Prolactin Serum Level (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, in your blood. Prolactin helps regulate breast milk production and influences other bodily functions.
["Prolactin levels can help diagnose hormonal imbalances or conditions affecting your pituitary gland."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25735-2
- Short code
- Prolactin 1h p 200 ug TRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 1h 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 this test to check for conditions like hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels), which can cause issues with fertility, menstrual problems, or other hormonal symptoms. It may also be used to evaluate symptoms such as galactorrhea (milk production outside of pregnancy), headaches, or visual problems that could be linked to pituitary gland issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test, but this is not always required. Your blood will be drawn from a vein, typically in your arm, by a healthcare professional.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood draw is quick and usually painless. You may feel a slight pinch or sting when the needle is inserted, but most people tolerate it well. Afterward, you can resume your normal activities.
Possible Results and Next Steps
Results will be compared to standard reference ranges for your age and sex. High prolactin levels may indicate conditions such as pituitary tumors, certain medications, or other health issues. Low levels might suggest conditions like hypothyroidism or pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and recommend any follow-up tests or treatments needed.
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.
Elevated prolactin levels can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or galactorrhea. It may also be associated with headaches, vision changes, or other symptoms linked to pituitary gland disorders. Low prolactin levels can sometimes be due to conditions affecting the pituitary or hypothalamus, though they are less commonly evaluated in isolation.
Short name
Prolactin
Frequently asked questions
What causes prolactin levels to be high?
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
Can I take anything before or after the blood 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