Prolactin with 30-minute triple bolus (serum/plasma) measurement using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for mass concentration
This test measures your prolactin hormone levels after receiving three small doses of a medication over 30 minutes. Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that helps regulate milk production and affects other body functions.
["Assesses how your body responds to rapid hormone stimulation, useful for diagnosing conditions like hyperprolactinemia or pituitary disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40332-9
- Short code
- Prolactin 30M p Triple Bolus SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 30M p Triple Bolus 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 This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect a condition affecting your pituitary gland, such as a tumor, or if you have symptoms like breast milk production outside pregnancy, menstrual irregularities, or infertility. It helps evaluate how prolactin levels change in response to medication stimulation.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll receive three small doses of a medication (often a dopamine agonist) through an IV or injection over about 30 minutes. Blood will be drawn before and after the doses to measure prolactin levels at different times. Avoid caffeine or smoking before testing as it may affect results.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will insert an IV or draw blood samples from a vein in your arm. Blood samples are sent to a lab where they are analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect prolactin hormone levels at precise intervals.
What the Results Mean
Your results will show how prolactin levels rise or fall after receiving the medication. Elevated or abnormal patterns may indicate a pituitary issue or other underlying health conditions. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
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.
High prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) can cause infertility, menstrual problems, and galactorrhea (milk production outside pregnancy). Rapid changes in prolactin after stimulation help diagnose pituitary tumors, dopamine receptor issues, or other hormonal imbalances. This test is critical for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting pituitary function.
Short name
Prolactin Triple Bolus Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I take anything for my symptoms before this test?
Is this test painful?
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