Interference in immunoassay measurements of TSH and thyroid hormones after vaccine for Covid-19 or Covid-19 disease

Abstract

Immunoassays are commonly used to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels (TH). However, interference in these immunoassays may lead to the misinterpretation of patient results and incorrect therapeutic decisions. Analytical interference can occur following exposure to animals, infections, vaccination, in autoimmune diseases, or without an identified cause. Analytical interference associated with COVID-19 exposure has been observed in D-dimer measurements. A dilution test was used to confirm interference in the measurement of TSH and TH levels. In three patients, interference in TSH and TH levels was detected after COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Conclusions: Owing to the high number of infected and vaccinated individuals, we can expect an increase in the prevalence of interference in immunometric methods.

Keywords

• interference
• covid-19
• tsh
• thyroid hormones