The Cost-Effectiveness of Requesting a Complete Blood Count (CBC) in the Management of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.
Healthcare (Basel)
; 10(9)2022 Sep 15.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2043653
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have attempted to determine the value of the different laboratory investigations. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of requesting a complete blood count (CBC) for COVID-19 patients, as opposed to ordering a COVID-19 antibody titer in Saudi Arabia.METHODS:
The prices of a CBC, COVID-19 PCR, and antibody titer were obtained from 40 healthcare establishments in Saudi Arabia, between January and February 2022.RESULTS:
Requesting a CBC is significantly cheaper than requesting a COVID-19 antibody titer, which was available in almost all of the establishments, as compared to COVID-19 PCR and antibody titer testing. The investigation prices did not differ significantly between hospitals and private laboratories, nor across cities in Saudi Arabia.CONCLUSIONS:
CBC, which provides valuable information on the patient's condition and prognosis, is a cost-effective and widely available tool for managing COVID-19. The price and availability of CBC warrant it to be included in the COVID-19 management protocols.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Healthcare10091780
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