Prolactin
CPT Code(s):
84146
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
2 hours
Refrigerated:
14 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Prolactin is a clinically significant diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of prolactin hormone in a patient's blood. Prolactin is primarily known for its role in lactation, but it also plays important roles in reproductive health and other physiological processes.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Prolactin include:
1. Assessing Prolactin Disorders: Prolactin is essential in diagnosing and monitoring disorders related to prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin levels, known as hyperprolactinemia, can indicate conditions such as prolactinoma (a benign tumor of the pituitary gland), hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or medication side effects. Low prolactin levels are less common and can be associated with conditions like Sheehan syndrome or certain medications.
2. Investigating Infertility: Elevated prolactin levels can interfere with ovulation and menstrual cycles, leading to infertility. Prolactin helps identify hyperprolactinemia as a potential cause of infertility and guides appropriate treatment strategies.
3. Diagnosing and Monitoring Pituitary Tumors: Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumors, and they can lead to excessive prolactin production. Measuring prolactin levels aids in diagnosing these tumors and monitoring their response to treatment.
4. Evaluating Amenorrhea and Irregular Menstrual Cycles: High prolactin levels can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods) or irregular menstrual cycles. Prolactin helps identify the underlying cause of these menstrual abnormalities, including conditions such as hyperprolactinemia or pituitary disorders.
5. Assessing Galactorrhea: Galactorrhea is the spontaneous production of breast milk in individuals who are not breastfeeding. Elevated prolactin levels can cause galactorrhea, and Prolactin helps determine if hyperprolactinemia is the cause.
6. Monitoring Prolactinoma Treatment: Prolactinomas are commonly treated with medication, such as dopamine agonists, to normalize prolactin levels and shrink the tumor. Regular monitoring of prolactin levels through Prolactin is essential to assess treatment response and adjust medication dosage if needed.
It is important to consider that certain factors, such as stress, exercise, and medication use, can influence prolactin levels. Therefore, test results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other relevant investigations.
In summary, Prolactin is clinically significant in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to prolactin levels, including hyperprolactinemia, pituitary tumors (such as prolactinomas), infertility, amenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, and galactorrhea. It guides appropriate treatment strategies, helps monitor treatment response, and aids in the overall management of patients with prolactin-related disorders.