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Prolactin

Order Code
11138
CPT
84146
Test Details
Synonyms

PRL

TAT

Up to 24 hours

Methodology

Electrochemiluminesence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

Reference Interval

4.04 - 15.2 mcg/L

Remarks

See overview

Performing Location

Accredited NRL Laboratory

Testing Frequency

Daily

Test Overview

Prolactin is primarily used to investigate galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility. Elevated levels may indicate pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas), hypothyroidism, or medication effects. It is also useful in assessing pituitary function and diagnosing hyperprolactinemia. Suppressed levels are uncommon but may suggest hypopituitarism. Interpretation requires consideration of stress and physiological factors.

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma (Li-Hep)

Volume

Minimum 0.5 mL

Specimen Container

Serum Separator Tube (SST; Gold Top), Plain Tube (Red Top), Lithium Heparin Plasma (Green Top)

Patient Preparation

No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Collection

Samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection. If this is not possible, samples should be centrifuged and transported refrigerated (2 to 8°C).

Specimen Stability
Temperature Period
Refrigerated 14 days
Order Code
11138
CPT
84146
Test Details
Synonyms

PRL

TAT

Up to 24 hours

Methodology

Electrochemiluminesence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

Reference Interval

4.04 - 15.2 mcg/L

Remarks

See overview

Performing Location

Accredited NRL Laboratory

Testing Frequency

Daily

Test Overview

Prolactin is primarily used to investigate galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility. Elevated levels may indicate pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas), hypothyroidism, or medication effects. It is also useful in assessing pituitary function and diagnosing hyperprolactinemia. Suppressed levels are uncommon but may suggest hypopituitarism. Interpretation requires consideration of stress and physiological factors.

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma (Li-Hep)

Volume

Minimum 0.5 mL

Specimen Container

Serum Separator Tube (SST; Gold Top), Plain Tube (Red Top), Lithium Heparin Plasma (Green Top)

Patient Preparation

No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Collection

Samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection. If this is not possible, samples should be centrifuged and transported refrigerated (2 to 8°C).

Specimen Stability
Temperature Period
Refrigerated 14 days