Differential interferences of hemoglobin and hemolysis on insulin assay with the Abbott Architect-Ci8200 immunoassay

Abstract

Objectives: This paper evaluates the effect of hemoglobin (Hb) and hemolysis on insulin measurements with the Architect-Ci8200 analyzer.

Design and methods: Insulin concentrations were measured using the Architect-Ci8200. Interference studies were performed by spiking serum pools of defined insulin concentrations with increasing concentrations of either free Hb or hemolysate. A change of more than 10% was taken as evidence of significant interference.

Results: A significant negative bias in insulin results was observed only in samples spiked with hemolysate but not with free Hb. The bias was proportional to the degree of hemolysis and to the time elapsed before insulin assay. This interference was decreased when samples were kept at +4°C.

Conclusions: For all insulin requests, hemolysis must be systematically checked before biological interpretation of insulin results.

Keywords: Hemoglobin; Hemolysis; Insulin.