Prolactin

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

PROL

746;
Lactogenic Hormone;
Prolactin Evaluation;

serum

1 mL

plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top) tube

Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes or plasma separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum/plasma must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.

Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.

Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.

Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.

Room Temperature or Refrigerated

Room Temperature = 4 days
Refrigerated = 4 days
Frozen = 6 months

Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.

24/7
AU

daily

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.