Problems in laboratory testing in primary care

Article Abstract:

Problems with laboratory tests appear to be rare but when they do occur, a substantial percentage could have a significant impact on patient care. Researchers collected data on laboratory problems associated with patient visits from 124 primary care physicians at 49 practices enrolled in the Ambulatory Sentinel Practice Network in a six-month period. A total of 180 laboratory problems were reported, which is a rate of 1.1 laboratory problems per 1,000 patient visits. However, tests are ordered in only one-third of all patient visits, making the true rate 3.4 problems per 1,000 patient visits that include a test. Forty-nine (27%) of the problems affected patient care and ten problems had a significant impact on patient care. They included lost Pap smears that required a second visit, a false negative urine culture that caused a delay in treatment and a delayed report on potassium levels that caused the patient to be hospitalized for low blood potassium.

Evaluation, Diagnostic errors, Statistics

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Elementary school students' performance with two ELISA test systems

Article Abstract:

Students in sixth and seventh grades performed the Surecell Strep-A test and Surecell human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) urine test using ELISA test systems after having read the package insert only or having been trained by manufacturer's representatives. There were no significant differences in test result accuracy in either group of 26 students. Both groups had a 95% or greater accuracy level, about the same as trained laboratory personnel. Over 94% of the students believed the test was not difficult to perform. Perceived difficulty did not differ by training group or actual accuracy of test results. The results of this study indicate that many tests are simple enough to be performed by minimally trained personnel. The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) evaluate and classify laboratory tests based on their ease of use by those who will actually perform the test.

Usage, Laws, regulations and rules, Equipment and supplies, Training, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Elementary school students, United States. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

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Practice-Based Research Networks Answer Primary Care Questions

Article Abstract:

Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) in primary care medicine are groups of individual medical practices that conduct research while caring for patients. PBRNs can evaluate clinical guidelines and practice recommendations in the real-word environment of primary care medicine. Physicians in primary care can effectively determine if practice guidelines are realistic, practical, and valid. PBRNs can address important questions in primary care medicine using regular patients, rather than clinical research subjects.

United States, Research, Medical care, Physicians (General practice), General practitioners

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