Prolactin by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Serum/Plasma
This test measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in your blood. It helps diagnose conditions related to hormone imbalances, reproductive health, or other medical issues.
["Prolactin levels can affect fertility, menstrual cycles, and other hormonal functions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17241-1
- Short code
- Prolactin 3h p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 3h p chal 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 doctor may order a prolactin test to check for conditions like hyperprolactinemia (too much prolactin), pituitary tumors, or issues with hormone regulation. It can also be used to evaluate symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility, or breast milk production outside pregnancy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or activities that could affect results, such as smoking or certain supplements. If you’re taking medications like dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline), your doctor may advise timing your test around when you’re not on them.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to measure prolactin levels accurately.
What Are the Results Mean?
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for your age, sex, and health status. High levels may suggest pituitary tumors, thyroid issues, or medications affecting prolactin. Low levels could indicate pituitary damage or other hormonal disorders.
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 infertility, menstrual irregularities, galactorrhea (milk production outside pregnancy), and symptoms like headaches or vision changes if due to a pituitary tumor. Low levels may indicate pituitary dysfunction or other hormonal imbalances. Always discuss results with your doctor for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Prolactin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a high prolactin level mean?
Can diet or exercise 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