Table 5.6Rules for Repeating Laboratory Tests

Test Results
RuleInitialRepeatAction
Believe the positive++}
+−Further diagnostic or therapeutic action
−+
−−No further action
Believe the negative++Further diagnostic or therapeutic action
+−}
−+No further action
−−

Source: Adapted from Politser, 1982.

From: Chapter 5, Use of the Laboratory

Cover of Clinical Methods
Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition.
Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors.
Boston: Butterworths; 1990.
Copyright © 1990, Butterworth Publishers, a division of Reed Publishing.

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