Due to the large increase in the number and complexity of clinical laboratory tests, optimal use of laboratory testing services has presented many challenges. The Clinical Laboratory Integration into Healthcare Collaborative (CLIHC) TM, composed of expert physicians and laboratory professionals, and supported by the Division of Laboratory Programs, Standards and Services at CDC, is addressing these challenges with several approaches. The session will provide information and tools produced by CLIHCTM initiatives to improve laboratory test utilization, including development of test algorithms and mobile applications for test selection. Participants will learn about physicians challenges in laboratory test selection and result interpretation (http://www.jabfm.org/content/27/2/268.full) as well as gaps in laboratory medicine training in medical schools. Data presented on both topics are based on national surveys conducted by CDCs CLIHCTM program. In this session, tools will be provided to assist in managing clinical laboratory test utilization.

Learning Objectives:

1) Describe the challenges physicians face for laboratory test selection and result interpretation
2) Identify at least three tools that can be used to assist physicians in improving test utilization for better patient care
3) Define the gaps in medical school curricula that could be remedied to improve physicians knowledge of laboratory medicine.