Prolactin

Test Code

PROL

CPT Codes
84146

Preferred Specimen

Green

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 1 day; Refrigerated - 5 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Turbidity, Quantity Not Sufficient, IV contamination

Methodology
Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

Female: 3.0-18.6 ng/mL
Male: 3.7-17.9 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

Prolactin is released from the anterior pituitary under the inhibitory control of dopamine, which is secreted from the hypothalamus. When isolated from pituitary tissue, blood or amniotic fluid, prolactin has been found to exist in a number of molecular weight forms and has some structural similarities with human growth hormone. Prolactin plays a major role in the initiation and maintenance of lactation, where there is a physiological elevation of circulating concentrations. Pathological hyperprolactinemia occurs in hypothyroidism and renal failure. Hyperprolactinemia is also known to impair gonadal function in both sexes. Women may present with amenorrhea while men may suffer from impotence.

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.