Interpretation of the diagnostic biochemical profile

Interpretation of the diagnostic biochemical profile has been assisted in some laboratories by simply listing on the chart paper the most common conditions causing increased and decreased concentrations of the substances measured, or by computer print-outs of a list of the most likely conditions causing the observed patterm. These are not always available, and in their absence the pathologist or the clinician or both must attempt interpretation on their own. We have prepared four algorithms (decision trees) as an aid to interpretion of the 12-test profile provided at Charity Hospital (which differs from the more usual ones by the inclusion of both creatinine and urea nitrogen and omission of cholesterol). The algorithms are still in the process of revision and development and thus should be regarded as tentative.