A STRATEGY TO PROMOTE THE RATIONAL USE OF LABORATORY TESTS

These guidelines suggest how clinical chemists may promote rational la boratory use by critically evaluating the tests they offer. This maybe done by documenting the clinical uses and limitations of tests in the same way that properly written up method descriptions outline analyti cal procedures in a particular laboratory. This information can then b e promoted on result report forms, in discussion or through investigat ional protocols or clinical guidelines. For these to be of value they should be the result of clinical and laboratory input reflecting the l ocal practice and facilities. They should be clearly written, easily a ccessible to the users and updated whenever there is a change of metho dology or clinical practice. Much can be achieved by applying common s ense to common knowledge and laboratories of all sizes can prepare the ir own material. However, national scientific societies and other prof essional organisations can assist local endeavour by avoiding and diss eminating educational material on test evaluation, selection and use.