Hormone Immunoassay Interference: A 2021 Update.

Area of Science:

• Clinical chemistry
• Laboratory medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Immunoassays are essential for qualitative and quantitative analysis in clinical laboratories.
• Hormone quantification via immunoassays is critical for diagnosing and managing endocrine disorders.
• Despite advancements, immunoassays face persistent analytical interferences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common analytical interferences in immunoassays encountered in clinical practice.
• To discuss the impact of these interferences on diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
• To explore current and potential solutions for detecting and mitigating interferences.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of immunoassays and their interferences.
• Analysis of common interfering substances, including cross-reactants, heterophile antibodies, biotin, and anti-analyte antibodies.
• Discussion of both exogenous and endogenous interfering factors.

Main Results:

• Key interferences like cross-reaction, heterophile antibodies, biotin, and anti-analyte antibodies continue to pose challenges.
• Emerging interferences arise from new therapeutic agents.
• Interference can lead to positive or negative bias, resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Conclusions:

• Analytical interferences in immunoassays remain a significant concern in clinical laboratories.
• Continuous efforts by laboratories and manufacturers are needed to detect, eliminate, and prevent interferences.
• Addressing these interferences is crucial for ensuring reliable diagnostic results and optimal patient management.