Mathematical and computer assisted procedures in clinical decision making.

Numerous mathematical and computer assisted procedures have been developed and tested as aids in clinical decision making. With pressures to curtail unnecessary utilization of diagnostic tests, these models may play an increasingly important role. In practice, additional data may benefit the construction of mathematical models but may not necessarily benefit clinicians. With improvements in computer technology, laboratory medicine is in a strategic position to influence the direction of diagnostic testing and clinical decisions in a more cost effective manner.