Pituitary Antibodies

Pituitary Antibody testing is performed by a referral laboratory. This assay is only available to members of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Pituitary antibodies can be seen in approximately 70% of patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis which is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the front portion of the pituitary gland. Lymphocytic hypophysitis is often seen alongside other endocrine and non-endocrine autoimmune diseases.

Pituitary antibodies may be present in 30% of patients with autoimmune hypopituitarism and in some pituitary conditions which are not typically autoimmune in nature, such as empty sella syndrome. They may also be observed in other conditions such as autoimmune thyroid disease, some pituitary tumours, connective tissue diseases, eating disorders and diabetes.

This assay is performed at a referral laboratory (external users requiring serum Pituitary antibody levels are advised to contact the referral laboratory directly):

Department of Immunology
PO Box 894
Sheffield S5 7YT

Specimen requirements

Serum 1ml; plasma is NOT acceptable

Cost

Price on application

Laboratory turnaround time

20 days

Laboratory method

Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF)

Reference range/units

Normal result = Negative

Associated tests

N/A

Shipping and storage

Internal hospital transport/courier.
Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30.

Further information and contact details

For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net