Optimizing Test Utilization in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory: Tools and Opportunities

Area of Science:

• Clinical Microbiology
• Health Informatics
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Optimal laboratory test utilization is crucial for high-quality patient care and efficient resource allocation.
• Electronic medical records and clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) offer new avenues for automated test stewardship.
• Previous efforts focused on manual interventions for appropriate laboratory test ordering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of implementing a CDST to reduce stool microbiology testing in hospitalized patients.
• To assess the effectiveness of automated protocols in optimizing laboratory test utilization.
• To quantify the cost savings associated with reduced unnecessary testing.

Main Methods:

• A CDST was implemented to restrict stool microbiology orders for patients hospitalized longer than 3 days.
• The study compared test ordering patterns before and after the intervention.
• Data on test orders and associated laboratory costs were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The intervention led to a significant decrease in unnecessary stool microbiology test orders.
• The laboratory achieved cost savings exceeding $8,000 over an 11-month period post-intervention.
• The study demonstrated the feasibility of automated stewardship in a clinical microbiology setting.

Conclusions:

• Automated clinical decision support tools are effective in optimizing laboratory test utilization.
• Implementing such tools can lead to substantial cost savings for healthcare laboratories.
• Clinical microbiologists can leverage electronic tools to enhance test stewardship and improve healthcare efficiency.