A false positive case of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin in a patient with acute chest pain: Analytical study of the interference

Abstract

We report a case of a heterophile antibodies interference in a new high-sensitivity troponin commercial immunoassay (cTNIH Siemens), observed in a patient with possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The analytical interference was investigated with standard laboratories procedures. The false positive result was found with different troponin methods and kits. We also investigated the protein sequence of cTnl and no sequence variants were detected. The discordance between clinical pictures and high concentration of cTnl, together with the collaboration between clinicians and laboratory staff avoided possible erroneous diagnosis and further invasive investigations to the patient.

Keywords: Cardiac troponin; Heterophile antibodies; Immunoassay; Interference.