| Sub-title | |
| Authors | J Debono A. Abela D T Gatt |
| Abstract | Haemoglucotest, random blood glucose and clotting screen are blood tests routinely taken on admission of both elective and emergency admissions. AIM: To assess the value and relevance of these tests and assess the action taken by the medical officer in the presence of abnormality. METHOD: The results of 103 consecutive admissions were collected and the notes of the patient scrutinised in case of abnormality to note what action were taken. RESULTS: The haemoglucotest correlated well with the result of the random blood glucose. 97 patients had their glucose checked. 42 (43%) had a glucose above 7 mmol/l. 31 (74%) were known diabetics and were managed as such however of the remaining 12 patients only in 3 (25%) was the abnormal result further assessed. The clotting screen was checked in 78 patients. Of these the ratio was considered abnormal (>1.2) in 23 patients (30%). Of these patients 9 (39%) were on anticoagulants. On the remaining 14 with an abnormality in the clotting screen action was taken on receipt of the result in 2 patients (14%). CONCLUSION: Although a large number of routine investigations are taken this study points out that any unexpected abnormality in blood tests is usually overlooked. Protocols have to be set up to try to overcome this fault in the system. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | Volume 15 (suppl) |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | routine investigations, elective, emergency, admission, haemoglucotest, protocols, audit |