Serum Progesterone by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLLC)
This test measures the amount of progesterone, a hormone produced mainly by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
["Progesterone levels help track ovulation, fertility, and potential hormone-related health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47988-1
- Short code
- Progest sp6 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Progest sp6 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to monitor hormone levels during ovulation tracking, evaluate fertility issues, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or assess pregnancy-related hormone changes. It can also help manage symptoms of hormonal imbalances or evaluate conditions like endometriosis or menstrual irregularities.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a blood draw at your doctor’s office or a lab. If you’re taking certain medications that affect hormone levels, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will collect a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood will be sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a method that separates and measures progesterone in your serum.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a concentration of progesterone in the blood. While reference ranges can vary by lab, they often fall within specific ranges depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy stage. Your provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Serum Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
Progesterone levels are critical for fertility, pregnancy, and menstrual cycle regulation. Low levels may indicate ovulation issues, hormonal disorders, or early pregnancy complications. High levels could suggest conditions like ovarian tumors or certain hormonal imbalances. Your provider will use these results to guide treatment or further testing if needed.
Test results are usually available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Your provider will contact you once the results are ready, either through a phone call or a follow-up appointment.
If your progesterone levels are outside the typical range, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as further blood tests, imaging, or lifestyle adjustments. They will discuss the next steps with you based on your individual situation.
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