[Differences in the use of C-reactive protein analysis and erythrocyte sedimentation in general practice and hospitals. Development from 1986 to 1995].
Analysis for C-reactive protein (CRP) was introduced in the Vejle Hospital catchment area in 1987. During the next ten year period the use of CRP has increased to reach a stable level both on hospital wards, out-patient clinics and in general practice. While the use of erythrocyte sedimentation rate on wards has decreased correspondingly, this is not seen in out-patient clinics or in general practice. There are medical as well as practical reasons for this discrepancy. It is believed that the possibility of performing a CRP as a point-of-care test in the GPs office in the future will lead to a reduction in the number of analyses of erythrocyte sedimentation rate performed in general practice as well.
Dahler-Eriksen
B S
BS
Vejle Sygehus, klinisk kemisk afdeling.
Lassen
J F
JF
Lauritzen
T
T
Lund
E D
ED
Brandslund
I
I
D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D003718:Denmark; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012042:Registries
D002097:C-Reactive Protein