Benchmarking laboratory operations.
OBJECTIVE
Explain why benchmarking is a valued management tool and what ratios or percentages are most useful in benchmarking laboratory operations. Review the major benchmarking subscription products currently available to laboratory managers in the United States.


METHODS
Current literature and Internet sites.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of comparing laboratory operations over time with peer groups using statistical tools and benchmarking can provide valuable insights into areas of operation that need improvement.
Quality Laboratory Consultants, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA. Sheatherly@cs.com
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Heatherley
D000288:Administrative Personnel; D019985:Benchmarking; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires