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Avoiding unnecessary tests

Authoring team

Before any investigations are requested, ask the questions:

  • why order this test?
  • what is being looked for in the result?
  • will it affect the diagnosis?
  • will it affect the management of the case?
  • will it ultimately benefit the patient? and:
    • can the result be obtained more cheaply & less invasively by for example a fuller history or by letting time pass
    • are the risks and costs justified by the value of the information likely to be gained?

A definite and sustained reduction in inappropriate requests may be achieved by an policy of interventions such as:

  • issuing guidelines and fact sheets
  • holding seminars
  • a positive attitude among senior staff

Reference:

  • Bareford D, Hayling A . Inappropriate use of laboratory services. BMJ 1990;301(6764):1305-1307.

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