Heterophile Antibody
Pronunciation: HET-er-oh-file
Naturally occurring or induced antibodies that can cross-react with assay components, causing falsely elevated hormone results.
Full Definition
Heterophile antibodies are immunoglobulins that can bind to antigens from different species or to assay reagents, leading to analytical interference in hormone immunoassays. These antibodies may be naturally present in human sera or induced by exposure to animal proteins, vaccines, or therapeutic agents containing animal-derived components. In hormone testing, heterophile antibodies commonly cause falsely elevated results by bridging capture and detection antibodies in sandwich assays or by enhancing signal in competitive assays. Human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) are particularly problematic given the widespread use of mouse monoclonal antibodies in assay development. Suspected heterophile interference requires specialized testing using blocking agents or alternative methodologies.
Usage
Usage note: Consider heterophile interference when results are unexpectedly elevated without corresponding clinical findings.
In Context
- "Heterophile antibody interference was suspected when the patient's thyroglobulin levels were discordant with imaging findings." — Laboratory interference investigation
- "Treatment with blocking agents eliminated the heterophile interference, revealing true hormone levels." — Analytical problem resolution report