Effective Test Utilization

The right test to the right patient at the right time

ASCP champions efforts to bring the right test to the right patient at the right time under its effective test utilization best practices campaign (formerly Choosing Wisely).

When the ABIM Foundation launched its historic Choosing Wisely campaign in 2012, ASCP joined in the efforts in addressing the issue of the over-utilization of testing across different areas of healthcare. ASCP helped spark conversations between clinicians and patients about what tests, treatments, and procedures are needed. 

With Choosing Wisely discontinued, ASCP continues to accept and vet new recommendations under the effective test utilization best practices campaign. This campaign also looks at the implementation of practical tools and programs that laboratories around the country can use in their own test utilization initiatives.

ASCP holds an annual call for recommendations for best practices in effective test utilization, under the leadership of the ASCP Center for Quality and Patient Safety.

Take Action, Raise Awareness

ASCP’s Effective Test Utilization Best Practices (formerly Choosing Wisely) is designed to help raise public awareness and garner support around appropriate test utilization. ASCP encourages you to explore and share the resources, read articles, and download the PDF guides, posters, and handouts as you communicate the mission of effective test utilization with patients and colleagues in our community. 

Quick Ways to Take Action

  • Share the recommendations at your next staff meeting. Build awareness among your team about the importance of Effective Test Utilization.
  • Volunteer 30-60 minutes per year spreading the message with others.

Impact Effective Test Utilization: Submit Recommendations

ASCP seeks input regarding recommendations from pathologists and laboratory professionals.

The ASCP lists are developed under the leadership of the ASCP Center for Quality and Patient Safety. This committee is composed of subject matter and test utilization experts across the fields of pathology and laboratory medicine.

The laboratory test recommendations are selected because they meet the following criteria:

  • They are frequently performed tests
  • There is evidence that the test either offers no benefit or is harmful (either entirely or in specific clinical situations)
  • The test is costly, and it does not provide higher quality care
  • Eliminating the test or changing to another test is within the control of the clinician

Implementation of recommendations should result in higher quality care, lower costs, and a more effective use of laboratory resources and personnel. We are looking for recommendations across the spectrum of laboratory medicine. We are particularly interested in expanding our recommendations related to anatomic pathology.

Call for recommendations

ASCP is accepting nominations from pathologists and laboratory professionals of tests that you believe should be considered for inclusion in ASCP’s Effective Test Utilization Best Practices initiative. The ASCP lists of tests that should be questioned are developed under the leadership of the ASCP Center for Quality and Patient Safety. The deadline for submissions is April 18, 2025. For a list of criteria and a more detailed description, click here.

To submit your recommendations and supporting documentation, please email Liz Jackson at liz.jackson@ascp.org.

Resources