Reference range 1
< 20 ng/mL
- Population
- Adults
- Sex
- Male
- Pregnancy status
- No
- Specimen
- Serum / plasma
Example reference interval
This is an example interval from the cited source; it may vary by laboratory, method, and the stated clinical context.
Information about a laboratory test
Prolactin (PRL): What Does This Blood Test Measure?
Measures the blood level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Test summary
- Test name
- Prolactin (PRL)
- Abbreviations
- PRL
- Category
- Endocrinology / Pituitary
- Panel
- Pituitary / Reproductive Hormones
- Specimen
- Serum / plasma
- Common units
- ng/mL, µg/L, mIU/L
What does the test measure?
Measures the blood level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Why is the test ordered?
Used to evaluate menstrual changes, infertility, milk production outside pregnancy/breastfeeding, and some pituitary disorders.
Information about a low result
Low prolactin is generally less clinically prominent than high prolactin but may be considered in pituitary function and postpartum lactation context.
Information about a high result
High prolactin is physiologic in pregnancy and breastfeeding; otherwise medicines, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or prolactinoma are possible contexts.
Reference and clinical context
Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Hormone results may vary with the assay, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase, and sampling time.
Reference range 2
< 25 ng/mL
- Population
- Adults
- Sex
- Female
- Pregnancy status
- No
- Specimen
- Serum / plasma
Example reference interval
This is an example interval from the cited source; it may vary by laboratory, method, and the stated clinical context.
Reference range 3
< 500 ng/mL
- Population
- Pregnancy
- Sex
- Female
- Pregnancy status
- Yes
- Specimen
- Serum / plasma
Example reference interval
MedlinePlus example. Prolactin is physiologically much higher during pregnancy.
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.
Interpretation notes
Prolactin varies during the day; sampling is often scheduled three to four hours after waking. Stress and medicines can affect results.
Related specialties
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Urology
- Internal Medicine
Frequently asked questions
More information about this test
Sources
TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · TSH purpose; high/low context; effects of age, illness and medicines · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Prolactin Levels — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Prolactin purpose; pregnancy, medicines and sampling-time context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Prolactin blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical encyclopedia · 2024 · Example prolactin reference values for males, nonpregnant females and pregnancy · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · FSH use with LH, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · LH function and use with FSH and reproductive hormones · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
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