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Progesterone

Test Alias / Common Abbreviations

N/A

 

Department


Biochemistry
Royal Stoke University Hospital


Pre-analytical information  

 

Add-on requests: accepted up to 72 hours post sampling

Minimum Retest Interval: 7 days
Sample Collection Instructions: 

Collect the sample using normal venepuncture technique into a plain serum (clotted) tube (red-top).

Samples should be taken in the mid luteal phase, 7 days prior to the start of menstrual period e.g. on day 21 of a 28 day cycle, or on 28 of a 35 day cycle.
If cycles are irregular or prolonged, consider measuring progesterone on a weekly basis until the onset of menses. Please state day of cycle in the request clinical details, if known.

 

 

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 and 7 days at 4-8oC.

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

 

Sample Type, Container & Volume

Adult sample type:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paediatric sample type: 

Plain serum

 

Turnaround Time

Based on receipt at testing site.
Within 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Sex

Age

Progesterone Range (nmol/L)

Female

11-55 years

≥30

Female

≤10 years

None

Female

≥ 56 years

None

Male   

All

None

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Assessment of ovulation during fertility investigations.

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.

 

For more information, please see the following: Progesterone - Lab Tests Online

Reviewed / Updated On: 10/10/2025