Prozone and postzone effect: Unravelling the issues and designing a protocol to address hook effect in immunoassays

Highlights

•Objective and Impact: The Hook Effect can cause false-negative results impacting clinical decisions and patient outcomes.

•Methodology: A pooling protocol of patient samples analysed neat and in a 1:100 dilution to identify the Hook Effect.

•Results: The protocol demonstrated its effectiveness by accurately detecting and addressing this issue.

•Protocol Design: It involves pooling samples, diluting them, and using automated liquid handlers.

•Clinical ​and Analytical Implications: Improving assay testing to ensure accurate results and better patient care.