The Endocrinology Laboratory offers a variety of clinical tests to determine spay/neuter/cryptorchid status, pregnancy status, occurrence of ovulation, presence of tumors of the reproductive system, as well as other more specialized analytical technologies. Radioimmunoassay techniques are used to quantify hormones in biological fluids and tissues to evaluate pituitary function and target organ response. The lab provides clinical services to zoos, wildlife foundations, veterinarians, private breeders, and on occasion, law enforcement.
Researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies utilize our lab for studies requiring the most sensitive assays for detection of minute quantities of hormones in biological samples, and we are involved in various research studies pertaining to issues such as reproductive function and efficacy of treatments.
Many of the antibodies to hormones are generated on site, which minimizes costs for the analytical reagents, enabling us to offer these assays at a low price to our clients. Aliquots of lyophilized antisera to hormones are available for research purposes and will be sent to investigators upon request.
Test information, availability, and pricing
Samples must be received no later than Tuesday afternoon to be included in the assay schedule for that week. If you are sending large numbers of samples, please ship to arrive prior to Tuesday to allow laboratory personnel sufficient time for processing.
Results will be reported the following Monday afternoon. Use the reference values information sheet to interpret test results for progesterone, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone assays.
| Assay | About | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone | Testosterone info sheet | Every week | $52 |
| Progesterone (P4) | P4 info sheet | Every week | $52 |
| Mare pregnancy test (MPT) | MPT info sheet | First week of the month | $52 |
| Equine luteinizing hormone (eLH) | eLH info sheet | First week of the month | $46 |
| Equine follicle stimulating hormone (eFSH) | eFSH info sheet | First week of the month | |
| Corticosterone | Upon request | ||
| Cortisol | Upon request | ||
| Estradiol (E2) | Upon request | ||
| Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) | Upon request | ||
| Luteinizing hormone (LH) | Upon request | $46 | |
| Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) | Upon request | ||
| Insulin | Upon request | ||
| Prolactin | Upon request | ||
| T3 | Upon request | ||
| T4 | Upon request |
Submission forms
Please select the appropriate form below, fill out all of the information, and submit the form with the samples to be analyzed.
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| Clinical lab form | Use when submitting 1-2 samples for progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone or mare pregnancy test. |
| Multiple sample lab form | Use when submitting more than two samples. |
| Mare pregnancy test lab form | Use when submitting more than two samples for MPT. |
Shipping information
- Clinical lab form, multiple sample lab form, or mare pregnancy test lab form
- At least 1 ml serum for each hormone to be analyzed (it may be possible to utilize smaller volumes, but prior approval from the Endocrinology Laboratory is required).
- Samples contained in tightly sealed glass or polypropylene 12×75 mm tubes
- Ice pack
If you would like the samples returned, please include a written request with the submission form indicating how the return shipment is to be billed.
Shipping instructions
Ship samples via overnight carrier (send chilled or frozen). If shipped other than overnight, samples must be frozen or on dry ice.
Shipping address
Endocrinology Laboratory
ARBL/Foothills Campus
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1683
Contact us
Phone: (970) 491-1645
Fax: (970) 491-3557
Email: endo-lab@colostate.edu
Hours:
September-May: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
June-August: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Our Team
Lab Manager
Lab Director