Case report April 01, 2021 April 01, 2021

Falsely elevated serum estradiol due to heterophile antibody interference: a case report

DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000324

SUMMARY

Falsely elevated estradiol is rare, may result from heterophile antibody interference, and can result in unnecessary investigation and intervention. We present the case of a 56-year-old female with falsely elevated estradiol levels inconsistent with her overall clinical picture, which ultimately led to an unnecessary surgical procedure. With the use of alternative analytical platforms and a heterophile antibody blocking agent, we determined the false elevation was due to heterophile antibody interference. Clinicians must suspect and investigate for laboratory error when the clinical picture contradicts laboratory results.