Prolactin (Pooled) – BC253
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Sample Type: Blood (Pooled Serum)
Test Code: BC253
The Prolactin (Pooled) test is a more accurate method for measuring baseline prolactin levels. It involves collecting multiple blood samples over a short period (e.g., 30-60 minutes) while the patient is resting. These samples are then "pooled" or combined to provide an average value.
✔ Helps differentiate true hyperprolactinemia from a temporary, stress-induced spike.
✔ Provides a more reliable baseline reading of prolactin hormone.
✔ Recommended when a single prolactin test result is mildly elevated or questionable.
✔ Involves a specific serial sampling procedure.
Why a "Pooled" Sample for Prolactin?
Prolactin is known as a "stress hormone." Its levels can temporarily increase due to physical or psychological stress, exercise, eating, or even the minor anxiety of a needle prick (venipuncture). A single blood test might capture one of these transient spikes, leading to a falsely high reading and a potential misdiagnosis of hyperprolactinemia.
The Pooled Prolactin test is designed to overcome this problem. By taking several samples over a period of time while you are resting, the test averages out any short-term fluctuations. This gives your doctor a much more accurate and stable measurement of your true, baseline prolactin level.
The Procedure: What to Expect
The procedure for a pooled sample is different from a standard blood draw:
- A small intravenous (IV) cannula is typically inserted into a vein in your arm. This allows for multiple samples to be drawn without repeated needle pricks.
- You will be asked to rest quietly for a period, usually around 30 minutes.
- Multiple small blood samples are drawn through the cannula at set intervals (e.g., at 0, 15, and 30 minutes).
- In the laboratory, equal amounts from each sample are combined (pooled) into a single tube. The final prolactin measurement is performed on this pooled sample.
This method is the gold standard for confirming a mildly elevated prolactin level and ensuring that treatment decisions are based on the most accurate data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your doctor may have ordered this if your initial prolactin level was mildly or moderately elevated. This test helps confirm if the high level is consistent (true hyperprolactinemia) or if it was just a temporary spike due to stress from the first blood draw.
A standard test is a single blood draw. This test involves taking multiple blood samples over a 30-60 minute period while you rest. The samples are then mixed to get an average reading, which is more accurate.
There is only a single needle prick at the beginning to insert a small cannula (thin plastic tube). The subsequent samples are drawn painlessly through this cannula.
No, fasting is not required. However, it is very important to be well-rested and relaxed during the collection period to ensure an accurate baseline reading.
If the pooled result is normal, it suggests your previous high reading was likely due to stress. If the pooled result is still high, it confirms a diagnosis of true hyperprolactinemia, and your doctor will investigate the underlying cause.