Prolactin

Test Code

PRL

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Patient Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Heparinized plasma

Transport Container

Serum separator tube (SST)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cool packs)

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

24/7

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

See report

Clinical Significance

During pregnancy and postpartum lactation, serum prolactin can increase 10- to 20-fold. Exercise, stress, and sleep also cause transient increases in prolactin levels. Consistently elevated serum prolactin levels (>30 ng/mL), in the absence of pregnancy and postpartum lactation, are indicative of hyperprolactinemia. Hypersecretion of prolactin can be caused by pituitary adenomas, hypothalamic disease, breast or chest wall stimulation, renal failure or hypothyroidism. A number of drugs, including many antidepressants, are also common causes of abnormally elevated prolactin levels. Hyperprolactinemia often results in galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility in females, and in impotence and hypogonadism in males. Renal failure, hypothyroidism, and prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are also common causes of abnormally elevated prolactin levels.

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.