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Test Code 229 Prolactin

Important Note

Limitations:

  1. Human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) may be present in samples from patients who have received immunotherapy utilizing monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, other heterophile antibodies such as human anti-goat antibodies may be present in patient samples. Manufacturers formulate assays to minimize the effects of these antibodies, however careful evaluation of patient results must be done when patients are known to have such antibodies.
  2. Does not demonstrate any hook effect up to 30,000 ng/mL.
  3. The Prolactin results should be interpreted in light of the total clinical presentation of the patient, including: symptoms, clinical history, data from additional tests and other appropriate information.
  4. The Access Prolactin assay has minimal interference from macroprolactin, as such, prolactin levels may appear higher than those levels determined with other prolactin assays.
    In patients with asympomatic hyper prolactinemia, assessment for macroprolactin (prolactin bound to immunoglobulin) is suggested. (Mayo test code MCRPL/Macroprolactin, Serum).

Additional Codes

ALAB: PROLACT

PowerChart: Prolactin Level

MA Cerner: Prolactin

Test Method

Simultaneous One-Step Immunoenzymatic ("Sandwich") Assay; Beckman DxC700AU

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 1.5 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Male: 2.6-13.1 ng/mL

Female:

  • Premenopausal: 3.3-26.7 ng/mL
  • Postmenopausal: 2.7-19.6 ng/mL

CPT Code Information

84146 Chemistry: Prolactin

Useful For

Aiding in evaluation of pituitary tumors, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, infertility, and hypogonadism

Monitoring therapy of prolactin-producing tumors

LOINC Code Information

2842-3 Prolactin [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma