Test volume data for 51 most commonly ordered laboratory tests in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Area of Science:

• Laboratory Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Understanding laboratory test utilization is crucial for healthcare resource allocation.
• Previous research has estimated the costs associated with common laboratory tests in Canada.
• This study focuses on the volume of laboratory tests ordered in a specific Canadian region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and rank the top 51 most frequently ordered laboratory tests in Calgary and surrounding areas.
• To provide a data set for laboratory test ordering patterns in different healthcare settings.
• To serve as a companion to research on the estimated costs of these common tests.

Main Methods:

• Data extracted from Calgary Laboratory Service's Laboratory Information System for January to December 2017.
• Analysis included laboratory tests from community, inpatient, and emergency encounters.
• Exclusion of non-laboratory test order mnemonics to ensure data accuracy.

Main Results:

• The complete blood count was the most ordered laboratory test across all three encounter types.
• A total of 15,231,086 laboratory test orders were analyzed.
• Data encompasses 51 distinct laboratory tests ordered in the specified region and timeframe.

Conclusions:

• The complete blood count is a fundamental and highly utilized diagnostic tool in clinical practice.
• This data provides valuable insights into laboratory test ordering trends in Alberta.
• The findings support further investigation into the cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of frequently ordered tests.