Serum Prolactin Isoform Pattern by Electrophoresis
This test measures the distribution of different forms of prolactin in your blood, which can help assess hormone function and potential abnormalities.
["Understanding how your prolactin proteins break down in your blood may aid in diagnosing hormonal or medical conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79398-4
- Short code
- Prolactin isoforms pattern SerPl-Imp
- Synonyms
- Prolactin isoforms pattern SerPl-Imp
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2
- Ref high
- 18
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84146
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to abnormal prolactin levels, such as infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or signs of a pituitary tumor. It can also be used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting hormone balance.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on medications that affect hormone levels, let your provider know beforehand.
What the Test Results Mean
The test identifies the proportion of different prolactin isoforms (e.g., intact vs. cleaved forms). Abnormal patterns may indicate issues like pituitary tumors, thyroid disorders, or certain medications influencing hormone metabolism.
Common Conditions Linked to This Test
This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions such as hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin), pituitary adenomas, or hormonal imbalances that may require treatment adjustments.
Reference range
Adult males: 2-18 ng/mL; Females: 2-29 ng/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Prolactin isoforms can vary based on medical conditions, medications, or physiological states. An abnormal pattern may signal underlying issues that need further evaluation, such as imaging studies or additional hormone tests.
Short name
Prolactin Isoform Profile (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes prolactin levels to be measured differently in this test?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet or exercise affect the results of this prolactin isoform test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy