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follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum

Reference values: gender/age phase value male 1.4 to 11.1 mIU/mL female Follicular phase: 1.9 to 11.9 mIU/mL female Midcycle peak: 16.6 to 81.1 mIU/mL female Luteal phase: 3.2 to 33.9 mIU/mL children Pre-pubertal: 0.0 to 2.7 mIU/mL Clinical significance: Measurements of serum FSH & LH are frequently used in the evaluation of disorders of reproduction & puberty. In primary hypogonadism, [e.g. complete forms of Turners syndrome in females or Klinefelter's syndrome in males], serum LH & FSH are elevated to levels similar to those that occur normally in females after the menopause. In Mosaic Turners & Klinefelter's syndrome where some ovarian & testicular function may occur, only FSH concentration may be increased. In hypothalamic-pituitary failure serum FSH & LH are inappropriately low for the sex steroid levels, but may still be within the 'normal range'. In the evaluatuion & treatment of infertility in women, measurements of serum FSH, LH, estradiol, & progesterone are often useful. During normal corpus luteum function, progesterone concentrations exeed 4 ng/mL, while FSH concentrations are lower. In amenorrheic women, determination of FSH & LH differentiates primary ovarian causes from hypothalamic-pituitary causes. Serum FSH is of little value in the diagnosis of menopause. [2] Increases: - Turner's syndrom - Klinefelter's syndrome - menopause Decreases: - hypopituitarism Principle: The Allegro FSH Immunoassay incorporates 2 monoclonal antibodies with high affinity for FSH. The two antibodies, Ab(1) & Ab(2) are selected & prepared to be specific for different & distintive epitopes (sites) on the beta-subunit of the FSH molecule. Both antibodies bind without competition or stearic interference from each other, & form a soluble sandwich complex: Ab(1)__FSH__Ab(2) One monoclonal antibody is radiolabeled for detection, [Ab(2)*], while the other monoclonal antibody is coupled to biotin [Biotin- Ab(1)]. The addition to the reaction mixture of an avidin coated plastic bead allows for a specific & efficient means of binding the sandwich complex to a solid phase via the high affinity interaction between biotin & avidin. Specimen: 1) The determination of FSH should be performed on serum. Collect blood sample in a red-top venipuncture tube & allow blood to clot. Centrifuge the sample & separate from cells. 2) If assay is performed within 24 hours after collection, the specimen should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 C. If the testing will be delayed more than 24 hours, the specimen should be frozen. Mix thoroughly after thawing to ensure consistency in the results. Avoid repeated freezing & thawing. 3) Specimens showing particulate matter, erythrocytes, or turbidity should be centrifuged before testing.

Related

follicle-stimulating hormone; follitropin (FSH)

Specific

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum baseline

General

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in body fluid

References

  1. Nichols Institute, Immunoassay for the Quantitative Determination of Folicle Stimulating Hormone in Human Serum. Nichols Institute Diagnostics, 1988.
  2. Henrich JB et al, Limitations of follicle-stimulating hormone in assessing menopause status: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2000) Menopause 2006; 13:171 PMID: 16645530
  3. Follicle Stimulating Hormone Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 70055
  4. Mini Panel of 2 tests: Follicle Stimulating Hormone . Luteinizing Hormone Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 70193

Component-of

anterior pituitary evaluation panel FSH/LH in serum/plasma gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation panel luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone in serum/plasma; lutropin/follitropin in serum/plasma; LH/FSH in serum/plasma