Prolactin

Tube Type

Test ID		LAB531
EPIC Order		PROLACTIN
CPT Code(s)		84146
Group/Individual Test		Individual
Laboratory		Core Laboratory
Tube Station		30
Specimen	Routine:	4 mL blood/green lithium heparin gel tube. Also acceptable serum gold SST or red plain tube; See Comments
	Micro:	0.9 mL blood/mint green top bullet/gold top/red top
Stability		Spun Room Temperature: 8 hours Spun Refrigerator: 48 hours Spun Frozen: 30 days
Availability		24 hrs/day
Turnaround Time	Routine:	2 hrs
	Stat:	90 mins
Reference Range	Male:	2.1-17.7 ng/mL
	Female: (non-pregnant)	2.8-29.2 ng/mL
	Female: (pregnant)	9.7->200.0 ng/mL
	Female: (post-menopausal)	1.8-20.3 ng/mL
Comments	Testing is performed using Siemens Atellica IM PRL assay. Different test methods should not be used interchangeably. Prolactin results generated at the UNC Medical Center use the Siemens Atellica IM PRL assay. No hook effect was observed with manufacturer studies up to prolactin concentrations of 30,000ng/mL. Heterophilic antibodies may cause interference. Questions regarding macroprolactin testing should be directed to Referral Testing at 984-974-1414.

Reviewed by J. Carr on January 02, 2026

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514