Frequency of repeat antinuclear antibody testing in Ontario: a population-based descriptive study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Repeat antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing may be unnecessary, potentially harmful and costly. Our aim was to assess the frequency and correlates of repeat ANA testing in Ontario.

Methods

We performed a retrospective descriptive study identifying ANA tests performed over 2008-2015 among adults within the Ontario Laboratories Information System. Our primary outcome was any ANA test performed within 1 year of a previous ANA test. Our secondary outcome was any repeat test after a previous positive result. Repeat testing overall (regardless of who performed the previous test) and repeat testing by the same provider who performed the previous test were determined separately. We assessed correlates of repeat testing (e.g., patient and physician characteristics) and of re

SUBMITTER: Lake S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7082105 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature