Prolactin, serum and plasma

Lab area

Clinical Biochemistry - General

Method and equipment

Equipment : Roche Cobas Pro e801

Method : Sandwich principle. Total duration of assay: 18 minutes.

1st incubation: 6 µL of sample and a biotinylated monoclonal prolactin specific antibody form a first complex.
▪ 2nd incubation: After addition of a monoclonal prolactin‑specific antibody labeled with a ruthenium complexa) and streptavidin-coated microparticles, a sandwich complex is formed and becomes bound to the solid phase via interaction of biotin and streptavidin.

▪ The reaction mixture is aspirated into the measuring cell where the microparticles are magnetically captured onto the surface of the electrode. Unbound substances are then removed with ProCell II M. Application of a voltage to the electrode then induces chemiluminescent emission which is measured by a photomultiplier.
▪ Results are determined via a calibration curve which is instrument specifically generated by 2‑point calibration and a master curve provided via the cobas link.

Expected turn-around time

STAT: 2 Hours Urgent: 4 Hours Routine: 24 Hours

Specimen type

Serum or Plasma 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

Requisition

Prolactin, serum and plasma - requisition

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.