Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Demand management of weekend haematology and clinical biochemistry requests
Tim M Reynolds1, Anthony S Wierzbicki2
1Department of Metabolic Medicine/Chemical Pathology, Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK.
Background:
Increasing demand for laboratory testing at weekends is common but little is known about its appropriateness.
Methods:
An audit was conducted in a large district hospital of routine haematology and clinical biochemistry requests ordered over two weekends. Appropriateness was assessed by review of ordered tests compared with clinical records by a qualified chemical pathologist.
Results:
Profiles requested on phlebotomy included full blood count (76%), renal profile (91%), C-reactive protein (41%), liver function tests (18%) and another test in 18%. Phlebotomy was likely unnecessary in 47.5% of episodes while 60.8% of requested assays were graded probably unnecessary or unnecessary. At ward level the number of requests averaged 37 (median 32; range 2-76) totalling 446 separate profiles or assays. There was no difference in phlebotomy requests by ward (P = 0.19). Differences were observed in ordered tests (P = 0.005) which were caused by one outlier ward with a low request rate.
Conclusions:
A large number of unnecessary common tests seem to be carried out at weekends as part of the routine care. Implementation of demand management through education and if necessary electronic limitation of requests may be useful to control laboratory workloads.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

