Why is it important for laboratory personnel to be familiar with test interferences?

It is crucial for laboratory personnel to be familiar with test interferences primarily to ensure accurate results. Understanding potential interferences allows laboratory scientists to identify factors that may affect the reliability of the test outcomes. For instance, certain substances present in a sample—like hemolysis, lipemia, or drugs—can lead to false positives or negatives, skewing the interpretation of results.

By recognizing the possible interferences, laboratory personnel can make informed decisions regarding sample processing and testing methods. They can also implement corrective measures, such as diluting samples or choosing alternate testing methods that are less susceptible to these interferences. This knowledge ultimately safeguards the integrity of the tests performed, leading to reliable diagnostics and better patient management.

While aspects such as sample costs, testing speed, and standardization of procedures may have some relevance in laboratory operations, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of maintaining accuracy in test results. Achieving this accuracy is essential for providing correct diagnoses and appropriate treatments in clinical settings.