Luteinising hormone (LH)

Test Alias / Common Abbreviations

 

LH

 

Department

Biochemistry
Royal Stoke University Hospital, Macclesfield District General Hospital, Leighton Hospital.


Pre-analytical information  

Add-on requests: are accepted up to 48 hours post sampling.

Minimum Retest Interval: 7 days

 

Sample Collection Instructions:


LH blood samples are collected via standard venipuncture, and the timing of collection may be important for accurate interpretation of results, depending on the clinical reason for requesting the test. For women with a regular menstrual cycle, a day 2-5 sample is preferred.

 

Sample Transport & Stability Information: 


Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the same day as collection to ensure sample integrity is maintained.  If a delay in receipt of the sample is anticipated, please contact the laboratory to discuss storage requirements.

Stable in separated serum for 8 hours at room temperature, 5 days at 4-8oC and 1 year at -20oC.

For generic information on test requesting, sample labelling and packaging, and sample transport – see the frequently asked questions here.

 

Sample type, Container and Volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turnaround Time

Based on receipt at testing site.

Within 24 hours.



 

 

Sex     Age    LH Range (IU/L)
Male      Up to 1 year    0.0-3.2 
Male      1-3 years     0.0-0.1 
Male      4-9 years     0.0-0.4 
Male      10-12 years     0.0-2.9 
Male      13-21 years     1.0-7.1 
Male      >21 years     1.5-9.3 
Female  Up to 1 year    0.0-1.0 
Female   1-3 years     0.0-0.1 
Female    4-9 years     0.0-0.2 
Female    10 years     0.0-11.8 
Female    11-55 years     1.9 - 12.5 
Female    >55 years     7.9 - 53.8

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Healthcare professionals can contact the Duty Biochemist if they wish to discuss individual patient results.

There are a number of non-pathological factors that can influence levels of specific analytes, giving falsely elevated or reduced levels. If you require more information regarding the effects of these factors on the individual test results, please contact the Duty Biochemist.
Serum/plasma samples are routinely screened for the presence of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia. Results are not reported if one or more of these has been detected at levels deemed to have had a significant impact on the accuracy of the test.

 

Investigation of infertility and pituitary function in males and females, and menstrual irregularity in females; investigation of pubertal disorders in children.

For more information, please see the following: LH - Lab Tests Online
(Hyperlink ‘LH – Lab Tests Online’ to https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/lh-test)

 

 

Updated On: 16/07/2025