Desk top analysers in general medical practice: how useful are they?

In this paper we summarise the results of a study of the use by two general practices of the Reflotron dry chemistry analyser, and discuss the findings in the light of recent literature on the use of desk top analysers in general medical practice. We conclude that, in the present economic environment there is little incentive for general practitioners to carry out their own diagnostic tests. The accuracy and precision of desk top analysers operated by unskilled personnel are problematical, but with adequate back-up from the centralised hospital laboratory such equipment could be useful for the diagnosis and control of such problems as diabetes and anaemia. However, the most important factors necessary for the spread of desk top analysers are the availability of more tests, guarantees of reliability, and competitive prices. Desk top analysers could fulfil a role in practices which control their own budgets, but this would depend on the costs of hospital laboratory tests compared with those performed in the surgery.