Serum Prolactin Level (Mass Concentration)
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 signal potential hormonal imbalances or health conditions that need medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1614-7
- Short code
- Prolactin 30M p TRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 30M p TRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 doctor may order a prolactin test to check for conditions like hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels), which can cause issues such as infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or symptoms like breast tenderness. It may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions like pituitary tumors or to investigate unexplained symptoms like headaches or vision changes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, which usually causes only a brief pinch. If you’re taking certain medications that affect prolactin levels, your doctor may ask you to stop them temporarily before testing.
What Happens During the Test?
Blood is collected from a vein in your arm using a needle. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, though individual ranges can vary. High prolactin levels may indicate pituitary issues, certain medications, or other health problems. Low levels might suggest conditions like hypothyroidism or pregnancy. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Prolactin
Frequently asked questions
What causes prolactin levels to be tested?
How do prolactin levels affect pregnancy?
Can medications affect prolactin levels?
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