In message
<[log in to unmask]>, Taylor,
Andrew <[log in to unmask]> writes
>
> In the example that you have used (adding electrophoretic screen
> to an LFT with a raised globulin), it is always possible that an
> individual patient may take the view that they did not wish the
> potential for their myeloma to be investigated
>
>
>
> A Taylor
>
Would they be willing to support us in a case of negligence for not so
undertaking the test, if we were given clinical details that suggest
this might be a diagnosis.
I know that we can always suggest that the doctor take another sample
with explicit consent, but I have always taught that not to do as much
as possible with the sample in the laboratory and to continually ask for
a repeat is poor medical practice. It means inconvenience at the least
to the patient and is time wasting for the professionals who have to
repeat the specimen and patient (try getting an appointment just for a
blood test with some local GPs - it takes a fortnight) and it is
expensive - because of the cost of the above plus further consumables.
In addition, in some patients, taking samples is difficult and it is an
invasive procedure (even if minimal). As usual, the law is a large
animal with big ears.
Trevor
--
Trevor Gray
Dept. of Clinical Chemistry,
Northern General Hospital,
Sheffield S5 7AU
0114 271 4309
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