Prolactin
Testing Information
Sample Type
Serum
Test Codes
650580
CPT Code
84146
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Chemiluminescence Immunoassay
Reference Range
Non-Pregnant Female: 3.0-30.0 ng/mLPost Menopausal Female: 2.0-20.0 ng/mLPregnant Female: 10.0-208 ng/L Males: 2.0-18.0 ng/mL
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one gold top SST tube (minimum whole blood: 4 mL). Let specimen clot for 30-60 minutes and then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate after centrifugation.
Rejection Criteria
Quantity not sufficient, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Centrifuged SST Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptableSerum Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport centrifuged tube refrigerated (2-8°C)
Clinical Utility
Prolactin is used as to diagnosis galactorrhea, but is also useful in detecting prolactin secreting tumors (prolactinomas).
