follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum
Reference interval
Table
| 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 |
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.
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
Specimen
- 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.
- 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.
- Specimens showing particulate matter, erythrocytes, or turbidity should be centrifuged before testing.
More general terms
More specific terms
Additional terms
Component of
- FSH/LH in serum/plasma
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation panel
- anterior pituitary evaluation panel
- luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone in serum/plasma; lutropin/follitropin in serum/plasma; LH/FSH in serum/plasma
References
- ↑ Nichols Institute, Immunoassay for the Quantitative Determination of Folicle Stimulating Hormone in Human Serum. Nichols Institute Diagnostics, 1988.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 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: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16645530
- ↑ Follicle Stimulating Hormone Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: http://www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/0070055.jsp
- ↑ Mini Panel of 2 tests: Follicle Stimulating Hormone . Luteinizing Hormone Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: http://www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/0070193.jsp
Patient information
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum patient information