reagentinterferentie

Reagent interference occurs when a substance present in a sample, other than the analyte of interest, reacts with the assay reagents or otherwise affects the measurement of the analyte. This can lead to inaccurate results, either by falsely increasing or decreasing the measured concentration. Interference can originate from the sample matrix itself, such as proteins or lipids in biological fluids, or from exogenous substances introduced during sample collection or preparation.

There are several types of reagent interference. Direct chemical interference happens when the interfering substance directly reacts with the reagent or the analyte, altering its chemical properties. Non-specific binding interference occurs when the interfering substance binds to the reagents or the solid phase of an assay, physically preventing the analyte from interacting properly. Spectroscopic interference arises when the interfering substance absorbs or emits light at a wavelength used for detection, masking or mimicking the signal from the analyte.

Recognizing and mitigating reagent interference is crucial for reliable diagnostic testing and scientific research. Common strategies include sample pretreatment methods like dilution, extraction, or precipitation to remove interfering substances. Assay design can also incorporate steps to minimize interference, such as using specific antibodies or enzymes that are less prone to cross-reactivity. Validation studies are essential to identify potential interferents and establish the robustness of an analytical method.