To the Editor: While agreeing that sensible utilisation of pathology tests in emergency departments (EDs) is important, we are concerned that the article by Stuart et al1 might be misinterpreted to justify wholesale reductions in important diagnostic microbiological tests, particularly blood cultures. Stuart and colleagues imply they could safely reduce the number of blood cultures by 80%.1 Other local data have suggested a minority of blood cultures in the ED influence patient management.2
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- 1. Stuart PJ, Crooks S, Porton M. An interventional program for diagnostic testing in the emergency department. Med J Aust 2002; 177: 131-134. <eMJA full text>
- 2. Kelly AM. Clinical impact of blood cultures taken in the emergency department. J Accident Emerg Med 1998; 15: 254-256.
- 3. Gosbell IB, Newton PJ, Sullivan EA. Survey of blood cultures from five community hospitals in south-western Sydney, Australia, 1993-1994. Aust N Z J Med 1999; 29: 684-692.
- 4. Gosbell IB, Mercer JL, Neville SA, et al. Non-multiresistant and multiresistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in community-acquired infections. Med J Aust 2001; 174: 627-630.
- 5. Turnidge JD, Bell JM, Collignon PJ. Rapidly emerging antimicrobial resistances in Streptococcus pneumoniae in Australia. Med J Aust 1999; 170: 152-155.