Interferences of Different Concentration of Detergent Solution on Glucose Assays in Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

Background: The pre-analytical stage is so complex that a mistake at any step often becomes apparent in the analytical or post-analytical phase. Many medical laboratorians do not carefully evaluate the suitability of the pre-analytical challenges in laboratory testing especially in the area of washing test tubes by various forms of detergent in the washup room. Objective: This study was then aimed at the effect of different concentration of detergent solution on glucose assay in the clinical chemistry laboratory. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty (20) subjects who visited a clinic in Chemical pathology unit, Federal Medical Centre, Owo were randomly recruited for this case study. The recruited subjects were analyzed for glucose assays normally and also at a different concentration of the detergent solution. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between glucose value with no dilution and detergent stock solution while others were not significantly different from normal statistically even though there is slightly different in their mean values. Conclusion: Prevention of pre-analytical errors from detergent solution remains an ongoing problem in the wash-up room and ultimately affects the ability of clinical laboratories to produce accurate results. Therefore, it is important to establish close working relationships with laboratory attendants working in the wash-up room and also, developing a surveillance program should be considered to prevent such occurrences.