Routine postcoital testing is unnecessary

Routine pulse oximetry during methacholine challenges is unnecessary for safety.

BACKGROUND Methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction is associated with significant hypoxemia, which can be assessed noninvasively by transcutaneous oxygen tension and pulse oximetry. OBJECTIVES To assess the value of the monitoring of finger pulse oximetry during routine methacholine challenges in a clinical pulmonary function laboratory with regard to both safety and the possibility that a s...

Routine histologic examination is unnecessary for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the current practice and incurred cost of histologic examination of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy specimens is warranted. STUDY DESIGN Review article based on medical literature. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A retrospective PubMed review of all pertinent literature regarding tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and related surgical pathology was conducted. References of th...

The rise of cholesterol testing: how much is unnecessary.

BACKGROUND Laboratory testing has increased dramatically over recent decades, which is a consequence particularly of repeat testing or monitoring, as either a response to treatment or follow-up. AIM To assess rates of measurement of lipid levels (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride) for diagnosis and monitoring over the last 20 years. DESIGN OF STUDY Audit of electroni...

Is routine testing mandatory or voluntary?

Unnecessary uncertainty is unacceptable.