What is Ovulation? How to Use the Ovulation LH Rapid Test Kit?
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is one of the essential hormones for human sexual and reproductive health. Together with follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) helps induce and regulate reproductive function in both men and women. Although it is regulated by an endocrine circuit responsible for regulating reproductive function called the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, abnormal levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) can cause a wide array of common and significant medical issues such as infertility, menstrual problems, and low sex drive, along with early or delayed puberty in children. In addition to assisting in the identification of the underlying reasons for these conditions, screening of the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) can also help predict the fertility cycle for females and determine the optimal time for conception. Today, lateral flow tests, such as our Ovulation LH Rapid Test Kit, are among the most convenient and effective methods to check for the level of luteinizing hormone (LH). Read along to learn more about the process of ovulation, the functions of the luteinizing hormone (LH), and how to use the Ovulation LH Rapid Test Kit for the detection of the luteinizing hormone (LH).
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is a phase in the menstrual cycle when the ovary releases a mature egg (ovum). The process of ovulation starts with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signals the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Between days six and 14 of the menstrual cycle, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes follicles in one ovary to develop. One of the developing follicles develops into a fully mature egg throughout days 10 to 14 of the menstrual cycle. Then, approximately on day 14 in the menstrual cycle, luteinizing hormone (LH) peaks rapidly to cause the ovary to release the fully mature egg to make it available for fertilization. The most common signs of ovulation include changes in vaginal secretions, changes in basal body temperature, discharge, spotting, mild pelvic/abdominal pain, bloating, tenderness in breasts, and mood swings.
Once the egg is released by the ovary, it enters and travels through the fallopian tubes, where it meets sperm for fertilization. If conception occurs, the fertilized egg travels down to the uterus and attaches to the uterine lining, which is referred to as implantation. After ovulation, levels of estrogen and progesterone rise to help the endometrium to thicken and prepare the uterus for the arrival of the fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, the unfertilized egg and the lining of the uterus are shed through a process called menstruation.
What is Luteinizing Hormone (LH)?
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a gonadotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion by the hypothalamus. Together with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), luteinizing Hormone (LH) is categorized as gonadotropin as its function primarily involves the gonads, which are testes and the ovaries. In females, luteinizing Hormone (LH) regulates the process of ovulation and facilitates the formation and maintenance of the corpus luteum. In males, luteinizing Hormone (LH) induces the production of androgens in the Leydig cells of the testes.
What is the Ovulation LH Rapid Test Kit?
The Ovulation LH Rapid Test Kit is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of human luteinizing hormone in urine to predict the time of ovulation. Coming in a lateral flow test format, the test kit utilizes LH-specific labeled antibody-dye conjugates and immobilized anti-LH antibodies to detect and capture LH-specific antigens. As the urine sample migrates along the absorbent test strip via capillary flow, LH-specific labeled antibody-dye conjugates bind to the LH antigens present in the sample and form antibody-antigen complexes. These complexes migrate further to the test region (T) and are captured by a line of immobilized anti-LH antibodies, which appears as a colored line in the test region (T) if the concentration of LH in the collected sample is within detectable levels. Regardless of the presence of the test line (T), the labeled antibody-dye conjugates bind to the reagents in the control region (C) to produce a colored line as procedural control.
The test kit can accurately detect a surge when the concentration of LH within the tested urine sample is equal to or greater than 25mIU/ml. However, certain prescription drugs or medical conditions can interfere with the test results. For example, the onset of menopause may cause elevated levels of LH. Likewise, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may cause irregularities in LH levels that may affect the results of ovulation tests. Moreover, some women do not ovulate every cycle and may not see any surge in the level of LH hormone during these non-ovulating cycles.
How to use the Ovulation LH Rapid Test Kit?
The test procedure requires a urine sample to be collected in a clean and dry container. Following the collection of the urine sample, all components of the test kit should be brought to room temperature before they are removed from their packages. Next, the test strip is removed from its sealed pouch and inserted into the collected urine sample as soon as possible without passing the maximum line. The strip is left within the sample for a few seconds, as instructed. Then, the strip is placed on a clean and flat surface. The results are read after 5 to 10 minutes. If both the test line (T) and the control line (C) are present after the reaction time specified in the manual, the test result is positive. If only the control line (C) is present, the result is negative. The absence of the control line (C), on the other hand, indicates an invalid result. As the control line (C) functions as an internal procedural control that confirms sufficient specimen volume and correct procedural technique, it should always appear regardless of the presence of the test line (T). If the control line is absent at the end of the period specified in the manual, the procedure should be repeated with a new test kit.
