%0 Journal Article
%@ 1394195X
%A Al-Joudi,, F.S.
%A Wahab, N.A.
%A Nordin, H.
%D 2003
%F myais:873
%I School of Medical Sciences, Kubang Kerian, Universiti Sains Malaysia
%J Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
%K Over-ordering, panel test, individual test, test duplication, chemical pathology
%N 1
%P 46-51
%T Test Ordering Pattern at the Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
%U http://myais.fsktm.um.edu.my/873/
%V 10
%X The utilization of the chemical laboratory resources at the Hospital Sains Malaysia was evaluated. More than 100,000 test requests received and performed over a 12-month period, were analyzed retrospectively. The analysis conducted included the abnormal results obtained, the degree of duplication of tests, and the extent of test-panel ordering. It was found that a relatively moderate degree of over-ordering was evident. The findings suggested that the main reasons for over-ordering were the use of panel tests of ordering, in addition to a small, yet significant degree of duplication. Strategies for cutting down the test ordering have been reviewed and discussed.