Interferentssit

Interferentssit are substances that affect the outcome of analytical measurements by producing signals that overlap with, or alter, the true signal. This interference can bias results, reduce accuracy, or distort quantification. Interference can arise from the sample matrix, reagents, instrument conditions, or environmental contaminants, and it is a central concern in method validation to ensure accuracy, precision, and selectivity.

Interferentssit can be categorized by source and mechanism. Endogenous interferents originate from the sample itself, such as bilirubin, hemoglobin, lipids, or uric acid in clinical specimens. Exogenous interferents come from medications, preservatives, or contaminants introduced during handling. Processing-related interference includes changes in pH, ionic strength, or viscosity that alter analytical responses. In specific techniques, additional interference may arise from co-eluting compounds in chromatography, matrix effects in mass spectrometry, or cross-reactivity in immunoassays.

Examples across fields illustrate the impact. In clinical chemistry, lipemia, icterus, or hemolysis can skew colorimetric assays. In immunoassays, structural analogs can cross-react and inflate or suppress signals. In LC-MS analyses, matrix components can suppress or enhance ionization, changing apparent concentrations.

Mitigation relies on validation and method design. Techniques include matrix-matched calibration, use of internal standards, spike-and-recovery experiments, and robust sample preparation to remove interfering substances. Alternative analytical methods or detectors, chromatographic separation, and optimized instrument parameters also help. Standards and guidelines from regulatory agencies emphasize documenting interference testing and reporting its impact on results.