When lab tests lie … heterophile antibodies

Health professionals rely on the accuracy and validity of laboratory investigations in managing patients. Occasionally the results of laboratory investigations do not correlate with the clinical scenario. Incorrect pathology results may lead to unnecessary further investigation, inappropriate therapeutic interventions, and considerable anxiety for the patient and doctor. Heterophile antibodies are endogenous antibodies in human serum/plasma that may interfere with immunoassays resulting in false elevation, or rarely false depression of measured values.

To alert health professionals to clinical situations in which heterophile antibodies may result in misleading results and potentially compromise patient care.

Heterophile antibodies may interfere with a number of immunoassays commonly used in clinical practice. Awareness of the possibility of interference by heterophile antibodies is important to prevent inappropriate management on the basis of erroneous laboratory results.