Blood Spot Prolactin
ZRT Laboratory
Sample type: Bloodspot
Requires fasting: No
At home test
Details
Prolactin is a pituitary hormone involved in reproductive hormone regulation, ovulation, menstrual cycle function, and lactation. It is commonly measured when investigating hormone imbalances, irregular cycles, infertility, and pituitary dysfunction.
- Prolactin, Blood Spot
Estimated days for results: Results should be available within 7 business days after samples are received at the lab.
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays an important role in reproductive and endocrine function. While best known for supporting breast development and milk production, prolactin also influences communication between the brain and reproductive organs. Abnormal prolactin levels can interfere with normal hormonal signaling, affecting ovulation, menstrual cycle regularity, fertility, and testosterone production.
Prolactin testing is commonly used in the evaluation of infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, absent ovulation, unexplained hormonal symptoms, and suspected pituitary disorders. Because prolactin secretion can be influenced by stress, sleep, pregnancy, medications, and pituitary function, results should be interpreted within the context of symptoms, medical history, and other hormone findings. When included as part of a comprehensive hormone assessment, prolactin provides valuable insight into pituitary regulation of reproductive health and overall endocrine balance.
7 business days
Before You Start
3 Days Before Collection
2 Days Before Sample Collection
Day Before Sample Collection
Day of Collection
- Read the provided test collection instructions carefully.
- Collect any day of the month.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about collection timing if you are taking steriods.
- Collect your sample halfway between doses of these medications.
- Hormone patches
- Vaginal rings
- Hormone pellets
- Hormone injectables
3 Days Before Collection
- DO NOT use anti-aging/anti-wrinkle face creams.
- DO NOT take biotin/vitamin B7.
- DO NOT take 7-keto DHEA.
2 Days Before Sample Collection
- Stop applying topical hormones with your bare hands. Use latex gloves, an applicator, or a hormone-loaded syringe.
- Stop applying topical hormones on your face, lips, and neck.
Day Before Sample Collection
- If you use topical hormones, change your sheets, pillowcases, and hand towels the night before collection.
- DO NOT touch any surfaces that may be contaminated with topical hormones.
- Take any night oral, topical, troche, or sublingual hormones at least 12 hours before sample collection.
Day of Collection
- Collect your sample within one hour of waking.
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Puerto Rico, or New York
