Do we need 'routine' blood counts?
Performing daily blood counts has become a routine part of hospital practice but with limited thought given to the need for them. In addition, the occasional abnormalities in these tests trigger further investigations which may have not been necessary if clinical examination was given adequate importance.
Consultant Haematologist in the Department of Haematology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WL.
Jecko
J
Thachil
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology