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Prolactin
Access Labcorp Draw · Access Medical Labs · Quest Diagnostics3 test optionsFrom $12.16
Prolactin
Access Labcorp Draw · Access Medical Labs · Quest DiagnosticsCatalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.
What this laboratory test evaluates
DetailsProlactin – 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
Additional test information
Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and can also rise due to stress, exercise, and sleep.
Collection and processing
- Sample type: Serum
- Fasting: No
- Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected
How Sunridge uses laboratory information
Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.
Before requesting this test
Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.
Common questions about this laboratory test
- What sample does this test require?
- The listed sample type is Serum. Confirm current collection instructions in the approved order.
- Does this test require fasting?
- The current catalog record lists fasting as: No. Follow the instructions supplied with the approved order.
- How long does laboratory processing usually take?
- Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected. Timing can change after collection or if a laboratory requires additional review.
About this test
DetailsProlactin - 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
Additional details
Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and can also rise due to stress, exercise, and sleep.
Highlighted health areas
- Women's health
- Hormones
- Men's health
Biomarkers and report focus
The exact analytes and report format can change. Confirm the current contents in the Fullscript order before payment.
- Prolactin