Interference in thyroid function tests using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay
Authors' conclusion
FT3 tests are most prone to assay interference. Awareness of inter ference patterns and close collaboration between physicians and laboratory staff are essential to prevent diagnostic errors.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing thyroid function testing with the Roche ECLIA, 2019–2023124,615 patients tested
- Participants
- 124,609 / 116,012 / 83,044
- Exposure
- TSH vs free thyroxine (FT4) vs free triiodothyronine (FT3)
- TSHn = 124,609
- FT4n = 116,012
- FT3n = 83,044
- Outcome
- Frequency and types of assay interference in TSH, FT4 and FT3 measurements
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Confirmed assay interference
- Confirmed interference cases, total
- 71
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Causes of FT3 interference
- FT3 interferences mainly due to idiotype and anti-streptavidin antibodies
Macro-TSH
- Macro-TSH detected; often led to unnecessary LT4 treatment
- 6 cases
Mode of detection
- Most interferences detected by recognizing hormonal imbalances rather than clinical symptoms
Original publication
Interference in thyroid function tests using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Eur Thyroid J. Published 26 March 2026. doi:10.
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