Rapid C-reactive Protein and White Cell Testing Decreases Costs and Shortens Stay in Pediatric Emergency Room

Aim: To evaluate how rapid testing of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC) influences the patient flow and costs in the pediatric emergency room (ER). Methods: The study was a retrospective chart review. In all, 166 children who were treated during three months in the ER of a children ́s hospital, and in whom rapid tests for WBC and CRP were done, were included. The association between rapid testing and the length of ER stay was evaluated, and their costs were compared with corresponding costs if done in hospital laboratory. Results: The median ER stay lasted 147.5 min, if no other examinations than rapid CRP and WBC tests were taken and if no emergency treatments were given, compared with 201.5 min in those with other laboratory tests obtained or emergency treatments given (p<0.001). The respective figures were 142.5 and 179.5 min in those 96 children discharged home (p=0.003). The costs of rapid testing were only 41.5 % of the corresponding costs in laboratory. Conclusion: The simultaneous rapid testing of CRP and WBC in children with presumable infection decreased the costs and shortened the length of ER stay if no other tests or emergency treatment in the ER were needed. The costs of rapid testing were only 41.5 % of the corresponding costs in laboratory.