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Test Interpretation

Rationale

Physicians, in particular general internists, order a wide variety of medical tests in the course of their clinical practice. They must be able to interpret the results of such tests accurately and properly determine how the results should influence patient management.

Prerequisites

Introductory courses in clinical epidemiology and laboratory medicine.

Specific Learning Objectives

  1. Knowledge: Each student should be able to describ
    1. the various components of a complete blood count, blood smear, electrolyte panel, general chemistry panel, electrocardiogram, urinalysis, pulmonary function tests, and body fluid cell counts and chemistries.
    2. range of normal variation in the results of a complete blood count, blood smear, electrolyte panel, general chemistry panel, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, urinalysis, pulmonary function tests, and body fluid cell counts and chemistries.
    3. results of the above tests in terms of the related pathophysiology.
    4. test sensitivity, test specificity, pre-test probability, and predictive value.
    5. how errors in test interpretation can affect clinical outcomes and costs.
  2. Skills: Each student should be able to:
    1. interpret a blood smear, gram stain, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and urinalysis.
    2. record the results of laboratory tests in an organized manner, using flow sheets when appropriate.
    3. estimate post-test probability based on test results and state the clinical significance of these findings.
  3. Attitudes: Each student should:
    1. demonstrate estimating the implications of test results before ordering tests and after test results are available.
    2. personally review X-ray films, blood smears, etc., to assess the accuracy and significance of the results.