Inappropriate laboratory testing wastes time, effort, and energy, and may result in patient harm. Research demonstrates that focused testing strategies in response to clear clinical questions improves the utility of laboratory results. Laboratory professionals can play an important role in clinical conversations with the ordering professional to ensure testing addresses a specific clinical indication.
Sources:
McDonald EG, Saleh RR, Lee TC. Mindfulness-Based Laboratory Reduction: Reducing Utilization Through Trainee-Led Daily ‘Time Outs’. Am J Med. 2017 Jun;130(6):e241-e244. PMID: 28161348.
Squires JE, Cho-Young D, Aloisio LD, Bell R, Bornstein S, Brien SE, et al. Inappropriate use of clinical practices in Canada: a systematic review. CMAJ. 2022 Feb 28;194(8):E279-E296. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.211416. PMID: 30744703.
White TE, Wong WB, Janowiak D, Hilborne LH. Strategies for laboratory professionals to drive laboratory stewardship. Pract Lab Med. 2021 Jul 24;26:e00249. doi: 10.1016/j.plabm.2021.e00249. PMID: 34381860.