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The ANA profile: quality and cost-effective laboratory utilization.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
|May 1, 1989
Summary
The computerized Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Profile improved specific antibody testing follow-up from 27% to 70% and reduced unnecessary tests by 11% to 1.6%, saving $12,000 annually.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Profile was developed to streamline specific antibody testing.
- Computerization aimed to improve follow-up testing and reduce unnecessary investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the computerized ANA Profile reporting system.
- Assessed improvements in follow-up testing and reduction in unnecessary tests.
Main Methods:
- Compared ordering practices during two two-week periods in 1984 and 1988.
- Analyzed rates of specific antibody testing on positive and negative/low-titer ANA sera.
Main Results:
- Follow-up testing on positive sera increased from 27% to 70%.
- Unnecessary specific antibody testing on ANA-negative or low-titer sera decreased from 11% to 1.6%.
- Estimated annual savings of $12,000 (in 1988 dollars) from reduced unnecessary testing.
Conclusions:
- The computerized ANA Profile system has been partially successful in its intended purposes.
- Demonstrated improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in autoimmune antibody testing.