False lab results

Biotin supplementation can interfere with certain laboratory tests, leading to falsely elevated or decreased results, potentially causing misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Patients should inform healthcare providers about biotin use before lab tests.

Biotin, a water-soluble vitamin often consumed for hair, skin, and nail health, can significantly interfere with various laboratory assays, most notably those employing biotin-streptavidin binding. This interference leads to falsely elevated or falsely decreased results in tests such as thyroid function assessments, hormone analyses, cardiac marker evaluations (e.g., troponin), and vitamin D measurements. The extent of this interference is influenced by the biotin dosage, the specific assay methodology, and individual patient-related factors. These erroneous laboratory findings can result in misdiagnoses, inappropriate clinical treatment decisions, and potentially adverse health consequences for patients. Transparency regarding biotin supplementation is crucial; patients must inform their healthcare providers about any biotin intake before undergoing laboratory testing.