back-arrow-image Search Health Packages, Tests & More

Prolactin (Tripooled Sample) Serum Test

52+ booked in last 3 days

Overview

Prolactin is a peptide hormone secreted by pituitary gland . It acts primarily on Mammary glands and its principal action involve - Proliferation of mammary glands ; initiation of milk secretion . The levels of this hormone rises in pregnancy and during lactation.

Overview

Prolactin is one of the main peptide hormones that are secreted by the pituitary glands. The main objective of the prolactin hormone is to proliferate the mammary glands and initialize the secretion of milk after the baby is born. The range of prolactin hormone increases during pregnancy and lactation phases. There are cases of men and non-pregnant women having high levels of prolactin. To know how much prolactin is being secreted in the body, the PRL (Prolactin) test is conducted.

In this test, 3 samples are collected at 20 mins intervals i.e at 0, 20, and 40 min and pooled together. These are used to run a single test for prolactin.

Why is the Prolactin (Tri Pooled Sample) Serum test done?

 

If you have high levels of prolactin in your blood, this could be caused by:

  • Prolactinoma (a type of tumour in the pituitary gland because of which prolactin is produced in large amounts)
  • Diseases that affect the hypothalamus
  • Anorexia (a disorder where individuals eat very little food and suffer from very low body weight and fear of putting on weight)
  • Medication prescribed for depression, psychosis and high blood pressure
  • Any kind of injury to the chest area

Kidney disease, liver failure and polycystic ovarian syndrome can affect the body’s ability to reduce prolactin.

In non-pregnant women, this test is used to investigate women who are experiencing:

  • Irregularities in the menstrual cycle
  • Infertility 
  • Menopausal symptoms

In women, this test is used to investigate the cause of milk discharge when they are not pregnant or breastfeeding. In men, it is used to check for low sex drive, testicular issues or abnormal discharge from the breast. This test is also recommended to diagnose suspected pituitary tumours, with symptoms of changes in vision and frequent headaches.

Written by: Dr. Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs

Read More

Prolactin (Tripooled Sample) Serum Test Price

Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Prolactin (Tripooled Sample) Serum Test with a clear pricing structure.

The Prolactin (Tripooled Sample) Serum Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 635 .

We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

In non-pregnant women this test is done to investigate women with  menstrual irregularities, infertility and menopausal symptoms. 
In lactating mothers test is also done to investigate cause of abnormal breast milk discharge
In men its is done to evaluate for Lowsex drive , testicular failure or abnormal discharge from breast 
Test is also done to diagnose suspected pituitary tumours, with symptoms of changes in vision and headache

Test measure Prolactin levels in blood of the patient

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. The prolactin test measures the amount of this hormone in the blood. It is most commonly used to help diagnose causes of abnormal breast milk production, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility in women as well as to diagnose pituitary gland disorders.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

This test requires a small sample of blood which will be taken by a medical professional. An elastic band will be tied tightly on your upper arm. You will then be asked to make a fist with your hand. This helps in the build-up of blood and makes it easier to take the blood sample. Your skin will be disinfected before the needle is inserted. The blood sample will be collected in a vacutainer and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

High Levels of Prolactin are seen in - Prolactinoma, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, hypothyroidism , liver disease, hypogonadism. Macroprolactinemia must be ruled out. MIld prolactin excess (26.5 to 50 ng/ml) are seen with exercise, lactation, emotional stress, exercise. It may be of no clinical relevance. Repeat test after 1 month is advised. Levels between 51-75 ng/ml are associated with menstrual disorders and subclinical hypothyroidism. Levels above 100 ng/ml are associated with hypogonadism, amenorrhea, galactorrhoea 
Low levels of Prolactin are seen in - Pituitary deficiency and in cases of Pseudohypoparathyroidism

  • High levels of prolactin are seen in conditions like prolactinoma, Polycystic Ovarian Disease(PCOD), hypothyroidism, liver disease as well as hypogonadism. Macroprolactinemia must be ruled out.
  • A mild prolactin increase (26.5 to 50 ng/ml) is seen with nipple stimulation, emotional stress and exercise. It may not be of clinical relevance. It is advised to repeat the test after 1 month. 
  • Levels between 51-75 ng/ml are associated with menstrual disorders and hypothyroidism.
  • Levels above 100 ng/ml are associated with hypogonadism (when the reproductive glands produce very few hormones), amenorrhea (the absence of regular menstrual periods) and galactorrhoea (abnormal discharge from the breast)
  • Low levels of prolactin are seen in cases of pituitary deficiency and Pseudohypoparathyroidism.
  • Women who experience unexpected and sudden breast milk production (when neither pregnant nor breastfeeding).
  • People with pituitary tumours.
  • Those with a family history of prolactinoma.
  • People with vision problems that are caused by dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
  • Anyone with unexplained infertility.

It may also be done to help diagnose certain types of pituitary tumours or to monitor treatment for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.

Any kind of emotional stress or strenuous exercise should be avoided before the test

The best time for recommending a prolactin test is early morning.

Yes. Fasting is mandatory before taking a prolactin test. Hence, an early morning test after an eight-hour fast is convenient.

Prolactin (Tri Pooled Sample) test is a simple blood test. A technician will draw the blood from your vein, usually from the inside of your elbow. The procedure should take less than five minutes.

The prolactin (Tri Pooled Sample) test costs around Rs 200 to Rs 600 in India.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/prolactin-test

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prolactin-levels/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20prolactin%20levels,during%20pregnancy%20and%20after%20birth.

PRL

Galactorrhea-Prolactin test

Infertility-Prolactin test

Amenorrhea-Prolactin test

Breast leakage-Prolactin test
Prolactinoma-Prolactin test

Pituitary tumour-Prolactin test

full medical check up

Ratings & Reviews (0)

No reviews available

Why Metropolis?

Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.

We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.

lab image
170+ Advanced Labs
lab image
Trusted by Leading Doctors & Hospitals
lab images
Over 2000+ Scientific Officers
reports image
Proficiency Testing for Accurate Reports

Latest Blogs & News

View More
View all