[Can the screening of blood samples identify adverse drug reactions?].
BACKGROUND
Analysis of blood samples may identify adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and risk situations. The study objective was to validate a method for in-hospital detection of ADRs based on screening of blood samples.


METHODS
Routine blood samples from patients in a geriatric ward were screened according to simple decision criteria to identify ADRs. The method was compared to intensive clinical monitoring of ADRs.


RESULTS
61 ADRs were identified in 33 patients; 11 ADRs per 1,000 bed days by the screening method (14 totally) and 37 ADRs per 1,000 bed days by intensive monitoring. The positive predictive value for the screening method was 0.29 (95% CI (0.18-0.43).


CONCLUSIONS
The screening method identified ADRs characterized by pathological laboratory values. The method should be further tested with modified decision criteria when electronic patient records, including electronic drug prescription, become routine practice in the hospital.
Buajordet
Ingebjørg
I
Statens legemiddelverk, Sven Oftedalsvei 8, 0950 Oslo. ingebjorg.buajordet@legemiddelverket.no
Laake
Knut
K
Brørs
Odd
O
D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D000368:Aged; D003657:Decision Making; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D050316:Medical Order Entry Systems; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations