Evaluation of benefits of screening tests done immediately on admission to hospital.

Evidence was sought of improved inpatient progress and reduced hospital costs when a battery of investigations were done at the time a patient was admitted to hospital. The outcome in 500 admission-tested patients was compared with that in two other groups of 500 control patients. No significant differences were found among the three groups in a variety of indices of inpatient progress. Because of an estimated 64% increase in the cost of investigating inpatients with admission testing, the total cost of hospital care was increased by about 5%. Under the conditions of this study, admission testing added to the cost of hospitalization, without associated evidence of benefit to the patient.