Abstract
Objectives
We aimed to share a new laboratory model based on laboratory knowledge, meaningful use of information technology, and partnership with clinicians, to lead the appropriate use of laboratory testing and clinical decision making in the diagnosis of as-yet-undiagnosed disease. More specifically, we evaluate the role of eight different opportunistic interventions to diagnose certain asymptomatic disorders, by means of the automatic registration of appropriate laboratory testing according to different scenarios.
Methods
This is a retrospective longitudinal study to evaluate the impact of laboratory interventions on the diagnosis of different diseases and on patient care, including data from January 2012 to September 2020.
Results
Overall, the above strategies have so far identified 2063 patients with clinically relevant as-yet-undiagnosed disorders who would have otherwise remained occult, such as for instance, primary hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, and hypomagnesemia.
Conclusions
We are facing a new laboratory model, a leading laboratory rather than a passive traditional laboratory, not just to intervene in clinical decision-making, but to make the clinical decision, through the identification of patients with occult disease.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Competing interests: Authors state no conflict of interest.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Ethical approval: Not applicable.
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