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.
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 as Dopamine).
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
- DAK
- ESIC
- CGHS NHA
- ECHS
- NDMC
- DELHI JAL BOARD
- RAILWAYS
- NDMC
- DGEHS
- BSES YAMUNA / RAJDHANI POWER LTD
- TATA POWER LTD
- SANJAY GANDHI HOSPITAL
- BABA SAHEB AMBEDKAR HOSPITAL
- BJRM HOSPITAL
- BHAGWAN MAHAVIR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL
To know details about our empanellment with different organisations. CLICK HERE
For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or call us now!
