title: Developing a budget for the laboratory.
abstract: Cost accounting is the basic "tool" for identifying the expenses associated with laboratory operations. A budget is a planning tool that allows the director and manager to visualize the evolution of expenses, assets, liabilities, and revenues over a period of time. It is a quantitative annual plan of activities and programs that helps an organization measure the progress toward its financial goals on a periodic basis. A knowledge of how to develop and understand a budget is essential for every director and manager.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Travers
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000066:Accounting / Q000379:methods*; D002017:Budgets; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000191:economics; D003361:Cost Allocation / Q000379:methods*; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D007182:Income; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D011996:Records; D014481:United States