Prolactin Test : A Complete Guide for Test Procedure, Uses and Cost

It is a peptide hormone and its secretion is regulated by the hypothalamus, although the hypothalamus exhibits only inhibitory control over the prolactin hormone through the release of prolactin inhibitory hormone (also known...

What is the Prolactin Test?

Prolactin is an endocrine hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. It is also called lactotropin as it plays an important role in the formation of breast milk during lactation.

There is no prolactin-releasing hormone as compared to other hormones of the anterior pituitary, that are under both secretory and inhibitory control of the hypothalamus. Apart from milk production, prolactin plays many key roles in humans.

Prolactin test also known as PRL test or Lactotropin test is an advanced blood test that is used for the evaluation and assessment of prolactin levels in your serum. It is indicated in screening and diagnosis of many disorders or conditions that are due to either an excess of prolactin hormone or low levels of prolactin in your body.

Why do I need a prolactin test?

Prolactin hormone assay or test is used for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases and conditions including:

Hyperprolactinemia (excess prolactin hormone)
Hypoprolactinemia (low level of prolactin)
Prolactinoma (pituitary tumor that produces excess of prolactin hormone)
Progressive blurring of vision or visual disturbances
Evaluation of chronic headache
Infertility
Loss of libido
Hypogonadism.

Indications in female patients

Irregular menstrual cycle
Anovulatory cycles
Amenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Premature menopause
Abnormal nipple discharge in non-pregnant female
Breast milk production in non-pregnant female
Lactational failure (Failure to produce milk after delivery)
Sheehan’s syndrome or pituitary apoplexy
Psychological abnormality after delivery.

Indications in male patients

Erectile dysfunction
Premature ejaculation
Loss of body hair
Gynecomastia (Enlargement of male breast)
Abnormal nipple discharge from breast
Loss of libido or sexual drive
Hypoandrogenism
Oligozoospermia
Asthenospermia.

What are the causes of low prolactin levels?

Causes of Hypoprolactinemia or Prolactin hormone deficiency or low levels of prolactin includes:

Hypopituitarism
Sheehan’s syndrome
Dopaminergic overactivity
Overactivity of D2 receptors
Drugs intake including:
Bromocriptine
Cabergoline
Apomorphine
Ergot derivatives
Dopamine
Levodopa

High levels of prolactin are seen in which conditions?

An elevated level of prolactin hormone or hyperprolactinemia can be detected in the following conditions:

Loss of inhibitory control by hypothalamus due to hypothalamic-pituitary stalk damage
Prolactinoma
Craniopharyngioma
Pituitary stalk resection
Liver diseases such as cirrhosis
Chronic kidney failure
PCOS
Hypothyroidism
Seizure disorder
Hypothalamic metastases
Depression
Pregnancy
Lactation
Strenuous exercise
Drugs intake such as:
D2 receptor antagonists
Opioids
Anti-psychotics
Calcium channel blockers
Oral contraceptives
Metoclopramide
Domperidone
Dopamine synthesis inhibitors etc.

Which sample is required for prolactin test?

Blood (Serum) sample is usually taken for prolactin hormone assay/test.

How do I prepare for prolactin test?

Follow these simple steps if you are going for prolactin hormone assessment/test:

Take an appointment : Fix an appointment in a diagnostic lab having the facility of Prolactin assay.
Timing : Prolactin level vary throughout the day and is usually highest in the early morning. You need to give blood sample within 3-4 hours after waking up in the morning.
Fasting : 10-12 hours is usually preferred for prolactin hormone analysis.
Medications : Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test result. Your doctor may advice some modifications before the test if required.
Exercise : Avoid strenuous exercise before the test as it may alter test results.
Smoking : Avoid smoking before the test as it may affect the test results.

What is the procedure for prolactin test?

The procedure of prolactin hormone assay/test includes the following steps:

First a torniquet will be tied around your arm.
Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a test tube.
Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.

What are the risks/side effects of prolactin test?

Prolactin test is a safe procedure with usually no side effects and is used for screening and detection of prolactin deficiency or its abnormally high level. However, some individuals may experience some of the side effects as mentioned below:

Pain at injection site.
Hematoma
Multiple punctures to locate vein in those where veins are not easily assessable.
Bleeding at puncture site, especially patients having bleeding or clotting disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy.
Infection at puncture site or thrombophlebitis.

How long it takes to get prolactin test report?

Prolactin test reports are usually available within 24 hours of sample collection.

Prolactin test report analysis?

The normal range of prolactin hormone assay/test may vary from lab to lab as different labs follow different references. However, Normal report can be summarized as following:

Category	Normal range
Non-pregnant female	< 25ng/ml
Pregnant female	80-400 ng/ml
Male	<20ng/ml

Description of terms used:

ng/ml: Nanogram per milliliter

Cost of Prolactin Test in Delhi?

Price of prolactin test depends upon many factors such as city and locality. Different diagnostic labs charges according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre (GDIC), Rohini also known as GDIC is currently offering 50% discounts on various tests including Prolactin test. Our centers are NABH and NABL accredited and equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists. We follow strict aseptic conditions to prevent transmission of infections.

You can avail Serum Prolactin test at just

~~Rs 700~~ – Rs 350 Book Now

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

Best diagnostic centre for prolactin test in Delhi?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the best diagnostic center for Prolactin test in Rohini, North-East Delhi.

We have many branches in different locations of Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar and Mangol puri. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is now considered one of the most popular and affordable Diagnostic centers in Delhi.

We provide high-standard quality services to our patients. Our labs are NABH and NABL certified. Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority. We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.

Currently, we are offering 50% discount on various types of Blood tests including prolactin blood test and macroprolactin test

We are open 24x7 and 365 days. You can also avail free Consultation with our Pathologist regarding any blood test or imaging scans.

We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. We are empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.

Our empanellment with different departments and organisations