Prolactin

Message

Performed in the Chemistry Laboratory, x5820
10.2018

Test Code

PROL

CPT Codes
84146

Preferred Specimen

Plasma from a green top (PST) tube

Minimum Volume

1mL

Transport Container

Green Top (PST) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

2 - 8 ^oC: 24 hours

Methodology
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (Abbott Architect)

Setup Schedule

This assay is performed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Reference Range

Male: 3.46 - 19.4 ng/mL
Female: 5.18 - 26.53 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

During pregnancy and postpartum lactation, plasma prolactin can increase 10 to 20-fold. Exercise, stress, and sleep also cause transient increases in prolactin levels. Consistently elevated plasma 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.