Every year, the first week of August is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week, a global initiative that highlights the vital importance of breastfeeding in nurturing healthy infants and empowering mothers. Supported by WHO and UNICEF, this year’s theme emphasizes “Enabling breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents.” In a world where fast-paced lifestyles and career commitments challenge natural processes like lactation, scientific advancements offer powerful tools to support and monitor breastfeeding.
One such advancement is the ability to quantify prolactin levels, a hormone central to milk production. At Vitrosens, we provide a reliable and efficient solution: the Prolactin (FIA) Test Kit, designed for precise and quantitative prolactin detection in clinical settings.
The Science Behind Breastfeeding: What Is Prolactin?
Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, primarily known for its role in stimulating milk production (lactogenesis) after childbirth. Beyond lactation, prolactin influences over 300 biological functions including metabolism, immune regulation, and reproductive health.
During pregnancy, prolactin levels increase dramatically, preparing the mammary glands for milk synthesis. After delivery, prolactin continues to be secreted in response to nipple stimulation and suckling, ensuring a steady milk supply. Insufficient prolactin levels can hinder this process, leading to breastfeeding challenges such as low milk production.
Why Monitor Prolactin Levels?
Monitoring prolactin levels can be critical for:
- Evaluating delayed lactation in postpartum mothers.
- Identifying prolactin deficiencies related to pituitary dysfunction.
- Assessing fertility-related conditions in both women and men.
- Managing hyperprolactinemia, which can inhibit ovulation and cause infertility.
High or low prolactin levels can be indicative of underlying conditions like pituitary tumors, hypothyroidism, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Thus, accurate prolactin measurement is vital for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Evidence shows that breastfeeding boosts children’s cognitive development by 3–4 IQ points, reduces overweight and obesity risk and provides lifelong protection against non-communicable diseases. Babies who are not breastfed are up to 14 times more likely to die before their first birthday than those who are exclusively breastfed during their first six months.
Introducing the Prolactin Test Kit by Vitrosens
Our Prolactin (FIA) Test Kit utilizes fluorescence immunochromatography for quantitative detection of prolactin in human serum, plasma, or whole blood. Designed for professional use, this kit delivers rapid, accurate results in clinical environments.
- Quantitative results within 15 minutes
- Sample types: serum, plasma, whole blood
- Detection range: 1–200 ng/mL
- Sensitivity: ≤1 ng/mL
- High precision: CV ≤10% (within-run), ≤15% (between-run)
- Calibrated against Roche Elecsys Prolactin II reference standard
- No hook effect observed up to 300 ng/mL
The test’s double antibody sandwich principle ensures specificity, while the fluorescence-based detection provides sensitivity suitable for clinical decision-making.
How Prolactin (FIA) Test Kit Works
The test requires a 75 µL sample mixed with the provided diluent, followed by loading 100 µL into the test cassette. After a 15-minute incubation, the Vitrosens Immunofluorescence Analyzer reads the cassette and calculates the exact prolactin concentration. The built-in calibration chip ensures traceability and consistency across tests, giving clinicians the confidence they need for critical hormone monitoring.
Supporting Maternal Health with Innovation
At Vitrosens, we believe that technology should complement nature. Our diagnostic solutions are crafted to provide healthcare professionals with the data they need swiftly, accurately, and reliably. By understanding and supporting the biology of breastfeeding through tools like the Prolactin (FIA) Test Kit, we help bridge the gap between modern medicine and maternal health.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a natural yet complex process deeply influenced by hormonal balance especially prolactin. UNICEF and WHO call on all stakeholders, workplaces, healthcare institutions, the private sector and communities to accelerate efforts to support breastfeeding mothers. By enabling quick and accurate prolactin testing, the Vitrosens Prolactin Test Kit supports healthcare professionals in safeguarding maternal health and promoting successful breastfeeding outcomes.
Take action on this World Breastfeeding Week, August 1–7 and support mothers, empower health, and nurture future generations. Contact Vitrosens Biotechnology today for evaluation kits, purchasing options, and technical support on sales@vitrosens.com
Key References:
- WHO. (2023). World Breastfeeding Week. https://www.who.int
- Freeman, M. E., et al. (2000). Prolactin: structure, function, and regulation of secretion. Physiological Reviews, 80(4), 1523–1631.
- Global Initiative for Food Security & Advancement (GIFA). (2024). World Breastfeeding Week.
- Vitrosens Biotechnology Inc. (2025). Prolactin (FIA) Test Kit– Technical Manual.
