Prolactin, Serum
Use
The Prolactin, Serum test is useful for aiding in the evaluation of pituitary tumors, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, infertility, and hypogonadism. It is also used for monitoring therapy of prolactin-producing tumors. Prolactin is the principal hormone that controls the initiation and maintenance of lactation and is released in response to stimuli such as stress, exercise, and hypoglycemia. Hyperprolactinemia, often caused by prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas, can result in various symptoms like loss of libido and infertility. Therefore, prolactin levels serve as an essential biomarker in diagnosing and managing these disorders.
Special Instructions
Patient preparation involves refraining from taking multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin for 12 hours before specimen collection. The specimens should be collected in a serum gel or red top tube and centrifuged with serum aliquoted into a plastic vial.
Limitations
Serum prolactin testing is not recommended during pregnancy in patients with prolactinomas as results are uninterpretable. Potential assay interference may arise from human anti-animal or heterophile antibodies, leading to inaccurate results. Furthermore, extremely high titers of specific antibodies may also cause interference.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20568-2
- 20568-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |