Can the laboratory affect the investigation and diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis?
Background: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterised by the presence of various laboratory abnormalities but the precise role of laboratory staff in initiating clinical referral and subsequent biopsy is not clear. Objective: To examine the impact of laboratory abnormalities in the investigation of PBC. Methods: In a retrospective study of laboratory results over nine years from 1996, computer records were reviewed to identify how many referrals for biopsy were initiated and subsequent diagnoses made as a result of clinical signs, raised serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), raised IgM concentration, or positive mitochondrial antibodies accompanied by a clinical comment from the laboratory suggesting further action. Results: 22 diagnoses of PBC were confirmed by histopathology. Eleven had high ALP activity which had follow up tests initiated by the laboratory (mitochondrial antibodies or IgM or both) and a comment added suggesting further investi
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- Can the laboratory affect the investigation and diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis?
