Laboratory Effectiveness: Clinical Laboratory Utilization (Online CE Course)

(based on 216 customer ratings)

Author: Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MLS, SC
Reviewers: Dina N. Greene, PhD, DABCC and Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

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Includes 190 CE courses, most popular
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In this course we define laboratory utilization and look at ways that the entire laboratory team can contribute to the laboratories utilization goals. Possible solutions to common utilization challenges are explored. Structuring a laboratory utilization team is discussed along with ways that laboratory professions can help guide clinicians to prevent misuse of laboratory services.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2025
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - Supervision/Administration, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, and Safety: 1 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2025

Objectives

  • Define laboratory utilization or lab stewardship and its overall goals.
  • Discuss the scope of practice for the laboratory professional in a utilization management role.
  • List issues and potential solutions concerning major problem areas, including outside (referred) lab testing, obsolete tests or tests of limited value, overbundled tests, stat tests, frequency of testing, tests that should be restricted, and genetic testing.
  • Describe the structure of a laboratory utilization team.
  • Discuss ways in which the laboratory can help clinicians avoid underuse, overuse, and misuse of clinical laboratory services.

Customer Ratings

(based on 216 customer ratings)

Course Outline

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Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This course targets laboratory professionals who act in an administrative capacity or would like to increase their knowledge regarding laboratory administrative issues. It is also appropriate for medical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MLS, SC,  is the Northwest chemistry, toxicology, immunology, and POC director for Kaiser Permanente. He also teaches pharmacology, clinical chemistry, immunology, and medicinal chemistry at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Foley earned his PhD in clinical pharmacology and toxicology at East Carolina School of Medicine in North Carolina. His research areas include cardiovascular risk and inflammation markers as well as the neuropharmacology of amphetamine-like compounds. He is a frequent contributor to several clinical laboratory publications and is active in the American Association of Clinical Chemistry.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Dr. Dina Greene is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Emory University and completed the Clinical Chemistry Fellowship Program at the University of Utah. Her career has included directorship positions at Kaiser Permanente (Northern California and Washington regions) and University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters related to clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine and has a particular interest in how sex and gender influence healthcare.
Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 190 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
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Figure 7. Laboratory report card