Prolactin CPT: 84146
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Gel-barrier tube, transport tube, or green-top (heparin) tube; do notuse EDTA or oxalate anticoagulants.
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Stability Requirements
Patient Information
To help investigate unexplained flow of breast milk (galactorrhea), abnormal nipple discharge, absence of menstrual periods, and/or infertility in women; in men, to help diagnose the cause of decreased libido and/or erectile dysfunction; to detect and monitor a pituitary tumor that produces prolactin (prolactinoma).
When you have symptoms of elevated prolactin, such as vision problems and headaches; during a workup for infertility; for follow-up of macroprolactin; when a man has low testosterone; periodically to monitor for recurrence of a pituitary tumor.
A blood sample drawn from a vein.
None; however, the sample should be collected 3 to 4 hours after waking.