Shotgun
Formal Definition
Ordering a large number of tests without a focused differential, hoping something will turn up.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Don't shotgun labs" - be thoughtful about what you order and why.
Example
"Attending: "Why did you order a sed rate, CRP, ANA, RF, anti-CCP, and complement levels?" Student: "I wasn't sure..." Attending: "That's shotgunning. Start with your differential.""
Clinical Context
Shotgunning is bad medicine and expensive. Every test should answer a specific clinical question. Attendings will call you on it.
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