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prolactin in serum

Indications: - evaluation of hyperprolactinemia - evaluation of galactorrhea, amenorrhea & infertility Reference values: - MALE: 0 - 13.0 ng/mL - FEMALE: 0 - 20.0 ng/mL Clinical significance: Prolactin or lactogenic hormone is a single chain polypeptide hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. Prolactin's major function is to act in conjunction with a variety of other hormones to promote breast development & to initiate lactation in women. Presently, there is no known physiological function in men. Measurements of serum prolactin is an essential part of the routine investigation of disorders of reproduction & puberty or suspected hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Disorders in prolactin secretion are associated with hyperprolactinemia, which may result form prolactin secreting microadenomas, hypothalamic- pituitary dysfunction & a variety of drugs. Increased serum prolactin concentrations may produce galactorrhea, amenorrhea & infertility. Hyperprolactinemia also may be observed in patients with irritative chest wall lesions, hypothyroidism, ectopic production by malignant tumors, renal failure & post-ictal. Serum prolactin is of no value in distinguishing seizure from vasovagal syncope. [6] Increases: - hyperprolactinemia Principle: Prolactin is a solid phase two-site immunoradiometric assay. Samples containing prolactin are reacted with a plastic bead (solid phase) coated with a monoclonal antibody directed toward a unique site in the prolactin molecule & with a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody directed against a distinctly different antigenic site on the same prolactin molecule. Following the formation of the solid phase/prolactin/labeled antibody sandwich, the bead is washed to remove unbound labeled antibody. The solid phase is measured with a gamma counter. The amount of radioactivity measured is directly proportional to the concentration of prolactin present in the test sample. Ab-1. (solid phase)__PROLACTIN__Ab-2 (radiolabeled Ab.) Specimen: 1) The determination of Prolactin should be performed on serum. Collect blood sample in a red-top venipuncture tube & allow blood to clot. Centrifuge the sample & separate from cells. 2) If assay is performed within 24 hours after collection, the specimen should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 C. If the testing will be delayed more than 24 hours, the specimen should be frozen. Mix thoroughly after thawing to ensure consistency in the results. Avoid repeated freezing & thawing. 3) Specimens showing particulate matter, erythrocytes, or turbidity should be centrifuged before testing.

Related

prolactin; lactogenic hormone (PRL)

Specific

prolactin dimeric in serum/plasma prolactin monomeric in serum/plasma

General

prolactin in body fluid

References

  1. Hybritech Incorporated. San Diego, CA. October, 1988.
  2. Prolactin Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 20765
  3. Prolactin Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 70115
  4. TRH Stim Prolactin 0 Min Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 70116
  5. TRH Stim Prolactin 90 Min Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 70119
  6. Lusic I et al Serum prolactin levels after seizure and syncopal attacks. Seizure. 1999 Jun;8(4):218-22. PMID: 10452919

Component-of

anterior pituitary evaluation panel macroprolactin/prolactin in serum/plasma