Specimens, Ordering Labs and Clinical Judgment
Laboratory tests utilize serum, plasma, and whole blood. It is important to note that many of these tests are available by point-of-care testing (POCT). Infectious disease assays include cultures by source, targeted cultures to rule out specific pathogens, direct antigen assays, antibody assays, macroscopic and microscopic detection, as well as molecular methods.
Choose two lab tests, different from what you addressed in Unit 1 Discussion, and two infectious disease assays.
Include the results range, interpretation, and any limitations to consider.
Include clinical judgment considerations as to why the test might be ordered.
Address if each could be done as a point of care test and what is being tested: whole blood, serum or other specimen sample.
Include evidence based citations and sources.