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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
Summary
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.
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