An interesting look at the utility of diagnostic tests in emergency medicine. Click on the link below for a full description of these laws which should be considered by all physicians before ordering tests. Remember this post next time you suggest ‘routine labs’ and a chest x-ray for your work-up.

• The Zeroth Law: there is no such thing as Zero Risk
• First Law: All Tests are Imperfect
• Second Law: Context always trumps the result
• Third Law: Sutton’s Law OR “Go where the money is!”
• Fourth Law: There are thresholds for every test for any disease
• Fifth Law: Senthi’s Law – Prognosticate before you Investigate
• Sixth Law: Routine Tests return Routine Answers

More detail here