Ensuring appropriate use of laboratory tests

Concerns about the efficient use of health resources following the COVID-19 pandemic are fueling an increased interest in appropriate laboratory test use. This involves ensuring that patients in need of laboratory testing can access it in a timely manner, but also that inappropriate tests, including duplicates of the same test, are not being issued. This rapid response aims to examine approaches that have been used to ensure the appropriate use of laboratory testing described in the literature, and in select countries and Canadian provinces.