Loading...
Do screening laboratory tests result in management or disposition changes for children who present with psychiatric concerns? To find out, investigators retrospectively reviewed charts for 1082 children (mean age, 14 years) who presented to a pediatric emergency department with danger to self or others, grave disability, or involuntary psychiatric hold during an 18-month period. The study site lacked inpatient psychiatric capabilities, and laboratory tests were performed as part of a standard medical clearance protocol required by designated psychiatric receiving facilities. The tests were complete blood counts, serum electrolyte levels, liver function tests, thyroid stimulating hormone levels, urine pregnancy tests, rapid plasma reagents, …