Prolactin Test In Visakhapatnam - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin hormone present in your blood. Prolactin hormone is mainly synthesised in the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, though smaller amounts are also produced in the uterus, immune cells, brain, breasts, prostate, skin, and fat tissue. It supports breast development during pregnancy and stimulates milk production after giving birth in response to the baby's suckling. It also contributes to reproduction, metabolic regulation, fluid balance, immune function, and certain behavioural functions. Elevated prolactin levels can occur naturally during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can be abnormally elevated (hyperprolactinaemia) due to prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary), hypothyroidism, and as a side effect of long-term use of certain drugs, among other causes. In women who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding, it can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, and unexpected breast milk production. In men, it can cause reduced libido and erectile dysfunction, and sometimes breast milk production. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available in about 10 hours to within the day, depending on your specific location in Visakhapatnam.

A prolactin test may be recommended in people with symptoms of abnormal prolactin levels and for monitoring treatment response:

• Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding: irregular or absent menstrual periods, breast tenderness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty conceiving, decreased bone density, or milk discharge from the breasts (galactorrhoea).
• Men: reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia), weakened bones, or galactorrhoea.
• Symptoms suggestive of prolactinoma: headaches, visual changes, or problems with eye movement.
• To assess treatment response in individuals with prolactinoma and to monitor for recurrence after treatment.
• To assess low breast milk supply in postpartum women.

Along with other investigations, the prolactin test may help with diagnosing:

• Prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland).
• Hypothalamus disorders (the hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and other body functions).
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
• Kidney disease.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in women.
• Medication-induced hyperprolactinaemia: Certain medications, including some antipsychotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and anti-nausea medicines.
• Very low prolactin levels are uncommon and may indicate impaired pituitary gland function or damage to the pituitary. Certain medications, such as dopamine, levodopa, and ergot-based medicines, may also lower prolactin levels.

Disclaimer: The above list is for educational purposes only and does not confirm diagnosis or the presence of any condition. Always consult your doctor for your test results and diagnosis.

What to Expect Before the Test

• Follow fasting and dietary instructions given by your doctor, as fasting is preferred for the prolactin test but not mandatory.
• Schedule sample collection for the test 3 to 4 hours after you wake up in the morning, since prolactin levels are most stable then.
• It is advisable to avoid high-intensity exercise, sex, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours before the test, as these can temporarily affect prolactin levels.
• Inform your doctor about any recent illness, vaccination, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and medicines you are regularly taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.
• Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top to allow easy access to the inside of your arm for blood sample collection.
• Tell the phlebotomist if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medicines before the blood sample is collected.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• You will be seated comfortably, and the phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic.
• The phlebotomist will place an elastic band around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
• A needle will be inserted into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or mild discomfort.
• Once the required amount of blood has been collected, the needle will be removed, and a small bandage will be applied.
• If you feel anxious, dizzy, or have a fear of needles, tell the phlebotomist. They can help you feel more comfortable, including allowing you to lie down if needed.
• To help you stay relaxed, avoid looking at the needle, focus on your breathing or another object, or listen to music during the procedure if you prefer.

What to Expect After the Test

• After the phlebotomist collects the blood sample, they will apply pressure to the puncture site and place a small bandage over it. Keep the bandage on for 1 to 2 hours or as advised.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with the affected arm for the rest of the day to reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding.
• Your blood sample will be labelled and sent to a laboratory, where it is processed and analysed using specialised equipment.
• A qualified laboratory professional will verify the results before making them available. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other investigations.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

The prolactin test measures serum prolactin levels in ng/mL (nanograms per millilitre) or mIU/L (milli-international units per litre).

The table below shows standard reference ranges of prolactin levels.

Important Note: Normal prolactin ranges vary by laboratory and assay method. Please refer to your reports with your doctor for better understanding.

The prolactin result must always be interpreted in the context of your gender, pregnancy status, symptoms, and current medications.

Disclaimer: This table is for educational purposes only. Prolactin interpretation requires the expertise of a qualified endocrinologist or gynaecologist. A single elevated result must be repeated before clinical decisions are made.

Potential Risks and Complications

Blood sample collection is generally safe. Most side effects, if they occur, are mild and temporary.

• Common side effects: Mild pain or tenderness at the needle site, a small bruise, or brief dizziness or light-headedness.
• Rare complications: A larger bruise (haematoma), infection at the puncture site, inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), or temporary nerve irritation.
• Seek medical advice if you develop persistent pain, increasing redness or swelling, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection at the puncture site.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels can fluctuate considerably due to physical or emotional stress.
• Since the hormone is released in bursts throughout the day, a single blood draw may not accurately capture true baseline levels.
• Many commonly used medications can elevate prolactin, so ensure that you disclose your complete medication history to your doctor.
• Sometimes, an inactive, larger form of the prolactin molecule called macroprolactin can also cause falsely elevated readings.
• If an initial result comes back high, your doctor may recommend a repeat fasting morning sample collected under relaxed conditions.

In Visakhapatnam, the price of a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is generally close to INR 449. It can vary based on factors like the lab selected and local pricing conditions. For additional clarity, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

You can book Prolactin Test in Visakhapatnam through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• MVP Colony
• Dwaraka Nagar
• Seethammadhara
• Siripuram
• Dabagardens
• Maharanipeta
• Gopalapatnam
• Gajuwaka
• NAD Junction
• Marripalem
• Madhurawada
• PM Palem
• Muralinagar
• Yendada
• Pendurthi
• Simhachalam
• Kurmannapalem
• Pedagantyada
• Kailasapuram
• Allipuram

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pincode.