Interference by Dietary Supplements in Lab Assays



 

Interference in laboratory assays is a concern since it can positively or negatively influence test results with potential impact on patient care. Interferents could be endogenous or exogenous compounds. Dietary supplements such as biotin and vitamin C are examples of exogenous interferents in common laboratory assays. During this presentation, the mechanisms underlying such interference will be discussed, along with ways of detecting it and possible solutions.

Originally published on August 3, 2023


Lecture Presenter

Vrajesh K. Pandya, PhD, DABCC

Vrajesh K. Pandya, PhD, DABCC

Assistant Professor (Clinical)
University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology
ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Vrajesh Pandya is medical director of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology at ARUP Laboratories, and an assistant professor (clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He received a doctorate degree from the University of Alberta and completed postdoctoral fellowships in biochemistry at the University of Alberta and in clinical chemistry at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Pandya has received many awards; some of his more recent awards include: AACC Annual Meeting Travel Award (North American Chinese Clinical Chemists Association, 2021), Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator (Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists, 2021), Medical and Scientific Learning Exchange Program (Siemens Healthineers, 2021), Oral Presentation Award at Residents and Fellows Research Grand Rounds (Department of Pathology, University of Utah, 2021), and MSACL LC-MS/MS 101 Course Scholarship (SCIEX, 2021). His research interests include renal function testing, cancer biomarkers, interferences in laboratory assays, drugs of abuse, and testing in alternative specimen types.


Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Provide an overview of analytical interferences in laboratory assays
  • Describe potential interference caused by megadose biotin and vitamin C supplementation
  • Discuss strategies to detect and mitigate such interferences

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories