Optimal use of blood tests in acute medicine

Rae, Peter; MacKenzie, Suzanne M.

doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2008.11.011

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Volume 37, Issue 2 , Pages 61-64, February 2009

Optimal use of blood tests in acute medicine

Peter Rae BA PhD MBChB FRCPE FRCPath is Consultant Clinical Biochemist at the Royal Infirmary and the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He graduated in biochemistry from Oxford University and proceeded to a PhD in lipid metabolism at Edinburgh University. After graduating in medicine from the University of Edinburgh he spent some time in general medicine and gained his MRCP before moving into Clinical Biochemistry. His interests include lipids, diabetes, and the sensible use of laboratory tests. Competing interests: none declared

Suzanne M MacKenzie BSc MBChB MRCP is a Specialist Registrar in Clinical Biochemistry in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh and gained her MRCP, subsequently specialising in Clinical Biochemistry. Her interests include endocrinology and metabolic disease, and optimising laboratory services and quality. Competing interests: none declared

Abstract

The optimal use of laboratory tests requires an understanding of the many variables which may influence the result and its interpretation. This is especially important with the increasing use of point-of-care testing. In this article we cover how to request the ‘right test’ as well as the many variables. Also, common tests are discussed.

Keywords: CRP, D-dimers, eGFR, point of care systems, predictive values, sensitivity, specificity, test performance, troponin