Serum Prolactin Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in your blood. Prolactin helps regulate milk production and affects other bodily functions.
["Prolactin levels can help diagnose hormonal imbalances or conditions like hyperprolactinemia."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38926-2
- Short code
- Macroprolactin SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Macroprolactin SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2
- Ref high
- 18
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84146
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms such as breast changes, irregular menstrual periods, infertility, or unexplained headaches. It may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions like pituitary tumors or certain medications that affect prolactin levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning, but this is not always required. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while the blood is drawn.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm or hand to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for your age and sex. High prolactin levels may suggest conditions like a pituitary tumor, thyroid issues, or certain medications. Low levels might indicate rare hormonal disorders, though this is less common.
Reference range
Adult males: 2-18 ng/mL; Females: 2-29 ng/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Prolactin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I take anything before my prolactin test?
What conditions might cause prolactin levels to be high?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy