Assay Interference: A Need for Increased Understanding and Testing

Laboratory Directors assume responsibility for the quality of data that is reported from their laboratories. A recent publication reminds us that the laboratory is likely to see contradictory data when comparing in-house interference data to information reported on the package insert (1). However, the quality of interference testing data provided by the manufacturer is seldom questioned, and, in-house interference testing is not normally performed. Manufacturer’s interference data were accepted by 95% of laboratories; only 8% of laboratories performed in-house interference studies (2).