[A model for estimation of productivity and costs at a deparment of histopathology]

Two cost calculation models were used. The "top down" model calculated an average cost of all investigations; this proved suitable for the calculation of the costs of autopsies and electron microscopical specimens. The "bottom up" model calculated the cost of an individual investigation, depending on the resources used in handling each particular specimen; it was necessary to adopt this model for specimens sent for microscopy. Information about the type of specimen and technical details were registered in a computer system. Production was registered in points and the costs were distributed between the clinical departments. The study showed that the cost of the histological specimens varied considerably depending on the material received from the clinical departments. A model using points for technical details in a department of cyto- and histopathology is suitable for calculating production and cost.