Table 5

Costs (£)

Disposables for incision and currettage
Cyst pack3.66
Gloves1.00
Scalpel0.19
Syringe0.20
Needle0.02
Anaesthetic0.02
Chloramphenicol ointment0.82
Total5.91
Disposables for conservative treatment
Chloramphenicol ointment0.82
Total0.82
Wages (£ per hour)
G-grade nurse 11.46
Senior house officer (year 2)11.11
Antibiotics
Co-amoxiclav 375 mg three times daily (7 days)9.79
Minocycline 50 mg twice daily (6 weeks)13.43
Erythromycin 500 mg twice daily (6 weeks)7.56
Tetracycline 250 mg twice daily (6weeks)1.34
Dispensing cost0.81
Histology
Lid biopsy25.74
  • Antibiotic costs are quoted at British National Formulary price.10 A dispensing cost of 81 p was used to cover container cost, initial prescription fee, professional allocation, and government discount. Histology costs are calculated using a workload measurement system.11 Other services and disposables are at hospital trust prices. Wages include an additional 11% to cover holiday pay, sickness, and employer pension contributions.