Table 6
Use of resources: laboratory tests ordered by at least three rheumatologists and costs
| Laboratory test | All rheumatologists (n=23) | Rheumatologists with correct diagnosis (n=14) | Rheumatologists with other diagnosis (n=9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESR, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AP, alkaline phosphatase; CRP, C reactive protein; ANA/ANF, antinuclear antibody/antinuclear factor; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone; γ-GT, γ-glutamyl transferase; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; T4, thyroxine; CK, creatine kinase. | |||
| ESR | 16 | 12 | 4 |
| Creatinine | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| Haemoglobin | 14 | 11 | 3 |
| Leucocytes | 13 | 11 | 2 |
| ALT | 10 | 9 | 1 |
| AP | 10 | 8 | 2 |
| CRP | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| Thrombocytes | 9 | 7 | 2 |
| Erythrocytes | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| Mean cell volume | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| Differentiation | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Rheumatoid factor | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| ANA/ANF | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| AST | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| TSH | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Calcium | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| γ-GT | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Glucose | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| LDH | 3 | 3 | – |
| Phosphate | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Free T4 | 3 | 3 | – |
| CK | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Uric acid | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Ferritin | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| HLA-B27 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Total costs in euros | |||
| Mean | 33 | 46 | 13 |
| Median | 12 | 21 | 9 |
| Range | 0–163 | 0–163 | 0–51 |
