Sensible economies: Demand management in blood science laboratories

Primum non nocere: Demand management in pathology and preventing harm

“…The largest volume tests are those in common profiles-full blood counts; renal and liver profiles; inflammation tests (C-reactive protein) and glucose metabolism. 18,19 Most are used in monitoring rather than in initial diagnosis. Simplifying profiles helps address this and saves some money on reagents.…”

“…For laboratories run times are one of the few variables that can be addressed to improve turnaround times—a key metric for managers in laboratory productivity. The largest volume tests are those in common profiles— full blood counts; renal and liver profiles; inflammation tests (C‐reactive protein) and glucose metabolism . Most are used in monitoring rather than in initial diagnosis.…”

Demand management of weekend haematology and clinical biochemistry requests

“…However, the easy availability of electronic ordering and a culture of generating information mean that over‐use of laboratory tests is an increasing and long recognised problem . Many health systems have now begun to introduce demand management to try to optimise intra‐laboratory resource use but also to improve patient safety and experience as phlebotomy is not without adverse consequences . Laboratory staffing and specialist assay availability tend to be reduced at weekends as does the availability of senior staff.…”

“…1 Many health systems have now begun to introduce demand management to try to optimise intra-laboratory resource use but also to improve patient safety and experience as phlebotomy is not without adverse consequences. [1][2][3] Laboratory staffing and specialist assay availability tend to be reduced at weekends as does the availability of senior staff. Yet there are increasing demands to expand laboratory services at these times.…”