Some of the diagnostic tests that are used at the urgent care clinic I’m assigned to include the following five. I should note however that although all of these tests are useful and convenient, none of them could take the place of a thorough history and physical examination.
Rapid strep throat:
The advantages are that it is an easy to use test. It is quick to administer and get results, typically within 5 minutes. The drawbacks are that saliva may cause false positives, depending on proper technique.
Flu test:
The positive aspects are that you can get fast results, usually during the patient’s visit. It is simple to perform. Some testing types are cleared for office and bedside use.
The disadvantages include the fact that false negative results are common, especially when influenza activity is high. Also, false positives can occur during times when influenza activity is low. Finally, some test types do not distinguish between influenza A or B viruses.
EKG:
The advantages of these tests are that they are inexpensive, non-invasive and easy to administer. However, negative EKGs can be misleading, since a negative result does not mean the patient is disease free. Also, both false negatives and false positives are possible.
Urinalysis:
Urinalysis is a fast technique, is generally easily available and relatively inexpensive. It is a simple test to administer and interpret. On the other hand, information may not be very accurate and reliable, since the test is time-sensitive. Also, the amount of information is limited, since it is a qualitative test and not a quantitative one.
X-Ray:
The benefits are that x-ray tests are non-invasive and can easily diagnose conditions without surgery. However, radiation exposure can mutate cells and is a cancer risk. Also, image quality is medium at best and generally poor.
My NP Experience 