Using pathology-specific laboratory profiles in clinical pathology to reduce inappropriate test requesting: two completed audit cycles.

Background: Systematic reviews have shown that, although well prepared, the Consensus Guidelines have failed to change clinical practice. In the healthcare district of Castelnovo né Monti (Reggio Emilia, Italy), it became necessary for the GPs and Clinical Pathologists to work together to jointly define laboratory profiles.

Methods: Observational study with two cycles of retrospective audit on test request forms, in a primary care setting.