Test Name

Prolactin

Test Code

512

Unit

ng/ml

Station

Chemistry

CPT Code

84146

Performing Facility

American Medical Labs, Herzliya
Pituah

Analyzer

Roche cobas 6000

Test Method

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay
(ECLIA)

AML Preferred Tube

5 mL SST gel

Storage Instructions

Refrigerated;
Stability:

14 days at 2 to 8 ^oC

6 months at -20 ^oC , Freeze only once.

Min. Volume

1 mL

Turn-Around-Time

One day.

Intended Use

Immunoassay for the in vitro quantitative determination of prolactin in human serum and plasma. During pregnancy the concentration of prolactin rises under the influence of elevated estrogen and progesterone production.

Limitations

Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin
doses (i.e. > 5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours following the last biotin administration.
When determining prolactin it should be remembered that the 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. In addition, elevated serum 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. A number
of publications report the presence of macroprolactin in the serum of female patients with various
endocrinological diseases or during pregnancy. Differing degrees of detection of the serum macroprolactins
relative to monomeric prolactin (22‑23 kD) by various immunoassays have also been described. This could make the detection of hyperprolactinemia dependent on the immunoassay used. For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient medical history,
clinical examination and other findings.

Patient Preparation

No patient preparation needed.

Reasons for Rejection

.Improper labeling.

Adult Reference Ranges

Men: 4.04 – 15.2 ng/ml.
Woman: not pregnant 4.79 – 23.3 ng/ml.