Prolactin Assay Released for Fully Automated Immunoassay System

A prolactin assay designed for use with a fully automated immunoassay system was recently introduced for sale in the United States.

The prolactin assay is a two-step immunometric assay with a very broad measuring range of approximately 0.05-300 µg/l. It measures quantitative concentrations of prolactin in either 50 µl of serum or lithium-heparin plasma samples after 28 minutes of processing time. Each prolactin kit is sufficient to process 100 tests, and contains prolactin reagents, a single ready-to-use calibrator, and a single ready-to-use control. Reagents are stable for 28 days on board the immunoassay system.

Developed by Olympus (Center Valley, PA, USA) for the AU3000i immunoassay system, the prolactin assay is a paramagnetic particle (DynaBeads) chemiluminescent immunoassay for the in vitro quantitative measurement of prolactin in human serum or lithium-heparin plasma.

The main physiologic function of prolactin, a fertility hormone, is to promote female breast development and to initiate and maintain lactation. Measurement of prolactin is one of the most commonly undertaken hormonal investigations in evaluating patients with reproductive disorders. Prolactin levels are also determined when breast cancer and pituitary tumors are suspected. Abnormally high levels of prolactin are associated with female infertility, impotence, and infertility in men, primary hypothyroidism, and pituitary tumors. Determination of prolactin concentrations can also be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of hypothalamic-pituitary disorders.

Olympus serves healthcare and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational, and consulting services that help customers to achieve reliable results more efficiently. Olympus develops technologies and new product designs. These include: gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products; advanced clinical and research microscopes; and lab automation systems, blood bank and chemistry-immuno analyzers, and reagents.


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