Here’s a summary of the key points from the provided text:
Overuse of Laboratory Services: A national project in Norway has found that some regions use significantly more laboratory services than others, particularly in the Health South-East region around Oslo, which utilizes private laboratories more. Potential for Over-Treatment: Overuse of lab services can lead to over-treatment, as even normal variations in test results can prompt further, potentially unnecessary, investigations.
Targeted Testing: The report suggests more targeted testing,focusing on samples relevant to a patient’s specific symptoms.
Resource Management: There’s a focus on using resources wisely, avoiding waste, adn ensuring the greatest health benefit for the population, especially with an aging demographic.
Bioengineer Shortage: there’s a growing scarcity of bioengineers to perform the increasing number of analyses.
Cost Savings: Experts believe that making wiser choices about lab service utilization could save Norway hundreds of millions of NOK (Norwegian Krone).
* Automation: Andreas Matussk suggests that money saved from reducing unnecessary samples could be invested in more automation.
