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Use of the infectious disease laboratory in emergency medicine
W Dietrich1, D Turner, D J Vukich
1Department of Surgery, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville.
Abstract:
Until relatively recent advances in the identification of infectious agents, the emergency physician found only limited usefulness of the infectious disease laboratory. There are some tests that can provide information rapidly enough for the Emergency Department setting and new technologies that hold even greater promise for the future. The tests described in this article are currently available in most moderately sized Emergency Departments.
Insights
Emergency physicians can now utilize rapid infectious disease tests in the Emergency Department. Advances in diagnostic technology offer even greater potential for timely patient care in the future.
Area of Science:
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Emergency Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Historically, the infectious disease laboratory offered limited utility for emergency physicians due to slow turnaround times.
- Recent advancements have significantly improved the speed and accessibility of diagnostic testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review currently available rapid infectious disease tests for Emergency Department (ED) use.
- To highlight the growing importance of laboratory diagnostics in emergency care.
Main Methods:
- The article describes tests that provide rapid information suitable for the ED setting.
- Focus is placed on technologies presently available in moderately sized EDs.
Main Results:
- Several infectious disease tests are now available for rapid use in the Emergency Department.
- Emerging technologies promise further improvements in diagnostic capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The utility of infectious disease laboratory testing in the Emergency Department has substantially increased.
- Emergency physicians can leverage existing rapid tests and anticipate future advancements for improved patient management.