Our Value Add

As a clinical laboratory scientist or a pathologist, perhaps you have questioned from time to time your value in the backdrop of our current state of healthcare. During my career, I admit to having felt that pathologists and laboratory staff are under-recognized for their contributions to provision of care on a day-to-day basis. Effective, efficient and most importantly, quality laboratory testing is clearly one of the key components for safe patient-centered care.

Laboratory testing is the single highest volume medical activity and lab tests directly affect a majority of medical decisions. Laboratory activity generates significant and potentially expensive downstream costs including prescriptions, imaging studies, and procedures. Although the laboratory most often provides indirect patient care, it is both necessary and critical. In particular, laboratory testing is becoming more intricate and “personalized” and thus brings us the golden opportunity to intervene on behalf of the patient.

A classic and current example is the recent development of novel “target-specific” oral anticoagulants. These drugs certainly provide benefit to patients on several levels, but also are still associated, unfortunately with risks of bleeding (as with all anticoagulants). These drugs came to the market without specific coagulation tests or antidotes, both of which are necessary in the event of bleeding.

Some tests are on the horizon (e.g. dilute thrombin time) and some are available with proper validation/calibration (e.g. anti-factor Xa activity). Late 2013 and early 2014 saw the approval of Kcentra prothrombin complex concentrate for emergent warfarin reversal in patients with active hemorrhage and just a few weeks ago, idarucizimab (Praxbind) was FDA-approved for reversal of dabigatran-associated bleeding. Andexanet, a Factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent is in Phase III trials and we should anticipate its arrival on the market soon. These are, of course, welcome additions to our armament.

Although these drugs and their reversal agents may be housed and released from our pharmacies upon order, the onus is on us as laboratory professionals to stay abreast of these new entities, therapeutics etc. so we can aid in their appropriate use. Our hematology, coagulation and transfusion services, along with pathologists, should be “at-the-ready” to answer questions and guide our clinical colleagues. Protocols for reversal strategies are key and we must take on a prominent role on the committees that develop these.

Never forget the important role YOU play in everyday diagnosis, prognosis and treatment decisions! Each day represents an opportunity for us to step up to the plate and be major players in this ever-changing and challenging healthcare environment. Let’s continue to make our presence and our value known!

-Dr. Burns was a private practice pathologist, and Medical Director for the Jewish Hospital Healthcare System in Louisville, KY. for 20 years. She has practiced both surgical and clinical pathology and has been an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Louisville. She is currently available for consulting in Patient Blood Management and Transfusion Medicine. You can reach her at cburnspbm@gmail.com.