The Irreplaceable Value of Laboratory Diagnostics: Four Recent Tests that have Revolutionized Clinical Practice

Abstract

There is a common perception that laboratory medicine may be occasionally perceived as neglected discipline by clinicians, and that laboratory tests may be considered ordinary commodities. Although there is still debate on the real contribution of diagnostic testing in care pathways, many clinical diagnoses cannot be made without laboratory data. In support of evidence-based added value of laboratory diagnostics, this article aims to discuss the over-reaching contribution of some recent tests to the clinical decision making, and the unquestionable role they have played in revolutionizing clinical practice. These paradigmatic tests include highly-sensitive cardiac troponin immunoassays for diagnosing non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, hemoglobin A1c for diagnosis and therapeutic management of diabetes, procalcitonin for diagnosing severe bacterial infections and improving antibiotic stewardship, along with natriuretic peptides for early diagnosing and managing heart failure. It is advisable that altogether these paradigms will help reaffirming the vital role of laboratory medicine in modern healthcare.

Keywords: clinical practice; diagnosis; laboratory testing.