Progesterone

Code

5105

Principle

Both men and women produce low levels of progesterone, a steroid hormone in the adrenal cortex. Progesterone is important, not only as a hormone, but also as the precursor of the estrogens, androgens, and adrenocortical steroids. Ovulation, and the presence of a functioning corpus luteum, can be demonstrated with serial determinations of serum progesterone.

Preanalytical

1 mL Serum Refrigerated

Turn Around Time

1 day

Methodology

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Limitations

Patients who have been regularly exposed to animals or have received immunotherapy or diagnostic procedures utilizing immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments may produce antibodies, e.g. HAMA, that interfere with immunoassays.

All results should be interpreted in light of the total clinical presentation of the patient, including: symptoms, clinical history, data from additional tests and other appropriate information.