Human Anti-mouse Antibody (HAMA)
Use
The Human Anti-Mouse Antibody (HAMA) test is used to detect the presence of human antibodies generated against mouse antibodies. This is particularly significant in patients who have been exposed to mouse monoclonal antibodies as a part of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The presence of HAMA can interfere with immunoassays, leading to false positive or false negative results. Therefore, monitoring HAMA levels is crucial to ensure the accuracy of immunoassay-based tests, especially in therapeutic monitoring and diagnostic evaluations involving monoclonal antibodies derived from mice.
Special Instructions
The test requires a plain red-top tube for blood collection, and a serum gel tube is not acceptable. Specimens must be spun down and serum sent frozen in a plastic vial. It is important to ensure proper specimen collection and handling to avoid rejection. Gross lipemia specimens will be rejected, while mild lipemia is acceptable. Careful adherence to specimen requirements ensures accurate test performance and minimizes the risk of complications due to specimen quality issues.
Limitations
The presence of HAMA can lead to inaccurate results in various immunoassays if not properly accounted for. Interference from HAMA can cause false positive or false negative outcomes, which can complicate the interpretation of the results. It is important to consider HAMA interference in clinical settings where mouse monoclonal antibodies are used either for treatment or diagnostic purposes, as it may necessitate additional confirmatory testing or alternative methods to ensure result accuracy.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 14975-7
- 14975-7
Result Turnaround Time
7-25 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s). Serum gel tube is not acceptable. Spin down and send 2 mL of serum frozen in a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia; SST (serum separator tube)
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 90 days |