Serum Prolactin Level (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, in your blood serum. 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
- 47871-9
- Short code
- Prolactin 30M p MCP SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 30M p MCP 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 check for conditions such as high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia), which can be caused by tumors, medications, or other health issues. It may also be used to evaluate symptoms like infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or breast changes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay for about 15 minutes while the blood is drawn.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm or hand to collect blood. You may feel a small pinch, but the procedure is quick. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but your individual results will be interpreted by your doctor based on your health history and symptoms. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like pituitary tumors or certain medications affecting hormone balance.
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.
Prolactin levels are crucial for diagnosing hormonal disorders, such as hyperprolactinemia, which can interfere with fertility, cause menstrual irregularities, or lead to galactorrhea (milk production outside breastfeeding). It may also help identify pituitary adenomas or other conditions affecting hormone regulation.
Short name
Prolactin Test
Frequently asked questions
What causes prolactin levels to be abnormally high?
What symptoms might indicate a prolactin test is needed?
How long does it take to get results?
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