Reminders of drug effects on laboratory test results.
Drug effects on laboratory test results are difficult to take into account without an online decision support system. In this study, drug effects on hormone test results were coded using a drug-laboratory effect (DLE) code. The criteria that trigger the reminders were defined. To issue reminders, it was necessary to write a computer program linking the DLE knowledge base with databases containing individual patient medication and laboratory test results. During the first 10 months, 11% of the results from hormone samples were accompanied by one or more DLE reminders. The most common drugs to trigger reminders were glucocorticoids, furosemide, and metoclopramide. Physicians facing the reminders completed a questionnaire on the usefulness of the reminders. All respondents considered them useful. In addition, DLE reminders had caused 74% of respondents to refrain from additional, usually performed examinations. In conclusion, drug effects on laboratory tests should always be considered when interpreting laboratory results. An online reminder system is useful in displaying potential drug effects alongside test results.
Kailajärvi
M
M
Central Laboratory and Department of Medicine, Turku University Central Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland. marita.kailajarvi@utu.fi
Takala
T
T
Grönroos
P
P
Tryding
N
N
Viikari
J
J
Irjala
K
K
Forsström
J
J
D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D016208:Databases, Factual; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004358:Drug Therapy; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood
D006728:Hormones; D013963:Thyroid Hormones