I am currently trying to formulate a laboratory policy on the (sensible and
evidence-based) use of CRP.
I was recently made aware of a phone review of CRP usage amongst 10
different hospitals with the following results :
range average
bed numbers 360 - 1400 615
CRPs per annum 2500 - 140,000 30,650
CRPs per bed 6 - 310 50
I currently run a pretty tight ship (6 per bed) with restrictions applied,
but am aware (especially now) of extremely varied practice and somewhat
erratic teaching of doctors regarding the evidence based practice for
requesting what is a frequently pretty meaningless and fairly expensive
test.
Do other subscribers have views or protocols which they would be prepared to
share ?
Does anyone know or try and enforce a laboratory based review of the
literature. I have tried a literature search, and most studies seem to be
clinical studies discovering useful differentiation in their particular
field rather than a broad approach to the test. I am alarmed at the number
of doctors who have been taught that CRP is a useful front line test
whatever the clinical signs in A&E.
With best wishes
Richard
Biochemistry Department
Queen Mary's Hospital
Sidcup, Kent
DA14 6LT
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