title: Evaluation of cost per test of clinical biochemistry tests at Parirenyatwa Central Hospital Laboratory, Harare, Zimbabwe.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the cost per test for selected clinical biochemistry tests at Parirenyatwa Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study for the month January 2003. Cost analysis was based on a 'bottom-up' micro cost analysis technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Parirenyatwa Central Hospital Laboratory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was wide variation between the cost of performing a test and the hospital fee schedule offered in payment. The greatest variation was obtained for low frequency tests and direct consumables accounted for 61.2% ofthe total costs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laboratory tests are heavily subsidized and there is need to contain the escalating costs by adopting some aggressive cost recovery measures. Introduction of systematic teaching of health economics in the colleges of health sciences is also advocated.
authors: Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Makuwaza
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Musarurwa
authors: Zar
authors: Z
authors: Gomo
mesh_terms: D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015030:Zimbabwe