A prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that’s primarily involved in breast development and milk production. However, prolactin also interacts with other reproductive hormones, and abnormal levels can affect fertility, periods, and even libido.
Stop taking biotin products (e.g Pregnacare fertility) 2 days prior to test
Prolactin is best tested:
Early in the morning (ideally before 10 a.m.)
Fasting if possible
After avoiding stress, exercise, and breast/nipple stimulation (which can raise prolactin temporarily)
Who it's for
You might be considering a progesterone test if you’re trying to understand what’s going on with your cycle, fertility, or early pregnancy support. This test gives a clear snapshot of your hormone levels, particularly useful in the second half of your cycle.
Why someone might want a progesterone test:
• Confirming Ovulation
Wondering if you’re actually ovulating? This is the go-to test. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation, so testing around 7 days before your period (often day 21 in a 28-day cycle) can help confirm if and when it happened.
• Investigating Infertility or Irregular Periods
If your cycle is all over the place or you’re struggling to conceive, low progesterone could be a sign you’re not ovulating regularly (or at all). It can also highlight a luteal phase defect—when your body isn’t producing enough progesterone after ovulation.
• Supporting and Monitoring Early Pregnancy
Low progesterone can be linked to early pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy. If you’re going through IVF or fertility treatment, progesterone is often checked to ensure your body’s ready for implantation.
• Diagnosing or Monitoring Menstrual Disorders
For those navigating hormone-related cycle issues, this test helps distinguish whether irregularities are down to ovulation problems or another hormonal imbalance.
• Monitoring Progesterone Therapy
If you're on HRT or fertility meds, this test checks that your progesterone levels are where they need to be.
What happens
We’ll start by taking a few details about you, including any relevant medical history. You’ll have the chance to talk through your current situation and any concerns, so we can make sure this is the right test for you.
A qualified clinician will then take a blood sample, usually from your arm, though occasionally from your hand. We aim to make the process as quick, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
Preparation
Stop taking biotin (found in supplements like Pregnacare Fertility) at least 2 days before your test, it can interfere with results.
• Eat beforehand – arriving on an empty stomach is not the vibe.
• Hydrate well – we bang on about this for a reason. It really helps your veins play nice.
• Wrap up warm – warm limbs = easier, smoother blood draw.
Partners, family, or your ride-or-die bestie? All welcome. Whatever makes you feel most at ease.
When results are ready
If your appointment is before midday Monday to Friday, your results will usually be ready within 24 hours.
For tests taken after midday during the week, results are typically available within 36 to 48 hours.
Weekend appointments? You can expect your results by the following Tuesday.
On the day
To make your blood draw as smooth as possible, come well-hydrated and don’t skip breakfast - it really does make a difference. Staying warm helps too, so wrap up before you arrive.
If your appointment is between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, head into Main Reception at Greetwell Place. The reception team will let us know you’ve arrived.
If you’re booked outside of those hours, when reception is closed, follow the road to the right of the building, past the 5mph sign. Park near the ScanLinc sandwich board sign - that’s our private entrance. Please note there’s no access to the building before your appointment if reception is closed.
We kindly ask that you wait in your car or nearby at a respectful distance until we come to meet you. Some visitors prefer to keep their appointments private, and we like to honour that.
PEAK PRICE
£39
ON THE DAY
Meet Your Team
You won’t see a different face every time you walk through the door.
ScanLinc is run by just three of us - Sam, Hannah and Megan - and between us, you’re always in safe hands.
Megan Evans
Megan is a qualified, HCPC-registered Sonographer who also works within the NHS as an Obstetric Sonographer. That dual perspective means she’s not only clinically brilliant, but always in the loop with evolving NHS practices, bringing the best of both worlds to your care.
Sam Nicholls
Sam is our Clinic Director and Advanced Practitioner Sonographer. With postgraduate training in gynaecology, fertility and early pregnancy, and over two decades of NHS experience, she brings a calm, expert presence to every scan. She’s also our CQC lead and maintains her Midwifery registration, so you can be sure your care is clinically sound, safe and current.
Hannah Sleight
Hannah is our Technical Director and a qualified Sonographer. She has a knack for turning complex tech into calm, seamless experiences, from streamlining operations to keeping us at the cutting edge with the latest imaging innovations (like our 8K scan enhancements). She makes the clinic run like clockwork.
Prolactin (PROL)
20 minutes (whole appointment time including history and debrief)
Venepuncture Fee (charged once per appointment)
PRICE