INTERFERENCE IN IMMUNOASSAYS

Abstract

Immunoassays are simple, efficient and reliable means for testing patient samples in the modern hospital. Their specificity and sensitivity have provided robust means by which detection of analytes can be achieved with ease. The underlying principle of antigen-antibody reactions forming a measurable complex exposes immunoassays to possible interference from proteins and other reactants with structural similarities to antibodies and or the analytes. Accounting for the sensitivity of the test and its reliability, the impact of interferents both endogenous like autoantibodies and exogenous factors like drugs, involved in the assay is worth investigating since the alternative would be producing unreliable results. Insights for developing tests for assessing discordant results following troubleshooting of immunoassays as possible remedial measures have been provided.Immunoassays are simple, efficient and reliable means for testing patient samples in the modern hospital. Their specificity and sensitivity have provided robust means by which detection of analytes can be achieved with ease. The underlying principle of antigen-antibody reactions forming a measurable complex exposes immunoassays to possible interference from proteins and other reactants with structural similarities to antibodies and or the analytes. Accounting for the sensitivity of the test and its reliability, the impact of interferents both endogenous like autoantibodies and exogenous factors like drugs, involved in the assay is worth investigating since the alternative would be producing unreliable results. Insights for developing tests for assessing discordant results following troubleshooting of immunoassays as possible remedial measures have been provided.