AI Article Synopsis
- Many clinicians in a high-incidence region for Lyme disease (LD) show gaps in their understanding of LD testing procedures and results interpretation.
- Despite a basic grasp of diagnostic protocols, a significant number misinterpret key test outcomes, such as the Western blot, leading to potential misdiagnoses.
- Improving educational resources and revising test ordering and reporting systems could enhance clinician knowledge and ultimately improve patient management of Lyme disease.
Article Abstract
Objectives: Lyme disease (LD) incidence is increasing, but data suggest some clinicians are not fully aware of recommended procedures for ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. The study objective was to assess clinicians' knowledge and practices regarding LD testing in a high-incidence region.
Methods: We distributed surveys to 1,142 clinicians in the University of Vermont Medical Center region, of which 144 were completed (12.6% response rate). We also examined LD laboratory test results and logs of calls to laboratory customer service over a period of 2.5 years and 6 months, respectively.
Results: Most clinicians demonstrated basic knowledge of diagnostic protocols, but many misinterpreted Western blot results. For example, 42.4% incorrectly interpreted a positive immunoglobulin M result as an overall positive test in a patient with longstanding symptoms. Many also reported receiving patient requests for unvalidated tests.
Conclusions: Additional education and modifications to LD test ordering and reporting systems would likely reduce errors and improve patient care.
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Source |
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ajcp/aqx153 | DOI Listing |
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