Serum Prolactin Concentration (Substance Concentration)
This test measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, in your blood. Prolactin helps regulate milk production and affects other hormones and functions in your body.
["Understanding your prolactin levels can help diagnose hormonal imbalances or conditions affecting your reproductive or metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98988-9
- Short code
- Prolactin 45M p TRH IV SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Prolactin 45M p TRH IV SerPl-sCnc
- 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 healthcare provider may order a prolactin test to investigate symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, breast changes, headaches, or high blood pressure. It may also be used to monitor certain medical conditions or treatments, such as those for pituitary tumors or hormone-related disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed by your provider, but this is not always required. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm. A small amount of blood will be drawn into a test tube. This process usually takes a few minutes and may cause a brief sting. You can rest comfortably afterward.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported as a concentration value (e.g., micrograms per liter or nanograms per milliliter). Your results will be compared to a reference range provided by your lab, which may vary slightly by testing facility.
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 may indicate conditions like a pituitary tumor, thyroid disorders, kidney problems, or certain medications (e.g., antipsychotics). Low levels could suggest pituitary damage, pregnancy, or other hormonal imbalances. Always discuss your results with your provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Prolactin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my prolactin test results?
Can I take my medications before the blood draw?
What symptoms might indicate a prolactin test is needed?
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