Test Name: Prolactin, Blood
Specimen Type: Serum
Specimen Required: 3-5 Cc Yellow Top Gel Vial
Day Performed: Daily
Reporting Time: 8-24 Hours
Methodology: Beckman Coulter Access II/ Snibe Maglumi 4000
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
High prolactin levels are seen in following conditions:
- Chest wall injury or irritation
- Presence of nipple rings
- Disease of an area of the brain called the hypothalamus
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Pituitary tumor that makes prolactin (prolactinoma)
- Other pituitary tumors and diseases in the area of the pituitary
- Abnormal clearance of prolactin molecules (macroprolactin)
- Certain medicines including; Antidepressants, Butyrophenones, Estrogens, H2 blockers, Methyldopa, Metoclopramide, Opioid medicines, Phenothiazines, Reserpine, Risperidone and Verapamil can also raise prolactin level. Marijuana products can also raise prolactin level.
The following can temporarily increase prolactin levels:
- Emotional or physical stress (occasionally)
- High-protein meals
- Intense breast stimulation
- Recent breast exam
Recent exercise
References:
- Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Prolactin (human prolactin, HPRL) – serum. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:910-911.
- Guber HA, Oprea M, Rusell YX. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 25.
- Kaiser U, Ho K. Pituitary physiology and diagnostic evaluation. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020: chap 8.