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Prolactin (PRL) Unit Converter
Prolactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to promote lactation (milk production) after childbirth, but it also plays roles in reproduction, metabolism, and immune regulation.
Clinically, prolactin levels are measured to diagnose Hyperprolactinemia, which can cause infertility, galactorrhea, and menstrual irregularities. This converter facilitates switching between the standard mass unit (ng/mL) and the international activity unit (mIU/L) using the WHO standard factor.
Mass Units
StandardNanograms per milliliter (Numerically equivalent to μg/L).
International Units
Clinical Context
Reference Ranges (Non-Pregnant):
• Women: < 25 ng/mL (< 530 mIU/L).
• Men: < 20 ng/mL (< 424 mIU/L).
Macroprolactin Note: Mild elevations may be caused by “macroprolactin” (prolactin bound to IgG), which is biologically inactive but detected by assays.
Conversion Logic:
Based on WHO International Standard 84/500:
1 ng/mL = 21.2 mIU/L.
1 mIU/L ≈ 0.047 ng/mL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Converter
Follow these steps to normalize Prolactin values.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., ng/mL).
Automatic Conversion
The calculator converts between mass units and international units using the WHO 21.2 factor.
Consider Factors
Prolactin is stress-sensitive. Venipuncture stress can mildly elevate levels. It is also pulsatile and rises during sleep.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 1 nanogram per milliliter is numerically identical to 1 microgram per liter.
International Units (IU) standardize biological activity across different assay methods, which is common in Europe. The US typically uses mass units (ng/mL).