title: Decimal numbers and safe interpretation of clinical pathology results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the understanding of decimal numbers by medical laboratory scientists, doctors and nurses.
  
  
  METHODS
  A Decimal Comparison Test determined the comprehension of decimals numbers. Additional questions sought the participants' understanding of concentrations and reference ranges, and their preferences for the presentation of clinical pathology results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 108 participants, 40% exhibited poor comprehension of decimal numbers. One-third of the medical laboratory scientists, a quarter of doctors, and half the nurses were characterised as lacking numeracy skills. The majority of participants (60%) thought it would be safer for results to be presented as whole numbers rather than as decimals with leading zeros.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The number of laboratory and clinical staff who show numeracy issues that could lead to misinterpretation of clinical pathology results and contribute to medical error strongly supports recommendations that pathology results should be presented as whole numbers.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, , Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sinnott
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eley
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Steinle
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boyde
authors.forename: Leanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trenning
authors.forename: Goce
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dimeski
mesh_terms: D032882:Comprehension; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Diagnostics; Evidence Based Pathology; Laboratory Tests