Prolactin

PRL

Up to 24 hours

Electrochemiluminesence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

4.04 - 15.2 mcg/L

See overview

Accredited NRL Laboratory

Daily

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.

Serum or Plasma (Li-Hep)

Minimum 0.5 mL

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

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.

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).