Current Status of Co-Ordering of C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Testing in Korea
10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e319
- Author:
Se-eun KOO
1
;
Jiyeon KIM
;
Jinyoung HONG
;
Kuenyoul PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Laboratory Medicine, H Plus Yangji Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2024;39(44):e319-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We retrospectively examined current trends in ordering for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) testing. All claims corresponding to ESR and CRP testing for hospital visits in 2022 were obtained from a platform operated by the Health Insurance and Review Agency. The annual (2018–2022) utilization and cost of ESR and CRP, total inpatient days, and patient encounters with outpatients were retrieved. The number of ESR and CRP tests gradually increased over 5 years, except a slight decrease in 2020. The proportion of claims with co-ordering of ESR and CRP tests was 46.64%. More than 60% co-ordering claims were observed in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery departments. The proportion of co-orders was relatively high in inpatient setting and primary hospitals. This study indicated frequent co-ordering patterns of ESR and CRP tests, highlighting an urgent need for diagnostic stewardship programs on ESR and CRP testing in Korea.
