HMMA interference?

• A. Banana
• B. Banana and vanilla
• C. Banana, vanilla and tea
• D. Banana, vanilla, tea and coffee

Answer: (D)

HMMA interference arises when substances in a patient’s sample affect an immunoassay by cross-reacting with the antibodies or altering the assay environment (pH, ions, color, etc.). Foods and drinks can introduce compounds that resemble the target metabolite or perturb the signal, leading to false results. Banana, vanilla, tea, and coffee each contain compounds that can cause such cross-reactivity or matrix effects. When all four are present, the potential for interference is greatest, which is why the option including all four is the best choice. The other options miss one or more interfering sources, making them less protective against HMMA assay interference.