title: Falsely elevated testosterone due to heterophile antibodies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Falsely elevated testosterone is a rare phenomenon that may result from heterophile antibodies. Similar to patients with heterophile antibodies for β-hCG, incorrect management may result in unnecessary testing or therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A previously healthy postmenopausal woman presented with a falsely elevated total testosterone level due to interference consistent with heterophile antibodies, with subsequent normal levels detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Asymptomatic patients may present with an elevated hormone level due to heterophile antibody interference. Molecular studies for hormone levels can assist greatly when falsely elevated levels are suspected, but these tests are costly and time-intensive.
authors: From the Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California.
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Cheng
authors: John M
authors: JM
authors: Norian
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Jacobson
mesh_terms: D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile / Q000097:blood*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile; D013739:Testosterone