Prolactin

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Serum

Requires fasting: No

Phlebotomy required

Details

Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and can also rise due to stress, exercise, and sleep.

Biomarker summary

Prolactin

Additional details

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

Details

Prolactin - This test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and can also rise due to stress, exercise, and sleep. However, consistently high levels of prolactin (over 30 ng/mL) when not pregnant or breastfeeding may indicate hyperprolactinemia.

This condition can be caused by various factors including pituitary adenomas (tumors in the pituitary gland), diseases affecting the hypothalamus, stimulation of the breast or chest wall, kidney failure, or hypothyroidism. Certain medications, especially some antidepressants, can also lead to elevated prolactin levels. Hyperprolactinemia can cause galactorrhea (unexpected milk production), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), and infertility in women, and impotence and hypogonadism (reduced hormone production in the gonads) in men.

What patients is this test right for?

This test may be recommended for individuals showing symptoms of high prolactin levels, such as unexpected milk production, changes in menstrual cycle, infertility issues, or sexual dysfunction.

What type of sample is required for this test?

1 mL serum. A blood draw is necessary.

Test Resources https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq294

Average sample processing time

3–5 business days

Reference range

Adult Males 2.0-18.0 ng/mL
Adult Females
Non-Pregnant 3.0-30.0 ng/mL
Pregnant 10.0-209.0 ng/mL
Postmenopausal 2.0-20.0 ng/mL

Stages of Puberty (Tanner Stages)
Female Observed Male Observed
Stage I 3.6.12.0 ng/mL ≤10.0 ng/mL
Stage II-III 2.6-18.0 ng/mL ≤6.1 ng/mL
Stage IV-V 3.2-20.0 ng/mL 2.8-11.0 ng/mL

Health categories

Patient instructions

Overnight fasting is recommended but not required.

Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
Collection Instructions:

Bring a valid ID.
Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.

Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
Collection Instructions: