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HelpTest ID PRL Prolactin, Serum
Useful For
Aiding in evaluation of pituitary tumors, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, infertility, and hypogonadism
Monitoring therapy of prolactin-producing tumors
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
Males
<18 years: not established
≥18 years: 4.0-15.2 ng/mL
Females:
<18 years: not established
≥18 years: 4.8-23.3 ng/mL
For SI unit Reference Values, see https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
CPT Code Information
84146
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.