Cross-reactivity in Immunoassay Drug Screens: Old and New Conversations

Immunoassays have played a crucial role in monitoring illicit drug use in clinical and non-clinical settings through urine testing since their introduction in the 1970s. 

Antibody cross-reaction with structurally related molecules is common in these assays. Such cross-reactivities may generate unexpected results that are frequently regarded as false (positive or negative) results identified as affecting patient care (old conversations). 

By contrast this presentation discusses the unexpected results as likely outcomes with informative potential in medical practice and the importance of education of healthcare professionals to avoid result misinterpretation (new conversations).