More articles from Smart Testing
- Does this young adult patient need a hip radiograph?
Hip fractures are uncommon in adults under age 50.
- When does acute pyelonephritis require imaging?
Imaging is recommended for those at risk of complications.
- Is neuroimaging necessary to evaluate syncope?
If the diagnosis is unclear after the history and examination, then electroencephalography during tilt-table testing can help.
- How long should we follow simple ovarian cysts with pelvic ultrasonography?
Before menopause, most simple cysts smaller than 5 cm resolve in 2 to 3 menstrual cycles and need no further intervention.
- Is Pap testing still needed after hysterectomy?
There is no need to continue Pap testing after hysterectomy for a benign indication.
- Is spirometry necessary to diagnose and control asthma?
Asthma is a clinical diagnosis, but spirometry can improve how we diagnose, assess, and control it.
- Measuring both serum amylase and lipase for acute pancreatitis lowers quality and raises cost
Measuring lipase alone is sufficient.
- What stool testing is appropriate when diarrhea develops in a hospitalized patient?
Most cases are not due to infection, but Clostridium difficile is the most common infectious cause.
- Is a serum TSH measurement sufficient to monitor the treatment of primary hypothyroidism?
Yes, the TSH level provides the information you need to manage primary hypothyroidism.
- Are we causing anemia by ordering unnecessary blood tests?
Iatrogenic anemia from blood draws is common, serious, and unnecessary.