Biochemical data and diagnoses--a novel use for alkaline phosphatase

In biochemical profiles of bone and liver diseases, alkaline phosphatase values range in a continuum from within the normal range to grossly elevated as disease states evolve. The way that raised values of alkaline phosphatase, from 438 consecutive adult cases followed prospectively, were treated by the requesting clinicians during the course of a hospital admission, and for a two-month follow-up period, was used as a guide to data wastage to determine an analyser policy appropriate for the introduction of computerised interpretative reporting. There was sufficient clinical and biochemical data in 67 per cent of cases to suggest a diagnosis. A basic chemistry profile appears necessary for interpretative reporting, and 'random access' is best employed in the 'stat' mode and also in follow-up monitoring.