A rapid solid-phase radioimmunoassay for human plasma follicle-stimulating hormone

The measurement of plasma levels of human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has proved to be of value for the study of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis, greatly facilitating the diagnosis and mangement of problems relating to the menopause and infertility. In the present work a solid-phase radioimmunoassay for human FSH has been developed. This system is characterised by high precision, is economical, and is considerably faster to operate than conventional double antibody systems used in the hospital assay service. Reference values for plasma FSH in various endocrine states are recorded and discussed.