Did you know that screening laboratory tests in the medical clearance process of pediatric patients who require inpatient psychiatric admission are not recommended unless clinically indicated?
This video discusses why we don’t need labs for most children and adolescents who are being admitted to an inpatient mental health facility via an admittedly silly (but representative) conversation. The incidence of mental health problems in children has increased in the last two decades, with suicide surpassing homicide as the second leading cause of death in teenagers. Most children with acute mental health issues do not have underlying medical etiologies for these symptoms. A large body of evidence, in both adults and children, has shown that routine laboratory testing without clinical indication is unnecessary and adds to health care costs. Any diagnostic testing should be based on a thorough history and physical examination. Universal requirements for routine testing should be abandoned.
You can learn more about the Choosing Wisely Pediatric Emergency Medicine recommendations here:
