Prolactin

Background:

Prolactin measurement is used in investigation of headaches, visual disturbance, erectile dysfunction, menstrual irregularity and infertility, to evaluate pituitary function, and diagnose and monitor prolactin-secreting adenomas.

Elevated prolactin concentrations may be caused by:

• stress
• pregnancy/lactation
• use of anti-psychotic or anti-emetic medications
• hypothyroidism
• chronic renal failure
• pituitary tumours

In some patients, measurement of prolactin may be affected by formation of macroprolactin - IgG complexes of prolactin which interfere with the prolactin assay. Patients with no apparent cause for elevated prolactin levels will be screened for presence of macroprolactin by PEG-precipitation at the discretion of the Duty Biochemist

Reference ranges:

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Other Comments:

For more information, please see the following: Prolactin - Lab Tests Online