Prolactin, Dilution Study
Test Mnemonic
PROLM
CPT Codes
- 84146 - QTY (2)
Includes
- Prolactin, Macroadenoma
Performing Laboratory
LabCorp
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mL | Serum | SST (Gold) | Refrigerated | Separate serum from cells and transfer into standard aliquot tube. |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mL | Plasma | Lithium heparin PST (Lt. Green) | Refrigerated | Separate plasma from cells and transfer into standard aliquot tube. | |
| 1.5 mL | Serum | No additive (Red) | Refrigerated | Separate serum from cells and transfer into standard aliquot tube. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Frozen | After separation from cells: 14 days (3 freeze/thaw cycles) |
| Refrigerated | After separation from cells: 14 days |
| Ambient | After separation from cells: 7 days |
Days Performed
Varies
Turnaround Time
4 - 5 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Electro Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) |
Clinical Info
This test is useful for quantifying prolactin in serum specimens where the high-dose hook effect is suspected (e.g., presence of pituitary tumor with symptoms of prolactinoma and lower than expected serum prolactin concentration).