Dear colleagues,
During the summer I posted an enquiry about urine myoglobin. This
resulted in a good deal of helpful information which supported us in
making a decision about the assay and in following it through. At the
time I sent an early summary of my findings to the list. At the ACBI
(Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland) Annual Conference, I
presented a poster on the benefit of the mailing list in collecting such
information. I have copied the abstract below for your information and
as a summary of final(!) outcome.
If I can be of more help to anyone else seeking the same outcome feel
free to contact me. Also if anyone wants the 2-page Word document
containing the poster itself let me know.
with best wishes to all,
Peadar.
Accessing Information on Current Practice Using an Electronic Mailing
List – urine Myoglobin Assay.
Peadar G. McGing and Frank Kyne.
Biochemistry Dept., Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7.
Introduction: Knowledge of current practice in other laboratories is one
important aspect of providing a high standard clinical biochemistry
service. In the past this has been obtained primarily through published
work, conferences, and direct discussion with colleagues. In making a
decision about possibly discontinuing our urine myoglobin service we
used an electronic mailing list to evaluate both current practice in
other laboratories and also changes in practice.
Methods: A brief questionnaire was sent to the ACB mailing list.
Results: During the first 36 hrs replies came from 26 individuals from a
number of different countries. 25/34 (74%) of replies came from the UK.
50% of labs replying still do urine myoglobin and 50% not. Of the latter
15/17 had previously assayed urine myoglobin but had stopped. The
procedures they had put in place had proved satisfactory and there had
been no complaints about withdrawal of the service.
Additionally 6 of those providing urine myoglobin assay expressed
unhappiness at doing so and would welcome support in discontinuing the
service.
Discussion: The literature and in-house information supported the
superiority of CK and renal function in guiding clinical decision making
in respect of patients with possible or confirmed rhabdomyolysis. The
results of our survey, plus additional comments accompanying many
answers, helped us frame our letter to ITU and A&E inviting discussion
with a view to discontinuing urine myoglobin. As a result of those
discussions we were able to withdraw that service.
Conclusion: In this case an electronic mailing list provided a rapid and
highly efficient means of checking current practice. The process thereby
gave strong support to the laboratory in its course of action.
--
Dr Peadar McGing,
Principal Biochemist,
Biochemistry Dept, Mater Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland.
Tel: (+353 1)8032080; Fax: (+353 1)8034781.
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