World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

HOSPITAL SIDE LABORATORY TESTING: BRINGING DIAGNOSTIC TESTS NEARER TO THE PATIENT

*Tunji Akande

ABSTRACT

Background: There is a growing interest among clinicians in being able to perform an increasing range of diagnostic tests locally in a hospital ward side room or clinic physician office and intensive care units. Objective: To evaluate the side room tests commonly used to bring diagnostic tests nearer to the patient. Method: A review of simple chemical tests carried out on specimens of blood and urine to enable immediate clinical decision. Results: Commercially prepared reagent strips and tablets are simple to use and have replaced the “wet chemistry” methods that had for many years been the mainstay of side laboratory work. Large numbers of ward side laboratories now operate reliable solid phase chemistry systems by non-laboratory personnel after a limited amount of training. Conclusion: Side laboratory testing should be supported by the main laboratory of the Hospital to maintain the roles of these tests in near patient testing approaches to health care delivery. Introduction of sophisticated test into wards could be undertaken in a deliberate manner for successful operations.

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