Objective: Case notes on 116 patients aged 65 or more admitted to a general psychiatry hospital over a three month period were examined to assess the current use of haematological screening tests.
Method: Retrospective justification for tests performed, rate of abnormal results, and consequences for patient management were assessed by case note review.
Results: A total of 200 screening tests, 105 of which appeared justified, were performed; 66 patients were screened, of whom 85% had at least one abnormal result. Those who were older were less likely to be screened. There was no relationship between diagnosis and being screened. Of the 90 abnormal results received, less then one third affected clinical management.
Conclusions: The financial and other costs of screening tests are discussed. The current use of haematological screening tests in this population appears erratic and often adds little to patient management.
