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A simple, focused, computerized query to detect overutilization of laboratory tests.

CONTEXT
Although there is nearly universal agreement that laboratory tests are overutilized, the degree of overutilization in a given institution is difficult to quantify and monitor across time.


OBJECTIVE
To detect and clearly document repetitive daily ordering of a commonly ordered laboratory test (serum sodium) by employing a simple, focused, computerized query of a test result database followed by chart review and validation.


DESIGN
A retrospective computerized query of our clinical data repository was performed to find inpatients who displayed normal serum sodium test results on 4 or more consecutive days, without any abnormal values during the same admission. The search was limited to a 1-month period. A subset of these patients was selected for chart review.


RESULTS
One hundred sixteen patients met our criteria, and the tests ordered for those patients comprised 5.1% of the monthly volume of serum sodium tests ordered in our institution. Chart review revealed a consistent lack of documentation of medical necessity for repeat testing as well as persistence of repeat serum sodium orders until the end of the patients' hospital course.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that a focused query of data derived from a clinical data repository can detect and document overutilization of a common laboratory test in a convincing fashion within a given institution.