Frequency of laboratory test utilization in the intensive care unit and its implications for large scale data collection efforts

Abstract

Mapping of local use names to standardized naming schemas such as LOINC" micro is a time consuming and difficult task when done retrospectively or during the configuration of new information systems. We found that a relatively small number of tests and profiles (106 to 205) represent 99% of all testing done in 3 ICUs studied. In addition, all of the lab studies needed for the most commonly used ICU scoring systems fell into the top 23 lab studies and profiles performed in each ICU studied. We have identified a subset of the LOINC database which, because of their frequency of use, should be the focus of efforts to bring naming uniformity to ICU information systems.