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Test Code PRLC Prolactin

Specimen and Container/Tube

Specimen Type: Plasma

Preferred Specimen: Li-Heparin Mint Green Top

Other Acceptable specimens: Serum/Gold Top, Serum/Red Top

Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions

UCMC Onsite Instructions: 

  • Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately. 

 

UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions: 

  • Samples should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
  • Centrifuge specimens at >2500 x g for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  • Aliquot sample into plastic transport tube containing a minimum of 0.2 mL of specimen. 
  • Whole blood/unspun samples greater than 6 hours will be rejected.
  • Samples should be sent refrigerated. 

Rejection Criteria

  • Common specimen rejected situations include: incorrect specimen type, insufficient volume, missing or incomplete specimen identifiers, incorrect specimen transport, or specimens outside stability limits. 
  • Specimens that are clotted or grossly hemolyzed.
  • Specimens that were transported unspun/whole blood and draw time is greater than 6 hours

Reference Values

Test

Age

Sex

Reference Range

Prolactin

All

Female

4.80 - 23.30 ng/mL

Prolactin

All

Male

4.00 - 15.20 ng/mL 

 

Critical Values

Not applicable

CPT Codes

84146

LOINC Codes

TBD

Volume

Preferred Volume: 0.5 mL

Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL

Specimen Stability

Storage Temperature

Stability

Room Temperature

Not stable

Refrigerated

14 days

Frozen

6 months

 

Collection Instructions

Collect specimen per standard laboratory collection procedures. 

 

Test Components

Prolactin

Clinical Indications

The determination of prolactin is utilized in the diagnosis of anovular cycles, hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea and galactorrhea, gynecomastia and azoo-spermia. Prolactin is also determined when breast cancer and pituitary tumors are suspected.

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) (Roche Diagnostics)

Additional Information

Measured concentration is dependent upon when the blood sample was taken, since the secretion of prolactin occurs in episodes and is also subject to a 24-hour cycle. The release of prolactin is promoted physiologically by suckling and stress. Elevated prolactin concentrations are caused by a number of pharmaceuticals (e.g. dibenzodiazepines, phenothiazine), TRH and estrogen. The release of prolactin is inhibited by dopamine, L-dopa and ergotamine derivatives.

 

There is no high-dose hook effect at prolactin concentrations up to 12,690 ng/mL in this assay.

 

This test may be affected by biotin interference. Patients on high dose biotin (5mg/day or more) should not have samples drawn until at least 24 hours after the last biotin administration.

Turnaround Time

Turnaround times are relative to the time the specimen is received in the test laboratory. 

 

STAT Turnaround Time: 1 hour

Routine Turnaround Time: up to 4 hours

Testing Schedule:  24/7

Synonyms/Keyword Search

PRL

Last Review Date

4/16/2025