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Prolactin
Test CodeLAB531
Alias/See Also
PRL
CPT Codes
84146
Preferred Specimen
4.5 ml (1.5 ml minimum) lithium heparin (green); alternate-SST (gold) or Red (no additive)
Minimum Volume
1 ml (500 ul minimum) plasma; alternate-serum
Instructions
After centrifugation, if not in gel barrier tube, pour off serum into an aliquot tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temp
Specimen Stability
Separated from cells: 8 hours room temp, 48 hours refrigerated
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Icteric: >10 mg/dL bilirubin, Hemolysis: >500 mg/dL hemoglobin, Lipemia: >1800 mg/dL triglycerides or >400 mg/dL cholesterol
Methodology
Immunoenzymatic
Setup Schedule
Mon- Sun
Reference Range
Males: 2.64-13.13ng/mL. Females: premenopausal: 3.34-26.72; Post menopausal: 2.74-19.64
Clinical Significance
Prolactin levels are elevated post-partum and in newborns. Prolactin deficiencies in normal individuals are rare
. Pathologic causes of hyper-prolactinemia include: PRL secreting pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas), functional
and organic diseases of the hypothalamus, hypothyroidism, renal failure, and ectopic tumors . Elevated levels
of PRL may be observed in cases of primary hypothyroidism due to an increased secretion of TRH (stimulates PRL
release) accompanied by decreased serum T4 levels and increased serum thyroid stimulating hormone
concentrations.
. Pathologic causes of hyper-prolactinemia include: PRL secreting pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas), functional
and organic diseases of the hypothalamus, hypothyroidism, renal failure, and ectopic tumors . Elevated levels
of PRL may be observed in cases of primary hypothyroidism due to an increased secretion of TRH (stimulates PRL
release) accompanied by decreased serum T4 levels and increased serum thyroid stimulating hormone
concentrations.
Performing Laboratory
Piedmont Athens Regional
