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Observational studies on macroprolactin in a routine clinical laboratory

Julian H Barth1, Carys M Lippiatt2, Stephen G Gibbons2

  • 1Blood Sciences, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK, Phone: 0113 392 2584, Fax: 0113 392 5174.

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|April 10, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Macroprolactin presence can change over time. Repeat testing is advised for hyperprolactinemic samples, as macroprolactin may develop or resolve unpredictably.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Endocrinology
  • Laboratory Medicine

Background:

  • Elevated prolactin levels necessitate macroprolactin testing.
  • Macroprolactin is a common cause of diagnostic challenges in hyperprolactinemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of macroprolactin.
  • To investigate the natural history and variability of macroprolactin over time.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of samples with total prolactin >1000 mIU/L.
  • Macroprolactin measurement using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-precipitation.

Main Results:

  • Macroprolactin incidence was 5.4% (36/670) in samples with high prolactin.
  • Macroprolactin presence varied over time in 22 subjects; 25 had multiple consecutive measurements.
  • PEG precipitation showed good reproducibility (1.1% CV) over a median of 6 years.

Conclusions:

  • Macroprolactin status can change, requiring repeat testing for hyperprolactinemia.
  • Macroprolactin may develop or resolve, and prior exclusion does not guarantee its absence.
  • Periodic re-evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of hyperprolactinemia.
Keywords:
macroprolactinpolyethyelene glycolprolactin

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