Progesterone

Test Code
PROG


Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Instructions
Please note: Do not order progesterone testing to a barrier gel specimen older than 72 hours. Progesterone binds to barrier gel causing decreased values.

DHEA supplementation causes a false elevation of values in this standard immunoassay method for progesterone. Physicians using progesterone levels as a criterion for triggering ovulation in an IVF cycle in patients supplemented with DHEA should assess progesterone levels using LC/MSMS Progesterone Assay, such as test code 17183 performed at Quest Diagnostics San Juan Capistrano.


Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Serum stored on barrier gel for more than 72 hours


Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next day


Limitations
Heterophil antibodies may produce falsely-elevated results.


Clinical Significance
Levels increase sharply during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The level increases from 9 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.