Bedside Tests

Investigations in the ED should include the following simple tests:

• Urinalysis – this should be performed in patients where urinary tract infection is suspected, although be aware that sensitivity and specificity is not perfect, especially in the elderly.
• Urinary hCG – this must be performed in all females of childbearing age to rule out ectopic pregnancy.
• BM stix – do not forget this, as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can present with abdominal pain.
• ECG – perform an ECG in patients with upper abdominal pain where inferior MI is a differential diagnosis.