Prolactin

Lactogenic Hormone

How To Prepare

Do not eat or drink for a certain number of hours as instructed by your health professional before having a prolactin test.

A blood prolactin test is usually done about 3 hours after you wake up, sometime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Emotional stress or strenuous exercise just before the test can raise prolactin levels. You may be asked to rest quietly for up to 30 minutes before having your blood drawn.

Stimulation of the nipples can raise prolactin levels. Avoid nipple stimulation for 24 hours prior to prolactin testing. A woman having abnormal nipple discharge should not do anything to cause more discharge before the test.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: September 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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