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Hormone assays: some aspects that endocrinologists should know.
Rocío Alfayate1, Montserrat Mauri
1Laboratorio de Hormonas. Hospital General Universitario de Alicante. Alicante. España.
Summary
Hormone assays have evolved significantly since radioimmunoassays (RIA). Current methods, while accurate, face limitations like antibody interference and the hook effect, necessitating further review and improvement.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Radioimmunoassays (RIA) pioneered by Yalow and Berson revolutionized hormone measurement.
- Hormone assays have undergone continuous development, including immunoradiometric assays and automation.
- Thyrotropin (TSH) and parathyroid (PTH) assays exemplify this technological progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of hormone assay technologies.
- To highlight the strengths and limitations of current hormone assays.
- To identify areas for future improvement in hormone testing.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of immunoassay development.
- Analysis of advancements in automation and assay design.
- Examination of known interferences and limitations in current assays.
Main Results:
- Hormone assays have progressed from RIA to automated immunometric assays.
- Current assays demonstrate high accuracy and reliability for TSH and PTH.
- Significant limitations persist, including interference from autoantibodies, heterophile antibodies, macroprolactin, and the hook effect.
Conclusions:
- Despite advancements, current hormone assays are susceptible to various interferences.
- The hook effect remains a challenge in high-concentration samples.
- Further research is needed to overcome existing limitations and enhance assay robustness.
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