Common Test-Ordering Errors
Part 7: Overordered Microbiology Tests

Testing at Mayo Medical Laboratories

October 2010

Here at Mayo Medical Laboratories we receive over 800,000 test orders each month. While by our estimation most of the orders we receive are appropriate orders, we do experience some recurring test-ordering problems. In this presentation, I will describe the most common problems that we see. I will also describe our efforts to decrease these problems and recommend ways that you too can help reduce these errors. Together, by decreasing inappropriate test orders, we can improve patient care and reduce costs.

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Testing at Mayo Medical Laboratories

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Jump to section:

• Introduction
• Testing at Mayo Medical Laboratories
• Common MML Test-Ordering Errors
• Common Microbiology Test-Ordering Problems
• Helicobacter pylori
• H pylori IgM (and IgA) Not Useful
• H pylori Diagnostic Algorithm
• H pylori Diagnostic Algorithm
• Ova and Parasite
• Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm
• Initial Testing in Patients with Watery Diarrhea
• Conclusion
• Questions?