[Appropriate use of laboratory tests--medical aspects].
BACKGROUND
There has been a large increase in the use and costs of laboratory tests during recent years. Several reports have indicated excessive and inappropriate use. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of public laboratory services within clinical chemistry in two Norwegian health regions.


METHODS
Production statistics for 2004 were obtained through a questionnaire sent to all public clinical chemistry hospital laboratories in northern and western Norway. Additional detailed production statistics were obtained from Haukeland University Hospital for 2002-04.


RESULTS
We observed differences in the absolute frequency of requested tests and a marked variation in relative ratios (ratio between related tests) between the laboratories in northern and western Norway. Data from Haukeland University Hospital showed a mean increase of 12% (range: -24-54%) in the number of ordered tests between 2002-04.


CONCLUSIONS
There are no known differences in morbidity between the northern and western health regions that can explain the observed variations in the use of laboratory tests. Our observations indicate a need for a thorough investigation of current utilisation of laboratory tests. Initiatives should be taken on a national basis to improve appropriate use.
Monsen
Anne-Lise Bjørke
AL
Laboratorium for klinisk biokjemi, Haukeland Universitetssjukehus, 5021 Bergen. almo@helse-bergen.no
Gjelsvik
Roar
R
Kaarbøe
Oddvar
O
Haukland
Hanne Husom
HH
Sandberg
Sverre
S
D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009664:Norway; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014600:Utilization Review