Abstract

FARES TAIE, Hernán; ROBIN MARTIN, Ana Carolina; SANTANATOGLIA, Sandra  and  GENTILI, Patricia. Guidelines for a mose efficient use of clinical laboratory data. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2005, vol.39, n.3, pp.329-339. ISSN 0325-2957.

The fast advances in clinical chemistry over the last years, together with the most up-dated technological resources and means of communication have generated a great volume of information that cannot be correctly organized in time for its use and interpretation, affecting its cost-effectiveness. Guidelines aimed at improving the efficiency in the use and interpretation of data in the clinical laboratory, have been established through a Continuous Quality Improvement System applicable to all tests, which will enable professionals to reach the best medical decisions. The guidelines consist of 5 steps: 1) Standardization of the use of tests according to six categories, i.e., screening, diagnosis, evaluation and prognosis, therapy monitoring, relapse and basic research; 2) standardization of laboratory reports; 3) generation of standardized, easily accessible bibliography; 4) standardized scientific publications and; 5) evaluation of the impact of laboratory results on medical decisions. The implementation of these guidelines will facilitate the efforts towards a better use and improvement of lab data, as well as towards a balance in the cost-benefit ratio - a crucial aspect in countries with less developed health care systems.

Keywords : guidelines; efficiency; effectiveness; clinical uses; quality; interference.

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