Paul Galloway wrote:
>
> ..... so the hypothesis was
> that by using the test sticks it should be possible to reduce the high
> number of MSU's sent to the lab which are negative, reduce blind AB Rx,
> provide an immediate answer as to whether the patients urinary symptoms
> were due to UTI (and the implication that this should improve management).
Solid, pratical GP research potential.
> The cost equation driving this interest is that the laboratory costs of an
> MSU are about 3.50, whereas a dip-stick costs approximately 18p.
A peripheral question. What does UKP 3.50 mean? Is this the cost of performing one extra urine mcs given the
infrastructure is in place and already funded (collection system, laboratory facilities and technician routine
time etc) or is it the estimated cost of all msu testing divided by the number of msu's sent. These two ways of
obtaining a cost have very different implications for the savings which might accrue.
Adrian Elliot-Smith
Billingham.
Teesside.
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