The main purpose of this Manual is to provide useful guidelines for the selection of pathology tests and to facilitate interpretation of results.
Contains a comprehensive listing of all genes from the Human Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) database alongside laboratories and tests available in the country.
A manual for the process of macroscopic dissection in Anatomical Pathology laboratories.
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5 mL blood in plain tube.
Physiological causes of increased prolactin (eg, stress, strenuous exercise, pregnancy, breast palpation, nipple stimulation) should be avoided prior to collection of specimen.
The specimen should be transported to the laboratory as rapidly as possible.
Immunoassay.
Method dependent - consult pathologist.
Female: < 750 mU/L
Male: 150-500 mU/L
Assessment of patients with a suspected pituitary tumour; investigation of infertility, amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea and impotence.
Increased levels are found in patients with prolactinomas and hypothalamic disorders, which may be associated with the amenorrhoea-galactorrhoea syndrome.
Some drugs cause increased levels, eg, phenothiazines, metoclopramide and oestrogens.
Increased levels occur during normal pregnancy and lactation.
Some methods may give falsely high values due to macroprolactin variants.
Serri O et al. CMAJ. 2003; 169(6): 575-581.
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The RCPA is the leading organisation representing Pathologists and Senior Scientists in Australasia.
Its mission is to train and support pathologists and senior scientists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
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