More articles from Smart Testing
- Serial serum lipase testing after the initial diagnostic workup for inpatients with acute pancreatitis: What is the evidence?
Beyond the initial diagnostic workup, the results of serial testing may be misleading, with the potential for adverse effects on patient care and increases in healthcare spending.
- 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.