Test Utilization and Clinical Relevance
Diagnostic testing is an essential component of healthcare systems. This chapter aims to provide the reader with a strategy for making changes in laboratory utilization that are based on the clinical relevance of tests. It provides specific guidance for dealing with political realities and other impediments to making change. As with laboratory-based approaches to control, a number of institution-based approaches to control laboratory test utilization are described. There is a substantial body of literature regarding the effectiveness of different methods for changing laboratory test utilization. The principle that guides changes in laboratory test utilization must be that of clinical relevance. There is now good evidence that any effective and sustainable approach must include a combination of interventions. Clinical microbiology laboratories have unique challenges. They perform tests to aid in the diagnosis of diverse infectious diseases, help guide therapy for those diseases, help control and prevent infection in healthcare settings, and educate and train professionals.
