Decoding laboratory test names: a major challenge to appropriate patient care.
Passiment E, Meisel JL, Fontanesi J, et al. Decoding laboratory test names: a major challenge to appropriate patient care. J Gen Intern Med. 2013;28(3):453-8. doi:10.1007/s11606-012-2253-8.
This commentary identifies the lack of standardized abbreviations for common laboratory tests as a potential patient safety threat, as clinicians may inadvertently order incorrect or duplicative tests. A prior study found a significant incidence of incorrect test ordering, despite use of a computerized provider order entry system.