Prolactin, 2 Specimens
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Prolactin, 2 Specimens - Prolactin is a single-chain polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary under the control of prolactin-releasing factors. It is also synthesized by the placenta and is present in amniotic fluid. Prolactin initiates and maintains lactation in females and plays a role in regulating gonadal function in both males and females.
- Prolactin, 1st Specimen
- Prolactin, 2nd Specimen
Estimated days for results: Results should be available within 2 - 5 business days after samples are received at the lab.
Prolactin, 2 Specimens - Prolactin is a single-chain polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary under the control of prolactin-releasing factors. These inhibiting and releasing factors are secreted by the hypothalamus. Prolactin is also synthesized by the placenta and is present in amniotic fluid. Prolactin initiates and maintains lactation in females. It also plays a role in regulating gonadal function in both males and females. In adults, basal circulating prolactin is present in concentrations up to 30 ng/mL. During pregnancy and postpartum lactation, serum prolactin can increase 10- to 20-fold. Exercise, stress, and sleep also cause transient increases in prolactin levels. Consistently elevated serum prolactin levels (>30 ng/mL), in the absence of pregnancy and postpartum lactation, are indicative of hyperprolactinemia, which is the most common hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction encountered in clinical endocrinology. Hyperprolactinemia often results in galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility in females, and in impotence and hypogonadism in males. Renal failure, hypothyroidism, and prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are also common causes of abnormally elevated prolactin levels.
2–5 business days
Adult Female
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
- 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:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL per specimen
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: NA
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 5 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
- Reject Criteria: NA
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Jersey, or New York
