Avoiding Errors in Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics

Interferences are substances that can lead to erroneous test results either by incorrectly mimicking the desired analyte or by preventing measurement of the desired analyte, resulting in pre-analytic or analytical error.

Interferences are not uncommon and can occur in most assays in veterinary medicine, resulting in both clinician and client frustration. Potential outcomes may include the need for repeat testing at the client or clinic expense, or patient morbidity via incorrect treatment or unnecessary additional diagnostics. Board-certified clinical pathologist (DACVP) Dr. Daniel Heinrich covers prevention strategies including alterations in sample collection, sample type, or alternate testing and confirmation — identifying common artifacts and those that can influence care in an emergency setting. Presented through Vet On It's sponsor-free platform — no pharmaceutical influence on content or recommendations.