Serum Progesterone by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries, in your blood. Progesterone plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy.
["Progesterone levels help diagnose fertility issues, monitor ovulation, or check hormone imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12815-7
- Short code
- Progest sp2 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Progest sp2 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, or if you’re undergoing fertility treatments. It can also be used to evaluate conditions affecting hormone balance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your test involves a specific timing (e.g., mid-luteal phase). Always follow your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking, as some may affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC, which separates and measures progesterone levels precisely.
What Do Results Mean?
Results help determine whether your progesterone levels are within expected ranges for your cycle phase or medical condition. Abnormal levels may indicate issues like hormonal imbalances, ovarian dysfunction, or other reproductive health concerns.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
Progesterone is critical for ovulation tracking, pregnancy support, and diagnosing conditions like luteal phase deficiency or hormonal disorders. Low levels may suggest fertility challenges, while high levels could indicate tumors or other endocrine issues.
This test uses serum (blood plasma) and HPLC, which provides highly accurate measurements. Saliva or urine tests may offer convenience but can be less precise due to variations in hormone stability or timing.
Your provider will discuss the results with you and may recommend further testing or treatments. For example, low progesterone might prompt adjustments to your birth control or fertility treatments, while high levels could guide further evaluation for conditions like ovarian cysts.
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