Radiocontrast interference in screening tests for genetic-metabolic diseases

Screening tests for genetic metabolic diseases remain extremely useful due to their rapidity, ease of interpretation and substantial reduction of cost . However, interferences in these tests are still a source of concern in la boratory medicine. Cost considerations have so compressed the duration of t he medical work-up that the administration of radiologic contrast may often antedate the collection of body fluids for genetic-metabolic testing. It I las been found that under these circumstances, certain contrast media may interfere with the urinary studies of amino acids, organic acids, and tests involving ultraviolet absorption such as those concerned with purines, pyr imidines, and related compounds. The consequences of interference may be mi sdiagnosis, repeated testing, extensive and expensive work-ups, and unneces sary delay and anxiety for the family. As in all testing, it is prudent to avoid medications and atypical diets, if possible. In the case of contrast media, it is a simple matter to collect samples for analysis prior to the a dministration of radiocontrast so as to avoid the pitfalls and yet not dela y the diagnostic work-up. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.