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Cost analysis in the toxicology laboratory.

E M Travers1

  • 1Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC.

Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
|September 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Accurately determining toxicology laboratory costs is crucial for fiscal integrity. This involves analyzing instrument configuration, labor, and operational expenses using a bottom-up approach for cost-effective management.

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Area of Science:

  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Laboratory Management
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Accurate cost determination is vital for the financial health of toxicology laboratories.
  • Healthcare providers face financial challenges, making laboratory fiscal integrity paramount.
  • Understanding laboratory costs is essential for survival and efficient operation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the process of determining sectional, departmental, and test costs in toxicology laboratories.
  • To provide managers with principles for cost-effective and efficient laboratory management.
  • To elucidate key factors influencing laboratory fiscal integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzing instrument configuration, test turnaround times, and test menus.
  • Evaluating labor costs, including staff experience and educational levels.
  • Performing detailed cost accounting for each step of toxicologic analysis, including confirmation.
  • Utilizing a "bottom-up" approach to construct an actual test-cost database for instruments and methods.
  • Examining laboratory expenses from total, sectional, and workstation perspectives.

Main Results:

  • Significant variation exists in toxicologic method costs, necessitating analysis of capital and operational expenses.
  • Total costs fluctuate due to differences in salaries, reagent/supply costs, and staffing efficiency.
  • A comprehensive cost database is essential for accurate cost comparisons.
  • Laboratory expenses must be allocated to each unit of laboratory output (billable procedure or test produced).

Conclusions:

  • Implementing a detailed cost-accounting system is critical for managing toxicology laboratory finances.
  • Managers must consider multiple factors, from instrument setup to staff allocation, for cost-effectiveness.
  • Accurate cost data enables informed purchasing decisions and resource allocation, ensuring laboratory survival.

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