engleski

Are patients well informed about the influence of OTC drugs, food supplements and preanalytical factors on laboratory tests results?

BACKGROUND-AIM Consumption of some over the counter (OTC) drugs and food supplements can affect laboratory results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the frequency of consumption of these preparations and the level of knowledge of their influence on the laboratory tests results in an outpatient hospital setting. METHODS The study included 200 outpatients who were referred to University Department of Chemistry for laboratory testing and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. The survey was anonymous and performed in the form of interviews. It included questions about the frequency of consumption of various products, awareness of the importance of informing physicians and laboratory staff about it, and information about influence of preanalytical variables on the laboratory test results. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and chi-square test in MedCalc (Mariakerke, Belgium). Data are presented as numbers and percentages. RESULTS Out of total number of participants, 66% were female, and the most common age group is 46-65 years (38%). Results showed that 81% of patients take some preparations, mostly minerals (50%), vitamins (47%) and cranberry extract or tea (33%). Women were taking preparations more frequently than men (86% vs. 69%, P=0.008), while there was no difference between age groups (P=0.117). Majority of patients (52%) consider that it is not necessary to notify the laboratory staff about the consumption of preparations. However, 72% patients think that it is necessary to inform their physicians, even though only 53% of them did that. Patients recognized that alcohol (83%), physical activity (44%), grapefruit (23%) and broccoli (12%) can influence laboratory results. However, 47% think that coffee can affect laboratory results if taken the day before blood sampling. Also, 53% patients think that consumption of any of various products and food supplements doesn't affect result. CONCLUSION A large number of patients is taking food supplements and various OTC drugs and they are not sufficiently informed and aware about its potential impact on the laboratory tests results. Low level of knowledge and awareness about the influence of some preparations and preanalytical factors showed an urgent need for additional education.

preanalitical phase; patient preparation; OTC drugs

nije evidentirano