Serum Prolactin Level
This test measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, in your blood. It helps doctors diagnose conditions related to hormone imbalances.
["Prolactin levels can indicate issues like pituitary tumors or hormonal disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55503-7
- Short code
- Prolactin 40M p TRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 40M 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend a prolactin test if you have symptoms like unexplained breast milk production in men, irregular menstrual periods, infertility, or signs of a pituitary tumor. It could also be part of an evaluation for conditions like hyperprolactinemia or hypoprolactinemia.
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 by your healthcare provider. Wear comfortable clothing for easy blood draw access.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to collect blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it typically doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but your actual values will depend on your health and medical history. High prolactin levels may suggest conditions like pituitary adenomas or certain medications affecting hormone production.
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.
Elevated prolactin levels can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting fertility, menstrual cycles, and milk production. Low levels may indicate pituitary dysfunction or other endocrine disorders. Always discuss results with your doctor for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Prolactin
Frequently asked questions
What causes prolactin levels to be tested?
How long does it take to get prolactin test results?
Can diet or 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