Most common lab tests by procedure volume for different lab categories

What are the most common lab tests?

Pathology and laboratory tests lay a critical role in healthcare by aiding in disease diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and guiding patient management. They provide information that helps healthcare professionals make accurate diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. The data captured from laboratory claims also provides in-depth visibility into the lab order behavior of physicians.

Most common chemistry lab test

Chemical assay procedures, or chemistry lab tests, represented 34.45% of all lab test procedures in 2023.

The hemoglobin glycosylated A1c test (CPT 83036) was the most common chemistry lab test, with 9.68% of total chemistry procedures. It’s used to measure average blood glucose levels over time, typically reflecting a span of two to three months. This test is commonly used for monitoring and managing diabetes and provides information about long-term blood sugar control.

Most common microbiology lab test

Microbiology lab tests represented 15.78% of all lab test procedures in 2023.

The immunoassay with direct optical observation for streptococcus group A (CPT 87880) was the top microbiology lab test, with 8.47% of total microbiology procedures. This test is used to detect the presence of the streptococcus A bacteria in a patient’s respiratory specimen, such as a nasal or throat swab. It helps providers diagnose and monitor streptococcus infections like impetigo, scarlet fever, and strep throat.

Most common organ or disease-oriented panels

Organ and disease panels represented 14.28% of all lab test procedures in 2023.

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CPT 80053), or CMP, was the top organ and disease-oriented panel lab test, with 45.61% of total organ/disease panel procedures. This blood test provides a broad assessment of a patient’s overall metabolic health and organ function. A CMP typically includes a combination of tests to measure various components such as glucose, electrolytes, kidney function markers (such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), liver function markers (such as alanine aminotransferase and albumin), and other metabolic indicators. Providers often order a CMP as a routine screening test or to evaluate overall health status, monitor chronic conditions, or assess medication side effects.

Most common hematology and coagulation lab test

Hematology and coagulation lab tests represented 13.85% of all lab test procedures in 2023.

The complete blood count with automated differential white blood cell count (CPT 85025) was the most common hematology and coagulation lab test, with 50.77% of total procedures. It’s a blood test that offers comprehensive information about the different types of blood cells in a patient’s sample. The test measures various parameters, including:

• Hemoglobin: Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
• Hematocrit: Determines the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume.
• Red blood cell count: Quantifies the number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood.
• White blood cell count: Determines the total number of white blood cells in the blood sample.
• Platelet count: Measures the number of platelets responsible for blood clotting.

This information helps in evaluating the immune system and detecting any abnormalities or infections. It’s a crucial tool for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of conditions, including infections, anemia, inflammatory disorders, and certain blood cancers. It also provides insights into a patient’s overall blood health.

Most common coronavirus diagnostic panel

Urinalysis diagnostic panels represented 5.38% of all lab test procedures in 2023.

The complete urinalysis with microscopic examination and reflex to urine culture (CPT 81001) was the most popular urinalysis diagnostic panel, with 35.78% of procedures. This test uses a dipstick or tablet reagent to detect substances or cellular materials in urine that might indicate certain metabolic and kidney disorders, including urinary tract infections.

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