Review Article

Macroprolactinemia: Diagnostic, Clinical, and Pathogenic Significance

Table 1

Advantage and disadvantage of methods for the diagnosis of macroprolactinemia.

ā€‰AdvantageDisadvantage

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)Simple and inexpensiveNot highly specific
Screening for macroprolactinemia

Gel chromatographyAccurate
Confirming macroprolactinemia
Time consuming and expensive

Protein A/GIdentifying IgG-bound PRL
(common cause of macroprolactin)
Expensive

125I-PRL bindingIdentifying anti-PRL autoantibodies
(common cause of IgG-bound PRL)
Time consuming and hazardous
Needs radio isotope facilities