Prolactin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Prolactin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PRL test, Prolactin blood test, Lactogenic hormone test, Serum prolactin test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (EDTA) |
| Fasting Required | Yes – 8 to 10 hours; water permitted |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; commonly ordered for reproductive-age adults |
| Price | Starting at ₹600 |
What is a Prolactin Test?
A prolactin test measures the level of prolactin (PRL) in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. It plays a key role in breast tissue development and milk production after childbirth. Doctors order this test when symptoms suggest the pituitary gland may not be working as it should. It is also known as a prolactin blood test, PRL test, or serum prolactin test.
What Does a Prolactin Test Measure?
This test measures the concentration of prolactin in the blood. The table below explains what this hormone does and why its level matters.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Prolactin (PRL) | Reflects how much prolactin the pituitary gland is producing; helps identify over- or under-activity of the gland |
Although a single hormone is measured, the result has wide clinical value. Abnormal levels can point to disorders of the pituitary gland, hormonal imbalances, or conditions affecting fertility and menstrual cycles.
Why is a Prolactin Test Done?
A prolactin test is ordered for several reasons, from investigating unusual symptoms to monitoring a known condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among those that commonly prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Infrequent or absent menstrual periods (oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea)
- Unexpected discharge of milk from the breasts (galactorrhoea) in women who are not breastfeeding
- Unexplained infertility in women or men
- Reduced sex drive or sexual dysfunction in men
- Breast enlargement or tenderness in men
- Persistent headaches or vision changes (which can suggest pituitary involvement)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A prolactin blood test can help identify a range of underlying conditions, including:
- Prolactinoma, a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the pituitary gland and the most common cause of raised prolactin
- Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Kidney disease or liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Disorders of the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates the pituitary gland
- Hypopituitarism, where the pituitary gland produces too little of one or more hormones
Prolactin Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For people diagnosed with a prolactinoma, regular prolactin measurements are an important part of follow-up care. Once levels return to normal or near-normal, monitoring is typically done every 3 to 6 months in the first year and every 6 to 12 months after that. Since treatment doses are adjusted according to prolactin levels, repeat prolactin tests help doctors track how well the treatment is working.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Knowing what to do before your prolactin test procedure helps ensure your results are as accurate as possible.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes. Fasting for 8 to 10 hours before the test is required. You may drink plain water during this time. If your doctor has also ordered other tests alongside this one, they may have additional preparation requirements, so check with them in advance.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps before your appointment can improve the test's accuracy:
- Book a mid-morning appointment, as prolactin levels are most stable after the early morning peak (which occurs between 4 AM and 7 AM)
- Avoid strenuous exercise, stress, and breast or nipple stimulation for several hours before the test, as these can temporarily raise prolactin levels
- Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, particularly antipsychotics, antiemetics, antidepressants, and oestrogen-containing medicines
- Wear a top with loose-fitting sleeves for easy access to your arm during the blood draw
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the prolactin test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and will identify a suitable vein, usually on the inner side of your elbow.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic swab.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein. You may feel a brief sting, which settles quickly.
- A 2 ml blood sample is drawn into a labelled collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site, followed by a small bandage.
- The labelled sample is stored at the correct temperature and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your prolactin test results and should be noted by your doctor:
- Recent stress, vigorous exercise, or poor sleep
- Certain medications, including antipsychotics, antiemetics, oestrogens, and some antihypertensive drugs
- Kidney disease, hypothyroidism, or chest wall injury
- A condition called macroprolactinaemia, where large clusters of prolactin circulate in the blood but have little biological effect, which can sometimes cause a misleadingly high result
Understanding Your Prolactin Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests your doctor has ordered. The table below shows general reference ranges.
| Group | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Males | Less than 20 ng/mL |
| Females (non-pregnant, not breastfeeding) | Less than 25 ng/mL |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding females | 80 to 400 ng/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Several physiological and medical states can affect prolactin levels. During pregnancy, prolactin can rise to as high as 600 ng/mL, depending on hormone concentrations, which is entirely expected. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and chest wall injury can also raise prolactin independently of any pituitary problem, and your doctor will take these into account when reviewing your results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support overall hormonal balance:
- Manage stress through regular relaxation practices such as meditation, gentle yoga, or breathing exercises
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule, as prolactin levels are affected by sleep patterns
- Discuss any prescription or over-the-counter medications with your doctor to understand whether they may be influencing your prolactin levels
Lupin Diagnostics Prolactin Test Price and Home Collection
The prolactin test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹600, and home collection is available across India. The table below shows city-wise indicative pricing.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 600 |
| CHENNAI | 500 |
| HYDERABAD | 500 |
| KOLKATA | 550 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 600 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the Prolactin Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 1 day.
Home Collection
Prolactin test home collection is available across major cities in India. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time and collects the sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is delivered securely to your email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
A prolactin test helps doctors measure prolactin levels in the blood and assess pituitary gland function. It is commonly used to investigate unexplained infertility, irregular or absent periods, and unexpected breast milk discharge in women who are not nursing.
Yes, fasting for 8 to 10 hours before the test is required. Plain water is allowed during the fasting period. Avoid strenuous activity and unnecessary stress before you go for the test as well.
Prolactin levels peak between 4 AM and 7 AM. Mid-morning is generally the best time for sample collection, as levels are more stable by then. Aim for a slot between 9 AM and 11 AM if possible.
The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a benign tumour of the pituitary gland. Other causes include hypothyroidism, kidney disease, PCOS, certain medications, and disorders of the hypothalamus. Your doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms to identify the most likely cause.
Yes. Several medicines can raise prolactin levels, including antipsychotics, anti-nausea drugs such as metoclopramide and domperidone, some antidepressants, and oestrogen-based medications. Always inform your doctor of every medicine you take before the prolactin test.
The test involves a routine blood draw, which most people find only mildly uncomfortable. You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted. Minor bruising at the site is possible but usually resolves quickly. The entire collection process takes less than 5 minutes.
Once prolactin levels stabilise at normal or near-normal values, your doctor will typically recommend repeat testing every 3 to 6 months during the first year of treatment and every 6 to 12 months after that. The frequency may change depending on how well levels are being controlled.
Prolactin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
