The assay is unaffected by icterus (bilirubin is less than 90 
mg/dL), lipemia (Intralipid is less than 1800 mg/dL) and biotin is 
less than 60 ng/mL (criterion: recovery within plus or minus 10% of 
initial value). Hemolysis is less than 60 mg/dL.

Samples from patients treated with bovine or porcine insulin sometimes 
contain anti-insulin antibodies which can affect the test results.(1-2)

As with all tests containing monoclonal mouse antibodies, erroneous 
findings may be obtained from samples taken from patients who have 
been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or have received them 
for diagnostic purposes. Elecsys Insulin contains additives which 
minimize these effects. In rare cases, interference due to extremely 
high titers of antibodies to streptavidin can occur.

For diagnostic purposes, Insulin findings should always be assessed in 
conjunction with the patient's medical history, clinical examination 
and other findings.

(1) Fiedler, H. Basiswissen Labordiagnostik: Diabetes mellitus und
    metabolisches Syndrom. Roche Diagnostics Brochure 1999;14,67 Cat
    No. 1951769.

(2) Tietz NW. Clinical Guide To Laboratory Tests. 3rd ed. Philadelphia,
    Pa: WB Saunders Co, 1995:366-367.