Macroprolactin

Macroprolactin testing is a vital diagnostic tool that distinguishes between active prolactin and inactive macroprolactin. IntroLab Laboratory in Belgrade offers accurate results, leveraging their high level of expertise and dedication to patient care.

What is Macroprolactin?

Macroprolactin is a large molecule formed from prolactin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. These antibodies bind to prolactin, creating an inactive complex that cannot be metabolized or excreted normally. As a result, blood tests may show elevated prolactin levels, even though the increase is due to this inactive form.

Indications for Diagnosis

Testing is recommended for individuals suspected of having elevated prolactin levels but who do not show the typical symptoms or complications of hyperprolactinemia. This includes patients with mild or asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia, as well as those with falsely elevated prolactin levels due to the presence of macroprolactin. This test distinguishes between active prolactin and macroprolactin, reducing the need for further tests and potentially unnecessary treatments.

Test Results

Testing involves taking a blood sample from a vein. In the laboratory, specialized filtration techniques are used to separate macroprolactin from active prolactin. The results will indicate the total prolactin level and the percentage of macroprolactin in the sample.

Low Levels

Low levels are not clinically significant since it is an inactive form of prolactin. The focus of the test is to identify the presence of macroprolactin as the cause of seemingly elevated prolactin levels.

High Levels

High levels may indicate the presence of macroprolactinemia, a condition where prolactin levels are elevated due to the presence of macroprolactin. This can result in falsely elevated prolactin levels in standard tests without the symptoms or complications of hyperprolactinemia.