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Postgrad Med J 2008;84:618-621 doi:10.1136/pgmj.2008.072579
  • Faculty matters

The unbearable lightness of diagnostic testing: time to contain inappropriate test ordering

  1. A Schattner
  1. Department of Medicine, Kaplan Medical Centre, Rehovot, Israel and The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
  1. Professor A Schattner, Department of Medicine, Kaplan Medical Centre, POB 1, Rehovot 76100, Israel; amiMD{at}clalit.org.il
  • Received 23 June 2008
  • Accepted 23 October 2008

Abstract

The numbers of tests, imaging and diagnostic procedures ordered by doctors in primary care and hospital settings alike are rising. According to established guidelines, many of these tests may be unnecessary. Various non-clinical factors often underlie test ordering, and multiple prevalent problems associated with tests and their interpretation are often under-appreciated. These include the significant potential for cascades of further testing and patient harm. Multifaceted strategies may improve test-ordering behaviour. Brief reconsideration of several points by the clinician before ordering the test is advisable.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

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