Background: Analysis of blood samples may identify adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and risk situations. The study objective was to validate a method for in-hospital detection of ADRs based on screening of blood samples.
Material and methods: Routine blood samples from patients in a geriatric ward were screened according to simple decision criteria to identify ADRs. The method was compared to intensive clinical monitoring of ADRs.
Results: 61 ADRs were identified in 33 patients; 11 ADRs per 1,000 bed days by the screening method (14 totally) and 37 ADRs per 1,000 bed days by intensive monitoring. The positive predictive value for the screening method was 0.29 (95% CI (0.18-0.43).
Conclusion: The screening method identified ADRs characterized by pathological laboratory values. The method should be further tested with modified decision criteria when electronic patient records, including electronic drug prescription, become routine practice in the hospital.