Automated office hematology instruments.

Evaluation of an automated hematology instrument begins with analysis of one's practice needs, followed by analysis of initial start-up costs, cost of maintenance, and staffing. In one situation, the decision to purchase an automated instrument may allow personnel working with low-efficiency pipetting and slide chamber counting time to assist in other functions of the clinic. In another practice, an automated counter may permit in-office complete blood counts to be added to the workload of current staff. These instruments are more than time-saving conveniences. They can facilitate clinical decision making and monitoring for complications of disease and therapy by making it easier for the physician to obtain reliable hematologic results. They can generate additional practice income and reduce patient cost by improving the quality and efficiency of medical care.

Comparison of throat culture and latex agglutination test for streptococcal pharyngitis.

Numerous reports have recently appeared in the clinical microbiology literature that describe agglutination tests for identifying patients with group A streptococcal pharyngitis. These studies have indicated a close correlation between the results of the agglutination tests and traditional throat culturing. This paper describes a comparison study of 100 consecutive throat swab specimens using a commercially available agglutination test and routine throat culturing. The cultures were interpreted by an individual who was blinded to the agglutination test results. All agglutination testing was done by two laboratory members of a family practice office staff. The agglutination procedure was easy to perform and clear to interpret. The test sensitivity and specificity compared well with that reported in the literature from microbiology laboratories. The new agglutination tests are useful in the office laboratory for the identification of group A streptococci. Their primary advantage compared with throat culturing is the rapid availability of test results.