Evaluation of conformity to minimum retesting interval recommendations in chemical pathology tests

There is evidence that a sizable proportion of repeated laboratory tests are inappropriate or unnecessary, which could potentially contribute to cost burden and affect the efficiency of lean economics within a laboratory. Data on unnecessary retesting (UR) in the local setting have not been established and the applicability of the international established guideline on minimum retesting intervals in our local practice has not been studied. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of UR, its cost impact, and its association with ordering location and clinical significance of change in repeated test results at an academic medical facility.