0.1-1.5 ng/mL; Luteal: 2-20 ng/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.
Clinical Significance: Progesterone plays a critical role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining early pregnancy. Low levels can interfere with implantation or pregnancy maintenance, while abnormal spikes may indicate underlying conditions requiring medical attention.
Short name
Progesterone Level (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a progesterone test measure?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
How long does it take to get results?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy