A review of guidelines for referral of patients to sleep laboratories

Investigation of • The evidence for some applications is of limited excessive daytime sleepiness is undertaken in sleep quality and the cited studies are not always laboratories using the multiple sleep latency test or directly relevant to the recommendations made. [...] Publications cited in support of the recommendations were reviewed considering the type and design of the study; population; and quality and relevance of the evidence. [...] Sleep laboratory investigations are expensive because of the length of the examinations, the need for a qualified technician to be in attendance and the cost of equipment. [...] For example, the cost per study for the diagnosis of OSA and CPAP titration in Alberta is approximately $1,500.6 1.2.1 Sleep laboratory services in Canada In Canada, the number of sleep laboratories and sleep study rates vary among jurisdictions. [...] Consideration was given to the type and design of study, study population, quality of evidence and relevance of evidence and conclusions to the recommendation made in the guideline.