Prolactin, Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, in your blood serum. Prolactin helps regulate breast milk production and affects other bodily functions, including reproduction and metabolism.
["Understanding your prolactin levels can help identify potential hormonal imbalances or conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56496-3
- Short code
- Prolactin 2h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 2h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- 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 investigate symptoms like unexplained breast changes, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, headaches, or galactorrhea (milk production outside of breastfeeding). It may also be used to monitor conditions such as pituitary tumors or certain medications that can affect prolactin levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test, but always follow your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as some can influence results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick and usually painless. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
What Are Possible Results?
Results are expressed in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or micrograms per liter (µg/L). Interpretation depends on your sex, age, and medical history. High or low levels may signal underlying health concerns that require further evaluation.
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 (HPLC)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I take anything before my test?
Does this test affect my medication?
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