Dear listmembers
It is my view that we should try to steer clinicians away from the
concept of requesting 'tests'. They should be asking us questions
in order to [a] screen, [b] check or monitor, [c] rule in or [d] rule out
We decide what 'tests' to do to generate the knowledge which
responds appropriately to the request. This knowledge is
composed of test results and our interpretation of them (including
doing other tests as a result of the first ones) in the context of the
clinical scenario provided by the requester (and other results we
may have in our database).
The patient should be told what questions the clinician is asking
and that the laboratory will carry out whatever tests are deemed
appropriate to answer those questions.
If there is a likelihood that a 'sensitive' test might be required, the
clinician could mention this in the consultation and acquire
appropriate specific consent or a general 'check with me first' or not.
This should avoid the clinician having to spell out exactly what
tests are required and specific consent being required from the
patient for first line and subsequent add-on tests.
I am aware that this is an 'ideal world' scenario but should it be
something we work towards?
Jonathan Middle
============================================
Jonathan Middle, UK NEQAS Birmingham
tel 0121 414 7300 fax 0121 414 1179
This message is intended only for the above
recipient(s). The opinions expressed are
mine alone and do not necessarily represent
those of UK NEQAS Birmingham, the University
Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust or the UK NEQAS
Organisation.
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