Clinical laboratory abnormalities and their follow-up in a mental hygiene clinic

In a retrospective study, there were clearly abnormal laboratory findings in 4.8 per cent of 4,994 adults who attended for psychiatric evaluation at a mental hygiene clinic. In particular high fasting blood sugars, abnormal blood counts, eosinophilia, VDRL and abnormalities of chest X-ray or urinalysis were found. Just under half of these abnormalities led to further medical follow-up. Old and young, schizophrenic and neurotic were equally likely to be followed up, but tests which were clinically not alarming might be ignored. The implications are discussed.