Clinical laboratory tests: application to daily practice.

Abstract

Along with physical examination and medical history, clinical laboratory tests are an essential evaluative tool of health professionals. Pharmacists have a key role in selecting appropriate laboratory tests for TDM, interpreting tests to determine whether a drug is producing its desired therapeutic effect, and avoiding adverse drug effects. Prudence dictates that pharmacists should recommend that a laboratory test be done only if the results may lead to some action such as a dosage reduction, discontinuation of a drug, or ordering of additional tests to confirm the presence of an adverse effect. In these cost-conscious times, panels of laboratory tests that include multiple assays (Table 5) should be recommended only when it is less expensive to order the panel than to order individual tests, or when multiple tests are needed to evaluate the patient's situation. Pharmacists should be familiar with useful references to help interpret and apply lab test results to particular patient situations, so that they can make appropriate recommendations for altering drug therapy. Pharmacists with an appreciation of the role of clinical laboratory testing in patient care can perform a valuable service for their patients and other health professionals.