Prolactin

Test Code

PROLACTIN

Alias/See Also

Chemistry

Preferred Specimen

Gold Top Tube

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hrs
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days. Separate if not tested within this time.
Frozen (-10°C or colder): 12 months

Methodology
Chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay

Setup Schedule

M - F

Report Available

TAT 1 - 7 days

Reference Range

Gender/Stage	Reference range	Units
Male	3 - 20	ng/mL
Female pre-menopausal	3 - 27	ng/mL
Female post-menopausal	2 - 20	ng/mL

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.

Performing Laboratory
Test performed at West Roxbury Chemistry Lab
Contact: Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek 857-203-5973

Last Updated: April 8, 2019

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.