Changing the electronic request form proves to be an effective tool for optimizing laboratory test utilization in the emergency department

International Journal of Medical Informatics
Ivana LapićDunja Rogić

Abstract

Appropriate laboratory utilization more often than not needs to be initiated by the laboratory. This study was performed to analyze the impact on test ordering patterns in the emergency department obtained by omitting certain tests from the electronic tick box request form. The tests could still be ordered by writing the full name of the test or by a phone call. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium and lipase were omitted from the electronic request form and could subsequently be ordered either by phone or a typed-in request. A reflex testing protocol was elaborated for reduction of creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB analyses. All interventions were introduced with prior consultation with clinical staff and according to current guidelines. The reduction of test orders and costs in the post-intervention period was assessed. All data were retrieved retrospectively from the laboratory information system (LIS). Disappearance from the tick box request form resulted in a significant decrease in the number of requests for targeted tests in the post-intervention year, mostly affecting AST and fibrinogen (83% and 79% reduction of ordering, respectively), followed by a 58% reduction in c...Continue Reading

Citations

May 30, 2019·Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation·Jens K MunkHenrik L Jørgensen
Jun 4, 2019·Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA·Patrick A DateDavid McD Taylor
Jul 21, 2020·Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·Jens K MunkBent S Lind
Jul 22, 2021·Revista brasileira de enfermagem·Ana Paula Santos de JesusRuth Ester Assayag Batista

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.