Checks prolactin hormone level linked with periods, fertility and breast milk production.
Download Prolactin (prl) Test Visual Guide infographic (PNG)
| Result context | Guide |
|---|---|
| Women | cycle/lab specific |
| Men | lower typical range |
| High | repeat/context review |
Prolactin can change with stress, sleep, pregnancy and medicines.
Prolactin (prl) is a laboratory test that measures a result in a Blood (Serum) sample. It may be ordered to investigate symptoms, support a diagnosis or monitor a condition, depending on your clinician's advice.
The current booking price is shown at Rs. 520 against an MRP of Rs. 600, inclusive of taxes where applicable.
No fasting is required for this test alone. If another test in the same order requires fasting, follow its preparation instructions. Home sample collection is available in serviceable cities. A trained phlebotomist collects the sample using sterile equipment, and the report is shared online after processing.
Relevant details from a Thyrocare sample report are shown below. A standalone PDF preview for Prolactin (prl) is not available here. Reference intervals may vary by method and patient factors. Use the interval printed on your own final report.
| Conducted at | Thyrocare Labs |
|---|---|
| Lab Accreditation | CAP, NABL, UKAS, ANAB |
| Parameter | Unit | Reference Range |
|---|---|---|
| PROLACTIN (PRL) | ng/mL | Females : Normally Menstruating : 2.8 - 29.2 Pregnant : 9.7 - 208.5 Postmenopausal : 1.8 - 20.3 Male : 2.1 - 17.7 Clinical Significance : - Prolactin is a hormone which is secreted in pulsatile manner and is also influenced by a variety of physiological stimuli like - stress, pain, coitus, nipple stimulation, sleep etc . Hence it is recommended to test 3 specimens at 20-30 minute intervals after pooling if clinically indicated. - Prolactin levels may show elevation if collected <3-4 hrs after waking up - Prolactin test is used in diagnosis and management of pituitary adenomas, infertility, male and female hypogonadism etc - Macroprolactin assay is recommended if prolactin levels are elevated but there are no signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia or if pituitary imaging studies are normal. - Prolactin levels also show interference with certain psychiatric medicines, antihypertensives, opiates, ranitidine etc - Results obtained are to be interpreted in conjunction with clinical history and other findings |
Prolactin refers to a specialized hormone produced by the uterus, central nervous system, mammary glands and immune system, but mainly by the pituitary gland during pregnancy or lactation. It is important because it helps in milk production and makes lactation possible in women after the birth of a child.
It can affect the way female ovaries function normally and may even lead to menstrual issues or infertility in women. It has been found to affect men with erectile dysfunction (ED)or low sex drive, collectively called impotence. Hence,
Prolactin levels are tested in the human body to ascertain any abnormality caused by its -
Lower levels like:
And higher levels, like:
Therefore, to diagnose any of the above problems in men and women, it is vital and important to carry out a Prolactin (PRL) Blood test in individuals with the above symptoms.
After the Prolactin (PRL) Blood test is conducted the results are matched with the normal values of prolactin levels in the human body, as shown below:
Moreover, any abnormal result obtained from the Prolactin (PRL) Blood test would mean the following:
Therefore, higher or lower levels of prolactin are dangerous to men and women both. Hence, it is important for one to get the Prolactin (PRL) Blood test done for diagnosis of any of the above diseases and get the right treatment to cure them for happy & tension-free motherhood or manhood.
Educational guide only. The Thyrocare sample-report range is shown in the Reports & Ranges section. For your own result, use the range on your final report and discuss it with your clinician.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Hormone review | Checks a pituitary hormone linked with breast milk production. |
| Fertility/periods | Used for irregular periods, infertility or milk discharge. |
| Pituitary context | May be used when pituitary disorder is suspected. |
| Situation | Description |
|---|---|
| Women symptoms | Irregular periods, infertility, milk discharge when not pregnant. |
| Men symptoms | Low sex drive, erectile issues, infertility, breast enlargement. |
| Other symptoms | Headache or vision changes when pituitary concern exists. |
| Topic | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Fasting | No fasting is required for this test alone. If another test in the same order requires fasting, follow its preparation instructions. |
| Timing | Morning sample may be preferred. |
| Before test | Avoid breast stimulation and heavy stress before collection if advised. |
| Medicines | Some psychiatric, BP and nausea medicines can raise prolactin. |
Home sample collection for Prolactin (prl) is available in the cities below, subject to confirmation of your pincode at booking.
Thyrocare Technologies Limited
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Your sample is collected by a trained phlebotomist and sent to the partner laboratory for analysis. The laboratory processes the sample using its validated procedures and quality controls. Your final report shows the result, unit and reference range used for that test. Discuss an unexpected or abnormal result with your clinician.
