title: Aberrantly elevated TSH level due to human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) interference with thyrotropin assay.
abstract: Measurement of TSH is a commonly used test to diagnosed thyroid dysfunction. Multiple factors can interfere with available assays. We present a case where presence of HAMA caused a falsely elevated TSH levels resulting in unneccessary and costly diagnostic evaluation. Clinicians should be aware of the various factors affecting thyroid function assays. Test results that are inconsistent with the clinical picture should prompt further testing to exclude interferences prior to initiating unneccessary and potentially harmful clinical interventions.
authors.affiliation: MUSC, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. janulyt@musc.ed
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hull
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D051379:Mice / Q000276:immunology*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000910:Antibodies, Heterophile; D013972:Thyrotropin