Prolactin

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Prolactin

Definition:

This is a blood test that measures the amount of the hormone prolactin.

Alternative Names:

PRL

How the test is performed:

Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child:

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is necessary.

How the test will feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed:

Serum prolactin is usually measured as part of the diagnostic work-up of pituitary tumors, irregular menstrual periods, infertility, impotence, and galactorrhea (breast milk production that isn't related to childbirth).

Prolactin is a protein hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. Prolactin stimulates breast development and milk production in women. There is no known normal function of prolactin in men.

Review Date: 11/9/2004
Reviewed By: Stephanie Fish, M.D., Division of Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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