Rapid C-reactive protein and white cell tests decrease cost and shorten emergency visits

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Pathology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Elevated white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are common, non-specific indicators of bacterial infection in children.
• Current diagnostic methods can lead to prolonged patient stays and increased healthcare expenses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of rapid WBC and CRP testing on patient flow within pediatric emergency rooms (ERs).
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of rapid WBC and CRP testing compared to traditional laboratory methods.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 166 children treated in a pediatric ER over 3 months.
• Analysis of the association between rapid WBC/CRP testing and emergency department length of stay.
• Comparison of rapid test costs versus standard hospital laboratory costs.

Main Results:

• Median ER stay was significantly shorter with rapid testing (142.5-147.5 min) compared to laboratory tests or emergency treatment (179.5-201.5 min).
• Rapid testing costs were only 41.5% of the equivalent laboratory testing costs.
• These benefits were most pronounced in children discharged without further examinations or emergency interventions.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous rapid testing for CRP and WBC effectively decreases costs and shortens ER stays for children with suspected infections.
• Rapid testing offers a cost-saving alternative, costing less than half of traditional laboratory analysis.
• Implementation of rapid testing can optimize patient flow and resource allocation in pediatric ER settings.