MEDIA RELEASE
24 APRIL 2013
ACEM & RCPA launch a new Guideline on Pathology Testing
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) and the Royal College of Pathologists of
Australasia (RCPA) are pleased to announce a new joint Guideline on Pathology Testing in the
Emergency Department.
Pathology tests are commonly requested for most patients attending an Emergency Department
(ED). It is recognised that there has been continued growth in both requests for and costs of
pathology tests in recent years, and clinicians have a responsibility to use these resources
appropriately.
“It is important that the right test is performed for the right condition to improve the timeliness and
accuracy of the diagnosis while reducing the ordering of unnecessary tests”, said Dr Anthony Cross
(ACEM President).
The joint initiative, by working parties from both Colleges, has resulted in the development of an
evidence-based reference table to assist ED clinicians in the ordering of appropriate pathology tests
for common emergency presentations. The table is intended to be used after appropriate clinical
assessment and is designed to be applicable in the Australasian setting.
Professor Yee Khong, President of the RCPA, applauds the initiative saying, “This is an important
collaborative initiative between the two Colleges to clarify a longstanding area of difficulty for junior
doctors and hospital laboratories. Patients will benefit from this through more targeted testing in
the ED.”
The full Guidelines can be viewed on the RCPA and ACEM websites at:
http://www.rcpa.edu.au/Publications/PolicyManualPublic.htm
http://www.acem.org.au/infocentre.aspx?docId=59.
- ENDS About the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia:
The RCPA is the leading organisation representing pathologists in Australasia. Its mission is to train
and support pathologists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
About the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
ACEM is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for the training and ongoing education of
emergency physicians, and for the advancement of professional standards in emergency medicine,
in Australia and New Zealand. ACEM, as the peak professional organisation for emergency medicine
in Australasia, has a vital interest in ensuring that the highest patient care and emergency
department standards.
Media enquiries:
Dr Debra Graves
CEO – RCPA
0417 218 528
debrag@rcpa.edu.au
Dr Anthony Cross
President, ACEM
0438 063 690
antcross@me.com
Linsey Brown
S2i Communications
0425 514 005
Linsey@s2i.com.au