Changing medical practice: a study of Reflotron use in general practice

This paper presents the results of a study of the use by two general practices of the Reflotron dry chemistry analyser. The Reflotron is a desk top system which can perform diagnostic tests using a drop of blood, for components such as haemoglobin, glucose and cholesterol, and produces results within minutes. The doctors and nurses who used the Reflotron gave generally favourable responses, and had found the equipment useful but not essential to practice organisation. They felt that patients would benefit most if the practices were able to purchase a Reflotron. The Reflotron was not used to a great extent during the study weeks. Blood samples requiring multiple tests, of which only some were available on the Reflotron, were likely to be sent to the hospital laboratory for all tests. The nurses had found the Reflotron particularly useful in antenatal and diabetic clinics and had continued to use it after the study had ended. The most useful tests were for haemoglobin, glucose and cholesterol, with electrolytes considered to be the most useful additional test. The 10% variation in comparative figures for some tests was viewed with concern, and it was felt that training of staff with emphasis on quality control was essential. Practices which as a result of the NHS Review, choose to control their own budgets could find the Reflotron a useful addition to their practice, but this would depend on the charging policy adopted by the laboratory for diagnostic tests, with GPs choosing the cheapest option.