Haemolysis Interference in Automated Bilirubin Assays
Author Information
Author(s): Robert A. Webster, Peter Molnar, Stephen E. Kahn
Primary Institution: Department of Pathology, Loyola University Medical Center
Hypothesis
How does haemolysis affect the accuracy of automated bilirubin assays?
Conclusion
Haemolysis can cause both positive and negative interference in automated bilirubin assays, depending on the concentrations of bilirubin and haemoglobin.
Supporting Evidence
- Haemolysis caused negative interference in manual bilirubin assays.
- Positive interference was reported for some automated methods.
- Interference patterns were complex and varied with bilirubin and haemoglobin concentrations.
- Only the Ektachem Bc method exhibited only positive interference.
Takeaway
When testing bilirubin levels in blood, if the blood is broken down (haemolysis), it can mess up the test results in different ways, making them higher or lower.
Methodology
The study analyzed 30 serum pools with varying concentrations of bilirubin and haemoglobin using three automated bilirubin methodologies.
Limitations
The study did not explore chemical or spectral explanations for the observed interference patterns.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website