Enhancing the Clinical Value of Medical Laboratory Testing.

The value of medical laboratory testing is often directed to the cost of testing however the clinical benefits of these tests are at least as important. Laboratory testing has an acknowledged widespread role in clinical decision making, and therefore a role in determining clinical outcome. Consequently, the value of laboratory testing should be considered in its role in affecting beneficial actions and outcomes. This includes both the requesting phase of choosing tests which will influence clinical decision making as well as the reporting phase in a way that guides clinical decisions and actions. Clinical decision support systems and software can enhance the value of medical laboratory testing if they are directed toward facilitating those clinical decisions where there is either evidence, or agreed consensus, addressing patient outcomes.