Patrick L C Walker1, Martin Crook. 1. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK. patrick.walker@gstt.nhs.uk
Abstract
AIMS: To review the incidence of multiple tumour marker (TM) requesting in the primary care setting and determine whether the rationale for requesting a TM panel is in agreement with evidence-based guidelines. METHODS: Data-mining software was used to retrospectively identify multiple TM requests and requesting practices of GP surgeries over a 34-month period for α-fetoprotein, CA125, CA15-3, CA19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen and prostate-specific antigen. The appropriateness of each test was reviewed by a clinical biochemist in accordance with National Association of Clinical Biochemistry best-practice guidelines. RESULTS: 505 multiple TM requests were identified which corresponded to 1304 TM tests. Comparison with best-practice guidelines suggested that 68% of request cards contained no appropriate TM request, and 84% of the tests requested were inappropriate. CONCLUSION: A review of requesting practices in primary care for TMs highlights the need for laboratories to be more proactive in educating their users on their clinical utility and limitations.
AIMS: To review the incidence of multiple tumour marker (TM) requesting in the primary care setting and determine whether the rationale for requesting a TM panel is in agreement with evidence-based guidelines. METHODS: Data-mining software was used to retrospectively identify multiple TM requests and requesting practices of GP surgeries over a 34-month period for α-fetoprotein, CA125, CA15-3, CA19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen and prostate-specific antigen. The appropriateness of each test was reviewed by a clinical biochemist in accordance with National Association of Clinical Biochemistry best-practice guidelines. RESULTS: 505 multiple TM requests were identified which corresponded to 1304 TM tests. Comparison with best-practice guidelines suggested that 68% of request cards contained no appropriate TM request, and 84% of the tests requested were inappropriate. CONCLUSION: A review of requesting practices in primary care for TMs highlights the need for laboratories to be more proactive in educating their users on their clinical utility and limitations.
Authors: Adam C Seegmiller; Annette S Kim; Claudio A Mosse; Mia A Levy; Mary Ann Thompson; Megan K Kressin; Madan H Jagasia; Stephen A Strickland; Nishitha M Reddy; Edward R Marx; Kristy J Sinkfield; Herschel N Pollard; W Dale Plummer; William D Dupont; Edward K Shultz; Robert S Dittus; William W Stead; Samuel A Santoro; Mary M Zutter Journal: Am J Clin Pathol Date: 2013-11 Impact factor: 2.493
Authors: Muhammad Farooq Malik; Dilshad Ahmed Khan; Wafa Munir Ansari; Farooq Ahmad Khan Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2013-11-26 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Juan Castro; Luis Sanchez; María Teresa Nuñez; Ming Lu; Tomas Castro; Hamid R Sharifi; Christer Ericsson Journal: Dis Markers Date: 2018-05-28 Impact factor: 3.434