The famous ARUP laboratories made their database lab reference available for us, The ARUPconsult.
The ARUPconsult “physicians lab and test guide” is available in all sorts of formats that we can think of; online access, a PDA version, as an AvantGo channel, and also as a mobile site, this is what we are talking about other developers should think seriously to do the same if they want their software to be used / purchased by as many as possible.
The fun part is that all these platforms are just free… yes free. You don’t need even to register with them!
OK now let’s start with the Pros of this laboratory guide
1)Free download 2)Multiple platforms as mentioned above 3)Easy and clean interface 4)Pages load quickly 5)Appropriately cross linked 6)Beautiful disease centered theme 7)Enough detailed clinical background for each test 8th)Standard reference from the national guideline clearinghouse 9)frequent updates “6 times a year”
But there are a number of Cons of the ARUPconsult program
1)Not pediatric specific and age specific references of normal values are missing 2)No panels like CBC, Urine, or others 3)Algorithms do not work (I tried the mobile site and the AvantGo channel) the list is there but they are dead links 4)No information about preparation and patient instructions 5)Several lab tests are missing such as C reactive protein and procalcitonin! 6)I tried to download the PDA version from their web page which mentions that we have to register BUT there is no registration link! If you find that link please comment on this post.
In a netshell, this piece of software is very useful at the bedside although there are many enhancements needed which is hopefully are going to be there as the reference is updated relatively frequently.
If you wish to read more detailed review check out these pda4peds web pages
ARUPconsult Mobile Site Review AAG Video Demo
ARUPconsult AvantGo Channel Review AAG Video Demo
Finally if you like this program please vote for it in our Best Pediatric Programs page and choose either the Free category or the Labs and Tests category to vote. NB- Voting for the best pediatric mobile site is not yet available.
