Serum Prolactin Level
This test measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, in your blood. Prolactin helps regulate breast milk production and affects other bodily functions.
["Prolactin levels can help diagnose conditions like hyperprolactinemia or evaluate symptoms related to hormone imbalances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25734-5
- Short code
- Prolactin 10M p 200 ug TRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 10M p 200 ug TRH IV 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order a prolactin test to check for hormonal imbalances, investigate symptoms such as breast changes, infertility, or menstrual irregularities, or evaluate conditions like pituitary tumors. It can also be used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting hormone levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if instructed by your provider. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while a blood sample is drawn.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm or hand to collect a blood sample. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick and usually painless. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported in micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL). Higher than normal levels may indicate conditions like pituitary tumors or certain medications affecting hormone production. Lower levels might suggest conditions like hypothyroidism or kidney disease.
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.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Prolactin
Frequently asked questions
What Does a High Level Mean?
What Does a Low Level Mean?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
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