Macroprolactin, Serum
Use
The Macroprolactin, Serum test determines biologically active levels of prolactin in asymptomatic patients with elevated prolactin levels. The test rules out the presence of macroprolactin, which is a high-molecular-mass complex of prolactin that can contribute to hyperprolactinemia without symptoms. This differentiation is crucial as macroprolactin can lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of patients if not identified when prolactin levels are elevated.
Special Instructions
This test involves a preprocessing step using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) precipitation to differentiate between monomeric and macroprolactin forms using Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay. The accurate identification of macroprolactin is important for correct diagnosis. It is essential that multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin, commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins, are not taken 12 hours before the specimen collection.
Limitations
The test does not exclude the possibility of a pituitary adenoma if macroprolactin is detected. It should be complemented with clinical findings. Precipitated prolactin is calculated by subtracting the unprecipitated prolactin value from the total prolactin, and it is possible for coprecipitation of monomeric prolactin, which must be considered when interpreting results.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 78993-3
- 38926-2
- 51441-4
- 48767-8
- 20568-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |