Korean J Urol.  2015 Nov;56(11):785-787. 10.4111/kju.2015.56.11.785.

Repeated spurious elevation of serum prostate-specific antigen values solved by chemiluminescence analysis: A possible interference by heterophilic antibodies

• Dominguez
• Bayo M
• Munoz-Rodriguez J
• Bellido JA
• Abascal-Junquera JM
• Hannaoui N
• Banus JM

• KMID: 2351043
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/kju.2015.56.11.785

Abstract

Heterophilic antibodies are human immunoglobulins directed against various animal antigens. They can produce false-positive results in the analysis of different tumor markers, including prostate-specific antigen. This interference can lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary tests, and overtreatment in some cases. We present herein the case of a 52-year-old man with repeated spurious elevation of prostate-specific antigen, reaching levels of 108.7 ng/mL, that were suspected to be caused by heterophilic antibodies. The interference was solved by changing the analysis technique. Real values of prostate-specific antigen were less than 1 ng/mL.

Keyword

Analysis; Diagnosis; Heterophile antibodies; Immunoassay; Prostate-specific antigen

MeSH Terms

Antibodies, Heterophile/*immunology
False Positive Reactions
Humans
Luminescence
Male
Middle Aged
Prostate-Specific Antigen/*blood
Prostatic Neoplasms/blood/*diagnosis/immunology
Antibodies, Heterophile
Prostate-Specific Antigen