Galactomannan (GM) is widely used for detection of invasive aspergillosis in high-risk haemato-oncology patients. Recent publications have reported a lack of repeatability of GM detection. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the repeatability of GM levels during storage of clinical samples. In a GM screening strategy, positive sera were repeat tested as per manufacturer's re...

BACKGROUND Test repetition could be a readily modifiable component of laboratory utilization. Laboratory test repetition has not been rigorously studied at a population-based level. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of, and charges associated with, repetition of eight common laboratory tests. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study using high-quality, population-based clinica...

To the Editor.—Recent literature has explored the value of repeat testing of alert or critical laboratory test results, as illustrated in the article by Toll et al. Using a large data set for selected tests, that article makes the point that repeat testing is rarely of value. All too often, laboratories retest results that are considered ‘‘critical’’ because of a purely emotional desire to avoi...

Context.—A common laboratory practice is to repeat critical values before reporting the test results to the clinical care provider. This may be an unnecessary step that delays the reporting of critical test results without adding value to the accuracy of the test result. Objectives.—To determine the proportions of repeated chemistry and hematology critical values that differ significantly from ...

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis and gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, and it increases the risk of gastric cancer. Diagnosis and treatment of H pylori infection has become an essential part of the evaluation of patients with dyspepsia and other upper abdominal symptoms. Until recently, diagnosis was made primarily by endoscopic biopsy, and treatment was initiated primarily b...