Abstract

Aim: To assess the extent to which biochemical analytical services contribute to the diagnosis and management of clinical cases of hypoglycaemia.

Methods: All cases of confirmed hypoglycaemia, referred during a six month period, were included in the survey. Questionnaires were sent to each referring laboratory requesting information on the clinical progress and current status of the patient.

Results: The level of influence exerted by analytical data was assigned in each case and those with similar outcomes combined. Identifiable case groups were: (1) Results not recorded in the patients' notes (15.7%). (2) Inappropriate requesting of insulin and C peptide measurements in cases of diabetes (11.4%). (3) Patient died soon after investigation (20.0%). (4) Patient recovered spontaneously (17.1%). (5) Patient received effective medical or surgical treatment (12.9%). (6) Patient awaiting or not requiring pathology based treatment (31.4%). (7) Inconclusive outcome prompting further investigation (5.7%).

Conclusions: Within the timescale of the survey (approximately 12 months), positive progress had been made towards diagnosis and subsequent treatment in only 10% of cases. Another 30% were either awaiting some form of treatment or further diagnostic tests. The remaining 60% did not appear to benefit in any way from the biochemical investigations.