Optimal Utilization of Laboratory Testing

Summary

November 2011

In summary, the laboratory staff can help physicians in ordering and interpreting tests and can identify overused and misused tests using literature and data-based decisions. Algorithms can be very helpful to assist in test ordering to reduce unnecessary tests and to improve the time to diagnosis. And there, you can define or interventions to guide or restrict provider choices regarding lab testing. Finally, you can consider establishing a Clinical Practice Committee to provide ongoing guidance.

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Jump to section:

• Introduction
• Objectives
• Assumptions to Forego
• Roger's Adopter Categories Based on Degree of Innovativeness¹
• Changes to Manual Requisitions^2,7
• Is This Test Misused?
• Overused/Misused Tests: Good Literature Support
• Bleeding Time³
• Anti–Single–Stranded DNA: Another Misused Test^4,5,6
• Use of Algorithms
• Laboratory Test Utilization
• Thyroid Testing Guidelines
• Thyroid Function Ordering Algorithm
• Pernicious Anemia Testing Guidelines
• Pernicious Anemia Testing Cascade
• Diarrhea Work Up Guidelines
• Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm
• Obsolete Tests: Laboratory Directors' Opinions⁷
• Overused/Misused Tests — Opinion
• Frequency of Testing
• Newer Tests and Panels on the Horizon
• Hints on Improving Lab Utilization
• Hints on Improving Lab Utilization (2)
• Interventions to Improve Lab Utilization⁷
• Algorithm for Assessing Send–out Tests
• Improved Test Utilization: Assistance from Clinical Practice Committee
• Other Benefits of Clinical Practice Committee
• Summary
• References
• I Welcome Your Questions
• Questions?