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Evidence Bundles

Evidence for Optimizing the Use of Lab Tests

Whether you’re a clinician deciding which test to order for your patient, a laboratory professional, or a policy-maker seeking credible information, here you can find independent evidence on medical laboratory tests to help you in your role.

We've selected the following materials to get you started:

In Brief: Genome-Wide Sequencing for Unexplained Developmental Delays and Multiple Congenital Anomalies (Tool, January 2020)
An Overview of Liquid Biopsy for Screening and Early Detection of Cancer (Issues in Emerging Health Technologies, November 2019)
In Brief: Human Papillomavirus Testing for Primary Cervical Cancer Screening (Summary, July 2019)
Non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping: A Rapid Qualitative Review (Summary With Critical Appraisal, June 2019)
HPV Testing for Primary Cervical Cancer Screening (Optimal Use Project, April 2019)
Point-of-Care INR Testing Compared With Lab INR Testing: What Does the Evidence Say? (Tool, April 2015)
An at-a-glance tool that outlines the different ways POC INR testing can be used to monitor INR compared with standard laboratory testing.

Chemistry

Cytology

Hematology

Microbiology

Molecular Diagnostics

Pathology

Urinalysis

Virology

Tools and Resources

Evidence Highlights: HPV Testing for Primary Cervical Cancer Screening
Highlights from the CADTH Optimal Use project that assessed the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, patients’ perspectives and experiences, ethical considerations, and implementation issues associated with HPV testing for primary cervical cancer screening.

(Tools, October 7, 2019)
Point-of-Care Testing: Summary of Evidence
A summary of the reports CADTH has produced on the topic of telehealth.

(Tools, November 16, 2017)
Culturing Change in Lab Testing: A Summary of Results from Cross-Canada Events

A report describing CADTH's cross-Canada series of local events on lab test optimization.

(PDF, December 8, 2015)
Webinar: Culturing Change in Lab Testing

CADTH hosted a webinar on December 1, 2014 where Dr. David Kinniburgh (University of Calgary) and Dr. Sherry Perkins (The Ottawa Hospital) discussed the need for lab test optimization in Canada and gave specific examples of recent efforts and successes.

(External, December 8, 2015)
Webinar: Laboratory Utilization: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Strategies

Dr. Chris Naugler presents results of a survey of Alberta family physicians on knowledge of and barriers to managing lab test utilization. Dr. Roger Thomas presents results of two recent systematic reviews of primary care laboratory utilization management interventions.

(External, December 8, 2015)
Webinar: Urine Culture & Sensitivity Analysis: A Burning Question in Long-Term Care

Experts from the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region and University of Manitoba explore the value of ordering urine culture and sensitivity tests among asymptomatic residents in long-term care facilities.

(External, December 8, 2015)
Point-of-Care INR Testing Compared with Lab INR Testing: What Does the Evidence Say?
(Optimal Use, April 8, 2015)
Presentation Slides on Optimal Use of Lab Tests
Presentation slides from the 2013 CADTH Symposium. A panel of experts spoke on optimal use of lab tests — the objective was to engage in substantive discussion regarding past, current, and future laboratory test decisions and how HTA agencies can help jurisdictions increase the quality

(Resources, March 28, 2015)
Webinar: Optimizing the Utilization of Laboratory Tests
On November 29th, 2013, CADTH hosted a webinar on lab testing. The webinar presenters were Phillip Morehouse, Director, Performance Excellence, Cape Breton District Health Authority, Nova Scotia, and Sumeet Singh, Director, Rapid Response and Health Technology Assessment, CADTH.

(Resources, March 28, 2015)
Lab Testing: Current Practice Analysis; Context and Implementation Study
A report that presents the findings of a study investigating current laboratory test ordering practices in Canada, including perceived barriers and opportunities to optimizing lab testing from the perspective of family physicians, internists, and nurse practitioners.

(Tools, November 1, 2014)

Other Reports