Simple Laboratory Test Utilization Interventions to Reduce Inappropriate Specialty Coagulation Testing. Am J Clin Pathol 2020 Jan 02;153(2):181-189
Date
10/12/2019Pubmed ID
31602457DOI
10.1093/ajcp/aqz147Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85077403173 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 2 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVES: The naming convention in coagulation may cause confusion in electronic ordering systems, leading to inappropriate test orders. We implemented test utilization efforts and studied utilization before and after interventions for two specialty coagulation assays.
METHODS: Two interventions were implemented: test names were changed from factor assay to activity, and residents reviewed all factor V and X requests. A retrospective review of factor V and X activity orders was performed for the period 1 year before and after interventions.
RESULTS: After interventions, factor V and X activity orders decreased by approximately 40%. Resulted tests decreased by 53.8% and 47.8%, corresponding to reductions of $2,493.05 and $1,867.80 per year in laboratory charges for factor V and factor X activity, respectively. Abnormal factor V activity results increased from 45% to 59%. Factor V activity orders from outpatient clinics decreased by 21.6%.
CONCLUSIONS: Simple interventions can reduce inappropriate specialty coagulation test orders and unnecessary costs.
Author List
Huang H, Cunningham AM, Harrington AMAuthors
Ashley Cunningham MD Associate Professor in the Pathology department at Medical College of WisconsinAlexandra M. Harrington MD Professor in the Pathology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Blood Coagulation TestsClinical Laboratory Techniques
Factor V
Factor X
Factor Xa Inhibitors
Humans
Mutation
Retrospective Studies
Unnecessary Procedures
