Excessive laboratory studies are often performed in diagnosing anemia resulting in patient treatment delays and increased costs. When distinguishing between anemia, a normal count, and polycythemia, the measurement of hemoglobin is the most precise, accurate and useful laboratory test. By using the HemoCue Hemoglobin system, the result is available while the patient is still present, and decisions about the patient’s care can be made immediately.
Usually, general practitioners screen for diabetes mellitus as part of the yearly physical. Accurate, precise results and ease of use make the HemoCue Glucose systems ideal for glucose measurements in the doctor’s office. The immediate results eliminates patient callbacks, which saves time for both staff and patient. Immediate analysis also eliminates the administrative work of sending samples to a laboratory, and errors due to glycolysis.
Measurement of low levels of albumin in urine, microalbuminuria, is a useful tool to direct treatment in diabetes and hypertension. It is the earliest sign of renal or vascular damage - when no other physical signs are present to alert the physician about the condition. International guidelines recommends annual screening for microalbuminuria in individuals with type 1 diabetes from 12 years of age, or five year after diagnosis. For type 2 diabetes patients annual screening is recommended from onset of the disease.
There are many instances in which a rapid white blood cell count is important. An abnormal white blood cell count may for example indicate infection, inflammation, tissue necrosis, or an hematologic disorder. Physicians also use the measurements to assess the affects of therapeutic drugs, cytostatic medications, and certain infections.
Together with hemoglobin, white blood cell count are two of the most commonly ordered tests by primary care as general health indicators. By offering these two tests at the POC, a full blood count will only be required when the patient´s history or clinical signs indicate the need for such further investigation.
