Prolactin (PRL) Test For For Pregnancy

The Prolactin (PRL) test is a blood test that measures the levels of the hormone prolactin in your body. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a role in breast development and milk production in women.

 

Prolactin Test

Here are the basic details for Prolactin Test.

Also Known As	Serum prolactin test, PRL blood test, or Lactogenic hormone test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Measure Prolactin Hormone in Body
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	Overnight fasting is preferred. A duly filled Coagulation Requisition Form is mandator
Gender	Female
Age-Group	18+
Normal Value	< 25ng/mL
Reporting Time	< 24 hours
Cost	200 - 400* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

Prolactin Test Means

• A prolactin test is a blood test that measures the level of prolactin hormone in your blood.
• Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a role in regulating lactation, as well as other reproductive functions in both men and women.
• Abnormal levels of prolactin can be a sign of certain medical conditions, such as pituitary tumors or hypothyroidism.
• A prolactin test may be used to diagnose these conditions, as well as monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
• The test is typically performed by drawing a blood sample from a vein in your arm, and the results are usually available within a few days.

 

Prolactin Test Purpose

Here are some points explaining the purpose of a prolactin test:

• The primary purpose of a prolactin test is to measure the level of prolactin hormone in your blood to help diagnose medical conditions that affect prolactin levels.
• High levels of prolactin can be a sign of certain medical conditions, such as a prolactinoma (a benign tumor in the pituitary gland), hypothyroidism, or liver or kidney disease.
• A prolactin test can help diagnose these conditions, as well as monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
• In women, a prolactin test may be used to diagnose the cause of infertility or irregular menstrual periods.
• In men, a prolactin test may be used to diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction or low testosterone levels.

 

 

Prolactin Test Preparation

Here are some points explaining the preparation for a prolactin test before, during, and after the test:

Before Test

• You may be instructed to fast for a few hours before the test.
• You should avoid vigorous exercise and sexual activity for at least 24 hours before the test.
• You should inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, as some medications can affect prolactin levels.

 

During Test

• A prolactin test is a simple blood test that is typically performed by drawing a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
• The test usually only takes a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.

 

After Test

• You can resume normal activities immediately after the test.
• You may experience some minor bruising or discomfort at the site where the blood was drawn, but this should go away on its own.
• You should follow up with your doctor to discuss the results of the test and any further steps that may be necessary.

 

Prolactin Test Procedure

Here are some points explaining the procedure for a prolactin test:

• A prolactin test is a blood test that is typically performed by a healthcare professional.
• You will be asked to sit in a chair or lie down on a table.
• The healthcare professional will clean the skin on your arm and insert a needle into a vein in your arm.
• They will collect a small sample of blood into a vial or tube.
• The needle will then be removed from your arm and a small bandage will be placed over the site to stop any bleeding.
• The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The entire process usually takes only a few minutes and involves minimal discomfor

 

Difference between Prothrombin Time and PTT

Criteria	Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)	Prothrombin Time (PT)
Measures	The clotting ability of the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade	The clotting ability of the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade
Normal range	25-35 seconds	11-13.5 seconds
Measures	The time taken for fibrin clot formation	The time taken for fibrinogen to be converted to fibrin
Used to monitor	Heparin therapy and other clotting factor deficiencies	Warfarin therapy and other clotting factor deficiencies

 

Prolactin Test Result

Here are some points explaining how to interpret the results of a prolactin test:

• The results of a prolactin test are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or micrograms per liter (µg/L).
• The normal range for prolactin levels varies depending on the laboratory performing the test, but generally ranges from 2 to 29 ng/mL for women and 2 to 18 ng/mL for men.
• Elevated prolactin levels may indicate the presence of a prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease, or certain medications.
• Lower-than-normal prolactin levels are less common but may be a sign of pituitary damage or malfunction.
• Your doctor will interpret the results of your prolactin test and discuss any necessary follow-up or treatment with you.

 

Prolactin Test Report

Prolactin Test Report PDF

 

Prolactin Test Normal Report

Prolactin Normal Test Report PDF Format

Prolactin Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

Prolactin Test Abnormal Report

Prolactin Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

Prolactin Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

Prolactin Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range for prolactin levels.

Age/Gender	Normal Range
Women (non-pregnant)	< 25 ng/mL
Pregnant Women	80 to 400 ng/mL
Men	< 20 ng/mL

It is important to note that the normal range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory performing the test, and that your doctor will interpret the results of your prolactin test and discuss any necessary follow-up or treatment with you.

 

Prolactin Test Interpretation

Here are some possible interpretations of prolactin test results.

Prolactin Level	Possible Interpretation
Less than 2 ng/mL or µg/L	Lower-than-normal prolactin levels, which may be a sign of pituitary damage or malfunction.
< 25 ng/mL	Normal prolactin levels.
30 to 200 ng/mL	Moderately elevated prolactin levels, which may indicate the presence of a prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland). Further tests and imaging studies may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Greater than 200 ng/mL	Markedly elevated prolactin levels, which strongly suggest the presence of a prolactinoma. Further tests and imaging studies may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Prolactin Test High

Here are some common causes of high prolactin levels:

Cause	Description
Prolactinoma	A noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland that produces too much prolactin
Medications	Certain medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications can increase prolactin levels
Hypothyroidism	An underactive thyroid gland can cause elevated prolactin levels
Stress	Severe stress or physical exertion can temporarily increase prolactin levels
Pregnancy	Prolactin levels naturally rise during pregnancy to support lactation
Breastfeeding	Breastfeeding can also cause prolactin levels to increase
Other conditions	Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can also cause high prolactin levels

 

Prolactin Test Low

Low levels of prolactin are relatively rare, but here are some potential causes:

Cause	Description
Medications	Certain medications such as dopamine agonists and antipsychotics can decrease prolactin levels
Pituitary damage	Trauma, surgery, radiation therapy, or other damage to the pituitary gland can reduce prolactin production
Sheehan's syndrome	A condition in which the pituitary gland is damaged due to severe blood loss during childbirth
Anorexia nervosa	Severe malnutrition and low body weight can reduce prolactin levels
Hypopituitarism	A condition in which the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough hormones, which can include low prolactin levels
Other conditions	Certain medical conditions such as tumors or cysts in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland disorders, and head injuries can also affect prolactin levels

 

Specimen Requirments For Prolactin Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Prolactin Test.

Specimen	Plasma or serum
Volume	2 ml
Container	3ml light green top tube

 

Prolactin Test is Safe?

Yes, the prolactin test is generally safe and non-invasive. Here are some points to consider:

• The prolactin test is a simple blood test that involves taking a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. Although some people may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the site of the needle insertion, the test is generally well-tolerated.
• There are no known risks associated with the prolactin test, and it is considered a safe and routine laboratory test. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or other complications that are rare.
• If you have any concerns about the safety of the prolactin test or any other medical procedure, you should discuss them with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can provide you with more information and help you make an informed decision about your healthcare.

 

When Do You Get Prolactin Test Results?

Here are points to consider regarding when to expect prolactin test results:

• The turnaround time for prolactin test results can vary depending on the laboratory and testing method used.
• In general, you can expect to receive your results within 24 hrs to get a result.
• Your doctor or healthcare provider will typically contact you to discuss your prolactin test results and any necessary follow-up or treatment.
• If you do not hear back from your healthcare provider within a week or two, you can follow up with their office to inquire about your results.
• If your prolactin levels are significantly elevated, your healthcare provider may order additional tests or imaging studies to investigate the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
• The timing and frequency of these tests will depend on your individual situation and medical history.

 

Prolactin Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Prolactin Test.

• Medications that affect prolactin levels, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding can elevate prolactin levels.
• Pituitary gland disorders or tumors can affect prolactin production.
• Stress and physical exercise can temporarily increase prolactin levels.
• Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothyroidism, can impact prolactin levels.

 

Prolactin Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Prolactin Test.

• Risk factors for elevated AST levels include heavy alcohol consumption.
• Certain medications and drugs can increase AST levels.
• Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, are associated with higher AST levels.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Prolactin Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Prolactin Test.

Prolactin Level	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Endocrinologist	Evaluate and manage hormonal imbalances
Normal	General Practitioner	No specific reason for concern
Low	Endocrinologist	Investigate potential underlying conditions

 

Prolactin Test Price

Here are the estimated Prolactin Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	200 - 400
New Delhi	300 - 400
Bangalore	300 - 400
Hyderabad	300 - 400
Kolkata	200 - 400
Pune	300 - 400
Lucknow	300 - 400
Noida	200 - 400
Surat	300 - 400
Gurugram	200 - 400
Patna	300 - 400
Chennai	200 - 400
Jaipur	300 - 400
Ahmedabad	200 - 400

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, prolactin test is a safe and simple blood test used to measure levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood, which can help diagnose a range of medical conditions.  Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Prolactin - Wikipedia [1].
• Prolactin Biology and Laboratory Measurement: An Update on Physiology and Current Analytical Issues - NIH [2].