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Article: Streamlining blood counts with a microcomputer. (Duke University Medical Center case study)
- Article from:
- Medical Laboratory Observer
- Article date:
- November 1, 1984
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1984 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The blood count is one of the most widely performed laboratory tests, however we define it. Years ago, a complete blood count consisted of several manual procedures such as a red cell count and hematocrit, and usually a peripheral blood film evaluation and differential white count. Today, the CBC usually includes a panel of up to nine discrete measurements. Thanks to the development of rapid, precise, and accurate hematology instruments, labs now perform more blood counts than ever.
Changing reimbursement incentives, however, have pressured the medical establishment to scrutinize costs and benefits of every aspect of patient care, blood counts included. In ...