Retrospective analysis of laboratory testing at the chiropractic clinic of Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR).

This study provides data based on the clinical experience of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) chiropractic clinic justifying the use of laboratory tests in chiropractic practice. The data was gathered retrospectively over a 51 month period from January 22, 1997 to April 10, 2001. During this period, the UQTR Chiropractic Clinic opened 6571 patient files. The analysis reveals that of the 6571 patients, 1200 (18.27%) underwent laboratory processes or tests. Of these 1200 processes or tests, 676 (56.34%) showed abnormal findings. Of the 676 patients with abnormal findings, 122 (18.05%) cases were serious enough to justify a referral to a medical doctor (general practitioner or specialist) for immediate follow-up. Among these serious conditions, one was a bone neoplastic pathology and one was a case of leukemia. This study emphasizes the significant contribution of laboratory tests in chiropractic practice. Its importance rests not only with teaching purposes, but also rests with the proper assessment of clinical conditions frequently observed in chiropractic practice. Laboratory tests used in a proper context serve not only as a valuable instrument to identify primary and underlying abnormal physiological factors, but also assist the chiropractor in identifying more precisely those cases that require a medical referral. This study also demonstrates that laboratory testing of chiropractic patients is a necessary and essential clinical procedure for complete public protection. It also demonstrates that chiropractors are an essential part of the health team even when patients are under medical supervision.