Reducing Unnecessary Laboratory Testing: A Quality Improvement Initiative at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center.

Objectives: The healthcare industry is grappling with escalating expenses, partially attributed to the inefficient use of medical resources, particularly by ordering unnecessary laboratory tests. Such practices not only increase costs but also result in extended hospital stays, patient discomfort, and potential clinical complications such as iatrogenic anemia. Blood tests, although essential for guiding medical decisions, are associated with significant clinical and financial costs.