title: Pitfalls in the performance and interpretation of clinical immunology tests.
abstract: A broad overview, with examples, of the potential pitfalls encountered in the clinical immunology laboratory is presented. Illustrative examples and case scenarios are provided from autoimmunity, immunochemistry and cellular immunology, looking at both technical and interpretative pitfalls.
authors.affiliation: Immunology and Immunogenetics, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Lock
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Virgo
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Unsworth
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010266:Paraproteins / Q000032:analysis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D010266:Paraproteins