Best practice in primary care pathology: review 5. Issue 12 (27th April 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smellie, W S A; Forth, J; Ryder, S; Galloway, M J; Wood, A C; Watson, I D
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 59:Issue 12(2006)
• Page Start: 1229
• Page End: 1237
• Publication Date: 2006-04-27
• Subjects: ALP, alkaline phosphatase -- ALT, alanine aminotransferase -- AST, aspartate transaminase -- BNF, British National Formulary -- DVT, deep venous thrombosis -- GGT, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase -- GMS, General Medical Services -- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease -- ULN, upper limit of normal; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2006.037754
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : This fifth best practice review examines three series of common primary care questions in laboratory medicine: (1) minor liver function test abnormalities; (2) laboratory monitoring of patients receiving lithium; and (3) investigation of possible venous thromboembolism. The review is presented in question–answer format, referenced for each question series. The recommendations represent a precis of guidance found using a standardised literature search of national and international guidance notes, consensus statements, health policy documents and evidence-based medicine reviews, supplemented by Medline Embase searches to identify relevant primary research documents. They are not standards but form a guide to be set in the clinical context. Most are consensus-based rather than evidence-based. They will be updated periodically to take account of new information.