What percentage of health care decisions involve laboratory testing?

Laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the healthcare decision-making process, providing essential data that informs diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. The statistic that an estimated 70% of health care decisions involve laboratory testing highlights the significant reliance of healthcare providers on laboratory results.

Laboratory tests can confirm or rule out conditions, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment efficacy. Due to the vast array of tests available, from blood tests to cultures and imaging studies, these laboratory results often serve as foundational pieces of information in formulating a patient's care plan. The figure of 70% captures the extensive integration of laboratory services into everyday clinical practice, illustrating their importance in ensuring safety and improving patient outcomes.

Understanding this figure is vital for anyone in the medical laboratory profession, as it underscores the critical impact that their work has on patient care and the broader healthcare system.