[The evaluation of dry chemical laboratory methods. Their value within the framework of step-by-step diagnosis in general medicine].

In a prospective study involving eleven general practices, dry-chemical laboratory methods were compared with wet-chemical methods in the establishment of the diagnosis. The study included 658 patients in whom defined liver disease, lipid metabolic disturbances, diabetes mellitus or hyperuricemia were clinically suspected. In the "dry chemistry" group, between 12 and 29% fewer basic examinations (ESR, Hb, erythrocytes, leukocytes) were performed than in the "wet chemistry" group. In addition the number of analyses per patient in the so-called search program and among the subsequently requested laboratory analyses were also lower by about 21% in the "dry chemistry" group. This indicates that through the use of "dry chemistry", laboratory examinations can be used with greater selectivity. A further advantage of "dry chemistry" is the appreciably shorter time required to establish and report the diagnosis.