Test Code FSH Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Serum
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
Frozen | 180 days | ||
Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
Males
<12 months: ≤3.3 IU/L
12 months-5 years: ≤1.9 IU/L
>5 years-10 years: ≤2.3 IU/L
>10 years-15 years: 0.6-6.9 IU/L
>15 years-18 years: 0.7-9.6 IU/L
>18 years: 1.2-15.8 IU/L
TANNER STAGES*
Stage l: <1.5 IU/L
Stage ll: <3.0 IU/L
Stage lll: 0.4-6.2 IU/L
Stage lV: 0.6-5.1 IU/L
Stage V: 0.8-7.2 IU/L
*Puberty onset occurs for boys at a median age of 11.5 (± 2) years. For boys, there is no proven relationship between puberty onset and body weight or ethnic origin. Progression through Tanner stages is variable. Tanner stage V (adult) should be reached by age 18.
Females
<12 months: 1.2-12.5 IU/L
12 months-10 years: 0.5-6.0 IU/L
>10 years-15 years: 0.9-8.9 IU/L
>15 years-18 years: 0.7-9.6 IU/L
Premenopausal:
Follicular: 2.9-14.6 IU/L
Midcycle: 4.7-23.2 IU/L
Luteal: 1.4-8.9 IU/L
Postmenopausal: 16.0-157.0 IU/L
TANNER STAGES*
Stage l: 0.6-4.1 IU/L
Stage ll: 0.3-5.8 IU/L
Stage lll: 0.1-7.2 IU/L
Stage lV: 0.3-7.0 IU/L
Stage V: 0.4-8.6 IU/L
*Puberty onset (transition from Tanner stage I to Tanner stage II) occurs for girls at a median age of 10.5 (± 2) years. There is evidence that it may occur up to 1 year earlier in obese girls and in African American girls. Progression through Tanner stages is variable. Tanner stage V (adult) should be reached by age 18.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
CPT Code Information
83001
Clinical Information
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone consisting of 2 noncovalently bound subunits (alpha and beta). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus controls the secretion of the gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH, from the anterior pituitary.
The menstrual cycle is divided by a midcycle surge of both FSH and LH into a follicular phase and a luteal phase.
FSH appears to control gametogenesis in both male and female individuals.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.