CASO CLINICO   

La Rivista Italiana della Medicina di Laboratorio 2019 Settembre;15(3):233-6

DOI: 10.23736/S1825-859X.19.00029-X

Copyright © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Analytical interference in serological research of infection with acquired human immunodeficiency virus in the transfusion setting

Massimo DAVES ¹ ✉, Ugo SALVADORI ², Paola MARCHESANI ², Giovanni COSIO ¹, Erika JANI ¹, Eva ROBATSCHER ³, Thomas MUELLER ¹

¹ Laboratorio di Biochimica Clinica, Comprensorio Sanitario di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italia; ² Centro Trasfusionale, Comprensorio Sanitario di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italia; ³ Laboratorio di Microbiologia e Virologia, Comprensorio Sanitario di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italia

Blood donations for transfusion must be tested for the presence of infectious agents to ensure that the risk of transfusion transmitted infection is negligible. The goal of serological screening is to provide blood components which are safe for their intended use. Serological screening with today’s analytical techniques has excellent sensitivity and specificity. However, it is still possible to obtain false positive results. Here, we report the case of a false-positive serology for HIV in a habitual blood donor, and we describe how a simple laboratory test for the rapid elimination of heterophilic interference can be helpful in managing such a false positive reactivity.

KEY WORDS: Mass screening; Blood Donors; False positive reactions