Follicle Stimulating Hormone, FSH

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Alternate Test Name

FSH

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB86
FSH

Category

Chemistry

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours

Container

Gold top (SST), Red top (serum), or Green top (lithium heparin) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 1.0 mL serum or plasma
Min. Vol.: 0.5 mL serum or plasma

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture

• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times

• Clot 30 minutes

• Promptly centrifuge 10 minutes

• If no gel barrier is present immediately transfer serum or plasma to a plastic tube and refrigerate

• Properly centrifuged gel barrier tube does not require transfer of serum or plasma to separate tube

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Refrigerated: 5 days

Remarks

Biotin, also referred to as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, can interfere with this test when taken in mega doses of 5mg (5000 mcg) or more. It is often promoted as a skin and hair beauty aid. Please ask your patients to refrain from taking Biotin or supplements containing Biotin for at least 24 hours before collecting specimens for lab testing.

https://biotinfacts.roche.com/

https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/safety/alertsandnotices/ucm586505.htm

CPT Codes

83001

Effective/Revised

7/31/2019

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), together with LH (luteinizing hormone), belongs to the gonadotropin family. FSH and LH regulate and stimulate the growth and function of the gonads (ovaries and testes) synergistically. In women, the gonadotropins act within the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary regulating circuit to control the menstrual cycle.

FSH and LH are released in pulses from the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary. The levels of the circulating hormones are controlled by steroid hormones via negative feedback to the hypothalamus. In the ovaries FSH, together with LH, stimulates the growth and maturation of the follicle and hence also the biosynthesis of estrogens in the follicles.

The FSH level shows a peak at mid-cycle, although this is less marked than with LH. Due to changes in ovarian function and reduced estrogen secretion, high FSH concentrations occur during menopause.

In men, FSH serves to induce spermatogonium development.

Determination of the FSH concentration is used in the elucidation of dysfunctions within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads system. The determination of FSH in conjunction with LH is utilized for the following indications: congenital diseases with chromosome aberrations, polycystic ovaries (PCO), amenorrhea (causes), and menopausal syndrome. Depressed gonadotropin levels in men occur in azoospermia.