Prolactin and macroprolactin: a case report of hyperprolactinaemia highlighting the interpretation of discrepant results

Ann Clin Biochem. 2003 May;40(Pt 3):298-300. doi: 10.1258/000456303321610673.

Abstract

Immunoassay methods for prolactin detect macroprolactin (i.e. high molecular mass complexes of prolactin) to various degrees. Therefore it is generally assumed that the widely differing results by methods that measure both moieties to a differing extent are due to the presence of macroprolactin. We present a case which challenges such an assumption and suggest that precipitation by polyethylene glycol is the most reliable screen for identifying macroprolactin (and/or interfering antibodies if present).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Precipitation
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / blood
  • Hyperprolactinemia / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Prolactin / blood*
  • Prolactinoma / blood*

Substances

  • prolactin, polymeric
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Prolactin