Abstract
Objective: Point-of-care (POC) D-dimer tests have been developed to exclude deep venous thrombosis quickly and on the spot, but are known to have lower sensitivity compared with laboratory-based tests. Their cost-effectiveness is still unknown. Methods: We updated and extended a previously published Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of POC D-dimer tests (Simplify', Cardiac', Triage' and Nycocard') compared with a laboratory-based latex assay to diagnose deep venous thrombosis in primary care. Results: The Laboratory' strategy resulted in 6.986 quality-adjusted life years at the cost of Euro8354 per patient. All POC D-dimer tests resulted in health outcomes similar to the Laboratory' strategy. The Simplify' strategy maximized cost savings (-Euro155 [95% CI: -Euro246 to -Euro83]). Conclusions: POC D-dimer tests yield similar health outcomes as laboratory-based testing procedures but can be performed more easily and at lower costs. Therefore, these tests are an alternative to laboratory-based testing and might be considered for exclusion of deep venous thrombosis in primary care.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 125-136 |
Journal | Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |