Data on interference indices in body fluid specimens submitted for clinical laboratory analysis

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Laboratory Medicine
• Biopathology

Background:

• Clinical chemistry analysis of non-blood/urine body fluids (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid) is challenging.
• Heterogeneous body fluid matrices can cause analytical interferences.
• Common interferences include hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia, collectively known as interference indices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution of interference indices in various body fluid specimens.
• To compare interference index data from body fluids with serum/plasma specimens.
• To provide data on clinical chemistry tests ordered for body fluid analysis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of body fluid samples submitted to a central clinical laboratory.
• Categorization of samples by body fluid type and ordered clinical chemistry tests.
• Quantification and evaluation of interference indices (hemolysis, icterus, lipemia).

Main Results:

• Interference indices were frequently observed in body fluid specimens.
• The frequency and type of interferences varied significantly by body fluid type.
• Data were compared against manufacturer's recommendations for serum/plasma specimens.

Conclusions:

• Understanding interference index prevalence in body fluids is crucial for accurate clinical chemistry testing.
• Specific body fluid types exhibit unique interference profiles.
• This dataset aids in developing strategies to mitigate interferences in body fluid analysis.