Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Prolactin

Suitable Specimen Types

Serum

Prolactin

Specimen Volume

1 ml whole blood minimum

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge

Turnaround Time

24 hours (longer if further screening required)

Sample Processing In Laboratory

Usual

Sample Stability

14 days at 4°C

General Information

Prolactin is synthesised in the anterior pituitary and secreted in episodes. The target organ for prolactin is the mammary gland, promoting development and differentiation. Prolactin levels are regulated by dopamine. High concentrations of prolactin have an inhibiting action on steroidogenesis of the ovaries and on hypophyseal gonadotrophin production and secretion. In pregnancy the concentration of prolactin rises under the influence of elevated oestrogen and progesterone. Post partum, the stimulating action of prolactin on the mammary gland leads to lactation. Hyperprolactinaemia (in men and women) is a major cause of fertility disorders.

Hyperprolactineamia can also be caused by some drugs, as shown in the table below (source: La torre and Falorni (2007). Pharmacological causes of hyperprolactinemia. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 3(5), 929-951). Additionally, stress can cause a moderate increase in prolactin levels.

 Antipsychotics  Typical  Haloperidol Chlorpromazine, Thioridazine, Thiothixene
 Atypical  Risperidone, Amisulpride Molindone, Zotepine
 Antidepressants  Tricyclics  Amitriptyline, Desipramine Clomipramine Amoxapine
 SSRI  Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine
 MAO-I  Pargyline, Clorgyline
 Other Psychotropics  Buspirone Alprazolam
 Prokinetics  Metoclopramide, Domperidone
 Antihypertensive  Alpha-methyldopa, Reserpine, Verapamil
 Opiates  Morphine
 H2 Antagonists  Cimetidine, Ranitidine
 Others  Fenfluramine, Physostigmine Chemotherapics

Note: Only drugs with demonstrated ability to induce hyperprolactinaemia above the normal range have been included in this table.

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

All prolactin levels >700mU/L will be tested for macroprolactin, unless clinical details indicated a known cause for elevation.

Reference Range

Males: 73 - 407 mU/L

Females: 109 - 557 mU/L

 

Source of Reference Range

Abbott Diagnostics

Specifications

  • EQA Status: NEQAS
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Link to Further Information

http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk/understanding/analytes/prolactin/tab/sample

Related Tests

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Luteinising Hormone (LH) Macroprolactin Screening Test

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Monday, 11 April 2022

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