Prolactin

Description: 
For assessment of hyperprolactinaemia
Clinical details: 
Elevated prolactin concentrations may arise due to a variety of physiological, pathological and pharmacological causes including (but not limited to): stress, pregnancy & lactation, hypothyroidism, CKD, seizures, use of typical and atypical antipsychotics.
All prolactin results >700 mIU/L will automatically have a macroprolactin PEG precipitation request added. A macroprolactin screen may also be requested at prolactin concentrations <700 mIU/L, e.g. for a patient previously screened as positive for macroprolatin – please call Customer Services to request this test to be added.
Reference range: 

See Chemistry Reference Ranges Document at Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'

Synonyms or keywords: 
Prolactin, Macroprolactin
Units: 
mIU/L
Sample type and Volume required: 
Serum
Turnaround time: 
Prolactin 1 day. Macroprolactin is batch tested once a week.
Storage and transport: 
Stability in serum: 7 days at 2 to 8°C, 3 months at -20 °C
Time limit for extra tests: 
Macroprolactin will be automatically added on samples with prolactin values of 700 mIU/L or above.
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00 h: 07738897061
Out of hours, weekends & bank holidays: find details on Rotawatch on Trust intranet GTi, or contact via GSTT switchboard.
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 22/07/2023