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SickKids

Prolactin, serum and plasma

Lab area
Clinical Biochemistry - General
Method and equipment
Abbott Architect Ci-4100
Expected turn-around time
STAT: 2 Hours Urgent: 4 Hours Routine: 24 Hours
Specimen type

Serum or Lithium Heparin 

Specimen requirements

150 uL

Storage and transportation

Frozen

Shipping information
The Hospital for Sick Children
Rapid Response Laboratory
555 University Avenue, Room 3642
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5G 1X8
Phone: 416-813-7200
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day
Background and clinical significance

Human prolactin (hPRL) is a single chain polypeptide of 199 amino acids and a molecular weight of approximately 23,000 daltons Prolactin is produced by the anterior pituitary and its secretion is regulated physiologically by inhibitory 3 and releasing  factors of the hypothalamus. Prolactin appears in the blood promptly after administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). The major physiologic action of prolactin is the initiation and maintenance of lactation in women. Hyperprolactinemia has been established as a common cause of infertility and gonadal disorders in men and women. Prolactin has been shown to inhibit the secretion of ovarian steroids  and to interfere with follicle maturation 7 and the secretion of LH and FSH in the human female. Measurement of elevated serum prolactin levels may provide the first quantitative evidence of pituitary dysfunction. Quantitation of prolactin levels is also of interest in the evaluation and management of patients with amenorrhea and galactorrhea.

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