kiss of death test

A slang term for any clinical or lab test which, when positive, infers a poor prognosis and may presage a patient’s demise

'kiss of death' test

Critical care A sobriquet for any clinical or lab test which, when positive, infers a poor prognosis and may presage a Pt's demise Kiss of death test Delta osmolality > 40 mosm/mL Lactate levels > 10 mEq/L 'LDH6' An abnormal LDH band that migrates cathodic to the usual LDH isoenzymes–85% mortality Multifocal atrial tachycardia–43% mortality