Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Serum Lithium Heparin Plasma (paediatrics only)

Minimum volume required

Special requirements

None

Patient preparation

None

Sample viability

Turnaround time

This assay is run throughout the day and night. The in-lab turnaround time is normally less than 24 hours.

Reference range

Females: 109 – 557 mU/L Males: 73 – 407 mU/L (Source: Abbott Diagnostics)

Clinical guidance

Prolactin a peptide hormone that is synthesised in the anterior pituitary. Hyperprolactinaemia can be a cause of oligomenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea and/or infertility in women. In men, hypeprolactinaemia can be a cause of hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction and infertility. All samples with prolactin greater than 700 mU/L are automatically tested for macroprolactin unless clinical details indicate a known cause for elevation, e.g. prolactinoma. Hyperprolactineamia can also be caused by renal failure, hypothyroidism, stress, pregnancy, other pituitary disease and drugs that act as dopamine antagonists eg, antipsychotics (risperidone). Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about prolactin. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/prolactin

Notes

All prolactin levels >700mU/L will be tested for macroprolactin, unless clinical details indicate a known cause for elevation.