Background: Literature on the prognostic value of laboratory tests on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is sparse.1-4 Based on available evidence our institution developed a protocol for care of patients admitted with COVID-19. In addition to routine labs (complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, venous lactate, etc.), the protocol recommends a set of COVID-specific daily lab [...]

Background: Up to 50% of the American healthcare spending is estimated to be wasteful. The largest type of wasteful spending is on overuse of tests and treatments. Among the diagnostic tests that are overused, excessive phlebotomy stands out due to its multifaceted implications, including hospital-acquired anemia, patient discomfort, provider burden, and avoidable downstream testing. The [...]

Background: Literature on the prognostic value of laboratory tests on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is sparse.1-4 Based on available evidence our institution developed a protocol for care of patients admitted with COVID-19. In addition to routine labs (complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, venous lactate, etc.), the protocol recommends a set of COVID-specific daily lab [...]