Prolactin

CPT Code:  84146
Order Code: C327
ABN Requirement: No
Specimen:  Serum
Volume:  1.0 mL
Minimum Volume:  0.5 mL
Container:  Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top)

Collection:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
  3. Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
  4. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.

Special Instructions: Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (>5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours following the last dose.

Transport:   Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 5 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 6 months
Deep Frozen (-70°C): 6 months

Causes for Rejection: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits

Methodology: Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

Turn Around Time: 2 – 3 days

Reference Range:

Age, Gender ng/mL
Adult Male 4.0-15.2
Adult Female, Non-Pregnant 4.8-23.3


Clinical Significance: During pregnancy and postpartum lactation, serum prolactin can increase 10- to 20-fold. Exercise, stress, and sleep also cause transient increases in prolactin levels. Consistently elevated serum prolactin levels (>30 ng/mL), in the absence of pregnancy and postpartum lactation, are indicative of hyperprolactinemia. Hypersecretion of prolactin can be caused by pituitary adenomas, hypothalamic disease, breast or chest wall stimulation, renal failure, or hypothyroidism. A number of drugs, including antidepressants, are also common causes of abnormally elevated prolactin levels. Hyperprolactinemia often results in galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility in females, and in impotence and hypogonadism in males. Renal failure, hypothyroidism, and prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are also common causes of abnormally elevated prolactin levels.

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.