Analyzing the Top 25 Laboratory Tests in the United States: Volume and Revenue Insights

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • The top 25 laboratory tests in the United States by volume and revenue provide valuable insights into the healthcare industry.
  • Understanding the trends in laboratory tests can help hospitals and healthcare facilities optimize their supply and equipment management processes.
  • By focusing on the most commonly performed tests, healthcare organizations can streamline their operations and improve patient care.

Introduction

Laboratory tests play a crucial role in modern healthcare, providing valuable information for diagnosing and treating patients. In the United States, there are thousands of different laboratory tests available, each serving a specific purpose. However, some tests are performed more frequently than others, both in terms of volume and revenue. By analyzing the top 25 laboratory tests by volume and revenue, hospitals and healthcare facilities can gain valuable insights into industry trends and optimize their supply and equipment management processes.

Top 25 Laboratory Tests by Volume and Revenue

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  1. Volume: CBC is one of the most commonly performed tests in the United States, with millions of tests conducted each year.
  2. Revenue: While the individual cost of a CBC is relatively low, the high volume of tests performed results in significant revenue for healthcare facilities.
  3. Importance: CBC provides valuable information about a patient's overall health, including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count.

2. Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

  1. Volume: BMP is another widely performed test, providing information about a patient's electrolyte levels, kidney function, and glucose levels.
  2. Revenue: The relatively low cost of a BMP test is offset by the high volume of tests conducted, resulting in substantial revenue for healthcare organizations.
  3. Importance: BMP is essential for monitoring patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

3. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

  1. Volume: CMP is a more extensive version of the BMP, including additional tests such as liver function tests and protein levels.
  2. Revenue: Despite its higher cost compared to BMP, CMP is still a commonly performed test, generating significant revenue for healthcare facilities.
  3. Importance: CMP provides a comprehensive overview of a patient's metabolic health, helping Healthcare Providers assess overall wellness.

4. Lipid Panel

  1. Volume: Lipid panel tests are performed routinely to assess a patient's cholesterol levels and risk of cardiovascular disease.
  2. Revenue: While lipid panel tests may not be as high in volume as other tests, they are crucial for preventative care and generating revenue for healthcare facilities.
  3. Importance: Monitoring lipid levels is essential for managing heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.

5. Urinalysis

  1. Volume: Urinalysis is a commonly performed test that provides valuable information about kidney function, urinary tract infections, and other health conditions.
  2. Revenue: While the cost of a urinalysis is relatively low, the high volume of tests conducted makes it a significant revenue generator for healthcare facilities.
  3. Importance: Urinalysis plays a crucial role in diagnosing various health conditions and monitoring overall wellness.

6. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

  1. Volume: TSH tests are frequently performed to assess thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of TSH tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare organizations.
  3. Importance: Monitoring TSH levels is crucial for managing thyroid health and overall well-being.

7. Hemoglobin A1c

  1. Volume: Hemoglobin A1c tests are essential for monitoring blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes and assessing long-term glucose control.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of Hemoglobin A1c tests conducted contributes to significant revenue for healthcare facilities.
  3. Importance: Regular monitoring of Hemoglobin A1c levels is crucial for managing diabetes and preventing complications.

8. Cultures (Blood, Urine, etc.)

  1. Volume: Cultures are performed to identify and diagnose infections, with blood and urine cultures being among the most common types.
  2. Revenue: While the cost of cultures may vary, the high volume of tests conducted makes them a key revenue source for healthcare organizations.
  3. Importance: Cultures play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating infections, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy.

9. Electrolyte Panel

  1. Volume: Electrolyte panels provide information about the body's electrolyte levels, helping Healthcare Providers assess overall health and hydration status.
  2. Revenue: Despite the relatively low cost of an electrolyte panel, the high volume of tests conducted contributes to significant revenue for healthcare facilities.
  3. Importance: Monitoring electrolyte levels is essential for preventing dehydration and maintaining proper bodily function.

10. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

  1. Volume: LFTs are commonly performed to assess liver health and function, with tests such as ALT, AST, and bilirubin included in the panel.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of LFTs conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare facilities, especially for patients with liver disease.
  3. Importance: Monitoring liver function is crucial for managing liver disease, assessing medication side effects, and overall health.

11. Pregnancy Test

  1. Volume: Pregnancy tests are frequently performed to confirm pregnancy and guide prenatal care for expectant mothers.
  2. Revenue: While the cost of a pregnancy test is relatively low, the high volume of tests conducted contributes to substantial revenue for healthcare organizations.
  3. Importance: Confirming pregnancy early on is essential for providing appropriate care and support for expectant mothers.

12. Prothrombin Time (PT) / International Normalized Ratio (INR)

  1. Volume: PT/INR tests are essential for monitoring blood clotting and assessing the effectiveness of Anticoagulant therapy.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of PT/INR tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare facilities, especially for patients on anticoagulants.
  3. Importance: Monitoring PT/INR levels is crucial for managing blood Clotting Disorders and preventing complications.

13. Creatinine

  1. Volume: Creatinine tests are performed to assess kidney function and monitor patients with kidney disease or other health conditions.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of creatinine tests conducted contributes to significant revenue for healthcare facilities, especially in the management of chronic kidney disease.
  3. Importance: Monitoring creatinine levels is essential for assessing kidney health and overall renal function.

14. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

  1. Volume: CRP tests are essential for assessing inflammation in the body and monitoring patients with inflammatory conditions.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of CRP tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare organizations, particularly for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
  3. Importance: Monitoring CRP levels is crucial for assessing disease activity, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring overall health.

15. Fasting Glucose

  1. Volume: Fasting glucose tests are performed to assess blood sugar levels in patients and diagnose conditions such as diabetes.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of Fasting glucose tests conducted contributes to substantial revenue for healthcare facilities, especially in the management of diabetes.
  3. Importance: Early detection of abnormal glucose levels is crucial for managing diabetes and preventing complications such as heart disease and nerve damage.

16. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

  1. Volume: PSA tests are frequently performed to screen for prostate cancer in men and assess disease progression.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of PSA tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare facilities, particularly in men's health.
  3. Importance: Monitoring PSA levels is essential for early detection of prostate cancer and guiding treatment decisions for patients.

17. Vitamin D

  1. Volume: Vitamin D tests are essential for assessing vitamin D levels in patients and diagnosing deficiencies.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of vitamin D tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare organizations, especially for patients at risk of deficiency.
  3. Importance: Monitoring vitamin D levels is crucial for maintaining bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.

18. Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

  1. Volume: RF tests are essential for diagnosing Autoimmune Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and monitoring disease activity.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of RF tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare facilities, particularly in the management of autoimmune conditions.
  3. Importance: Monitoring RF levels is crucial for assessing disease progression, guiding treatment decisions, and improving patient outcomes.

19. Vitamin B12

  1. Volume: Vitamin B12 tests are essential for assessing vitamin B12 levels in patients and diagnosing deficiencies.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of B12 tests conducted contributes to significant revenue for healthcare facilities, especially for patients at risk of deficiency.
  3. Importance: Monitoring vitamin B12 levels is crucial for maintaining nerve health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

20. Stool Culture

  1. Volume: Stool cultures are performed to identify and diagnose infections, gastrointestinal conditions, and other health issues.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of stool cultures conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare organizations, particularly for patients with gastrointestinal disorders.
  3. Importance: Stool cultures play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal infections, guiding appropriate therapy and improving patient outcomes.

21. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

  1. Volume: hCG tests are essential for confirming pregnancy, monitoring fetal development, and diagnosing pregnancy-related complications.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of hCG tests conducted contributes to substantial revenue for healthcare facilities, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology.
  3. Importance: Monitoring hCG levels is crucial for assessing pregnancy health, guiding prenatal care, and ensuring maternal and fetal well-being.

22. Amylase/Lipase

  1. Volume: Amylase and lipase tests are performed to assess pancreatic health and diagnose conditions such as pancreatitis.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of amylase and lipase tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare facilities, particularly in the management of pancreatic disorders.
  3. Importance: Monitoring amylase and lipase levels is crucial for assessing pancreatic function, diagnosing pancreatitis, and guiding treatment decisions for patients.

23. Iron Studies

  1. Volume: Iron studies are essential for assessing iron levels in the body, diagnosing anemia, and monitoring patients with iron deficiencies.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of iron studies conducted contributes to significant revenue for healthcare facilities, especially in managing anemia and iron overload conditions.
  3. Importance: Monitoring iron levels is crucial for maintaining red blood cell production, energy levels, and overall health.

24. B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

  1. Volume: BNP tests are essential for assessing heart function, diagnosing heart failure, and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.
  2. Revenue: The high volume of BNP tests conducted makes them a significant revenue source for healthcare organizations, particularly in cardiology.
  3. Importance: Monitoring BNP levels is crucial for assessing heart health, guiding treatment decisions, and improving patient outcomes in cardiovascular care.

25. Blood Type

  1. Volume: Blood type tests are performed to determine a patient's blood group, Rh factor, and compatibility for blood transfusions.
  2. Revenue: While the cost of a blood type test is relatively low, the high volume of tests conducted contributes to significant revenue for healthcare facilities, especially in blood banking.
  3. Importance: Blood type testing is crucial for ensuring safe and compatible blood transfusions, organ transplants, and maternal-fetal medicine.

Conclusion

By analyzing the top 25 laboratory tests by volume and revenue, hospitals and healthcare facilities can gain valuable insights into industry trends and optimize their supply and equipment management processes. Understanding which tests are most commonly performed can help healthcare organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve patient care. By focusing on the most frequently ordered tests, hospitals can ensure they have the necessary supplies and equipment in stock to meet patient demand and provide high-quality healthcare services.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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