A patient's laboratory test results following urine analysis for bladder cancer markers demonstrate a positive finding for bladder cancer based on an nuclear matrix protein (NMP)22 level of 11 units/mL.However, the requesting provider is concerned that this could be a false positive.Which of the following interfering factors would most likely result in a false-positive of this marker?
A)Incorrect fixative
B)Inadequate number of bladder cells in the specimen
C)Inflammation of the bladder
D)Gross contamination from blood

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inflammation of the bladder can lead to a false-positive result for bladder cancer markers. This is because inflammation can cause increased cellular turnover and release of the nuclear matrix proteins, including NMP22, which can be detected in a urine sample. Incorrect fixative, inadequate number of bladder cells in the specimen, and gross contamination from blood are unlikely to interfere with the NMP22 marker and result in a false-positive finding.

A Patient's Laboratory Test Results Following Urine Analysis for Bladder