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Epic Test Code LAB531 Prolactin

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Alternate Container

Green top tube

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

1 mL Serum or Plasma

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hour of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red or gold top) or plasma (green top) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 48 hours Refigerated
> 8 hours Room Temp
> 48 hours Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 1800 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 10 mg/dL Bili

Limitations

Macroprolactin has been recognized to cause hyperprolactinemia in approximately 18-40% of patients with elevated prolactin. Macroprolactinemia is suspected when patients have an elevated prolactin without clinical symptoms or no evidence of pituitary tumor. If macroprolactinemia is suspected, macroprolactin can be sent to the reference lab for measurement. Refer to the Laboratory Manual webpage for ordering instructions of Macroprolactin.

 

Patients taking biotin supplements in excess of the daily recommended allowance may cause falsely elevated results.

Reference Values

Population Phase Units Reference Range
Male n/a ng/mL < 13
Female Nonpregnant ng/mL < 28
  Pregnant ng/mL 10 - 200
  Postmenopausal ng/mL < 20

 

Macroprolactin is a random phenomenon that may cause or contribute to hyperprolactinemia.  It is considered biologically inactive in vivo.  Macroprolactin can be ordered separately to rule out its contribution to total prolactin.

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

84146

Last Updated

18-Mar-22 BHD