What is Heterophilic antibody interference?

Heterophilic antibodies are poorly defined human antibodies that cause interference by noncompetitive binding mostly to the Fc region of assay antibodies; however, instances of heterophilic antibody binding to other parts of the assay antibody (e.g., idiotope or the “hinge” region) have also been reported.

What can cause immunoassay interference?

Interfering, endogenous substances that are natural, polyreactive antibodies or autoantibodies (heterophiles), or human anti-animal antibodies together with other unsuspected binding proteins that are unique to the individual, can interfere with the reaction between analyte and reagent antibodies in immunoassay.

Are Heterophile antibodies IGG or IgM?

Heterophile antibodies are IgM antibodies with affinity for sheep and horse red blood cells. They appear during the first week of infectious mononucleosis symptoms, 3–4 weeks after infection and return to undetectable levels 3 to 6 months after infection.

What is Heterophile antibody test how does it work?

This quick screening test detects a type of antibody (heterophil antibody) that forms during certain infections. A sample of blood is placed on a microscope slide and mixed with other substances. If heterophil antibodies are present, the blood clumps (agglutinates). This result usually indicates a mono infection.

What is the meaning of Heterophilic?

[het″er-o-fil´ik] 1. having affinity for other antigens or antibodies besides the one for which it is specific.

What disorder does a positive heterophile antibody test indicate?

A positive test means heterophile antibodies are present. These are most often a sign of mononucleosis.

What can cause a false positive in an Elisa test?

Common causes of a false positive ELISA include: administration of flu vaccine, presence of HLA-DR antibodies in multigravada women, presence of rheumatoid factor, positive RPR test, hypergammaglobulinemia (e.g. multiple myeloma) and autoimmune hepatitis.

How do you test for heterophile antibodies?

Process. The test is usually performed using commercially available test kits which detect the reaction of heterophile antibodies in a person’s blood sample with horse or cow red blood cell antigens. These test kits work on the principles of latex agglutination or immunochromatography.