Frequent assessment of longitudinal laboratory trends: a key to minimizing hemoglobin variability in patients on dialysis.

Data indicate that increased frequency of hemoglobin monitoring in conjunction with appropriate changes in Epoetin alfa doses can decrease hemoglobin variability in patients on dialysis. Frequent monitoring allows nurses to assess the longitudinal trends in hemoglobin levels, thereby improving the likelihood of earlier detection of acute and chronic conditions that lead to fluctuations. Using these data to predict the probable course of hemoglobin and to make appropriate proactive adjustments in the anemia prescription can help improve the likelihood of keeping hemoglobin stable and decrease the possible negative ramifications associated with either low or high levels.