Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 7-10 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Superior accuracy with LC/MS technology eliminating cross-reactivity issues
- Convenient access without physician referrals or appointments
- Cost-effective testing at significantly lower prices than traditional medical settings
- Private results delivered through secure online portals
- Gold standard methodology providing laboratory-grade precision
- Quick turnaround in 7-10 business days.
Who Is This Test For?
- Women experiencing infertility or difficulty conceiving
- Those with irregular menstrual cycles or suspected luteal phase deficiency
- Women tracking ovulation patterns for family planning
- Pregnant women with history of miscarriage monitoring early pregnancy viability
- Individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy requiring monitoring
- Women with PCOS or other hormonal imbalances
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No appointment needed, complete order in minutes
- Visit lab – Quick blood draw at any participating location near you
- Get results – Secure online access to results
FAQ
What does this test measure? Precise progesterone hormone levels in blood using advanced LC/MS technology for superior accuracy.
When is the best time to test? Days 21-23 of a 28-day cycle (5-7 days after ovulation) for ovulation assessment.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting required. Avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours before testing.
How accurate is LC/MS compared to other methods? LC/MS provides exceptional sensitivity (0.05 ng/mL) and eliminates cross-reactivity issues common with immunoassays.
Can this test confirm pregnancy? While progesterone levels can indicate pregnancy viability, specific pregnancy tests are more appropriate for confirmation.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult with a healthcare provider for interpretation and potential follow-up testing or treatment options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Progesterone Blood Test using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) measures precise progesterone hormone levels in blood serum with exceptional accuracy (Mayo Clinic 2024). Progesterone is a critical steroid hormone produced primarily by the ovaries after ovulation, playing essential roles in menstrual cycle regulation, pregnancy maintenance, and fertility assessment.
This advanced LC/MS methodology provides superior accuracy compared to traditional immunoassays, making it the gold standard for progesterone measurement in clinical settings (LabCorp 2024). The test helps assess ovulation success, diagnose luteal phase deficiency, monitor early pregnancy viability, and evaluate hormone therapy effectiveness.
Who would benefit from this test?
Women experiencing infertility issues, irregular menstrual cycles, or suspected hormonal imbalances benefit significantly from progesterone testing (MedlinePlus 2024). Those tracking ovulation patterns for family planning find this test invaluable for confirming successful ovulation.
Pregnant women with history of miscarriage or preterm labor can use progesterone monitoring to assess pregnancy viability and guide treatment decisions. Women undergoing hormone replacement therapy require regular monitoring to ensure optimal therapeutic levels and treatment effectiveness.
When should I order Progesterone Blood Test, LC/MS?
Optimal timing for ovulation assessment is 5-7 days after confirmed ovulation, typically days 21-23 of a 28-day menstrual cycle (Mayo Clinic 2024). For pregnancy evaluation, testing should occur when clinically indicated based on symptoms or risk factors.
Consider ordering if experiencing irregular menstrual periods, difficulty conceiving, unusual bleeding patterns, or symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as mood changes or fatigue. Women with PCOS or other endocrine disorders may require periodic monitoring as part of comprehensive care.
How do I interpret the results?
Progesterone Level: Follicular phase <1.0 ng/mL
- What it means: Normal pre-ovulation levels
- Typical action: Continue cycle monitoring
Progesterone Level: Luteal phase 5.0–20.0 ng/mL
- What it means: Normal post-ovulation range
- Typical action: Indicates healthy ovulation
Progesterone Level: >10.0 ng/mL (days 21–23)
- What it means: Confirms ovulation occurred
- Typical action: Favorable for conception
Progesterone Level: <5.0 ng/mL (luteal phase)
- What it means: Possible luteal phase deficiency
- Typical action: Consult healthcare provider
Progesterone Level: Early pregnancy 11.2–90.0 ng/mL
- What it means: Supporting pregnancy levels
- Typical action: Continue monitoring as advised
Progesterone levels >10 ng/mL on days 21-23 typically confirm successful ovulation, while levels <5 ng/mL may indicate luteal phase deficiency affecting fertility.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for the progesterone test. Avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours before blood collection, as they can interfere with test accuracy (Logan Health 2024). Inform the lab of any medications or supplements you're taking.
Schedule the test for optimal timing based on your cycle or clinical indication. Wear comfortable clothing with easy arm access for blood draw. Stay hydrated and maintain your normal routine before testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Ovulation monitoring: Monthly during fertile cycles
- Fertility treatment: As directed by specialist
- Hormone therapy monitoring: Every 3–6 months
- Early pregnancy monitoring: Weekly until stable levels
- Luteal phase deficiency: 2–3 cycles for treatment monitoring
- General hormonal health: Annually or as symptoms indicate
Why early detection matters
Early detection of progesterone imbalances can prevent fertility complications and improve pregnancy outcomes. Luteal phase deficiency affects 8.2% of reproductive-age women and is a treatable cause of infertility (ASRM 2021).
Timely identification allows for targeted interventions such as progesterone supplementation, lifestyle modifications, or additional fertility treatments. Regular monitoring during early pregnancy can guide decisions about progesterone support to reduce miscarriage risk.
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