1270. Are HIV-Related Diagnostics Excessively Ordered? A Pilot Intervention Study to Improve Test Use in the Inpatient Setting

BACKGROUND: Excessive ordering of HIV-related laboratory tests (CD4 counts, HIV RNA levels, and HIV genotypes) may result in increased healthcare costs, unneeded interventions (e.g., response to low CD4 in acute illness), and patient anxiety. Recent data have evaluated methods to reduce excessive testing in outpatients, but there are limited data in the inpatient setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if implementation of a pharmacist-driven intervention protocol based on published guidelines improved utilization of HIV-related diagnostics in the inpatient setting. METHODS: A pre-interventional study performed on HIV diagnostics usage over a 1-year period, followed by a 3-month post-interventional study at a large academic medical center to evaluate and improve HIV test ordering. Patients were included if ≥18 years old with suspected or documented HIV infection and CD4 count, HIV RNA level, or HIV genotype ordered. A pharmacist-driven intervention was undertaken in which ordered tests were evaluated and canceled if deemed inappropriate per pre-specified criteria based on CDC and DHHS guidelines, and clinicians were provided education on appropriate ordering. Results were tabulated and presented as descriptive statistics, and financial data were calculated based on in-hospital costs. RESULTS: In the pre-intervention arm, 87% (296/341) of total tests ordered did not meet criteria for appropriate ordering (160 unneeded CD4 counts, 126 RNA levels, and 10 genotypes). These tests resulted in excessive financial burden of $24,600. Post-intervention, 63% (32/51) of HIV-related tests were canceled netting an initial savings of $2,700. Most common cancelation reason was recent outpatient laboratories readily available. Post-intervention, HIV-related testing decreased over time, likely due to the intervention audit and feedback provided to clinicians. CONCLUSION: A pharmacist-driven intervention reduced the number of unnecessary HIV-associated tests by 63% and offered significant cost savings. These data suggest the importance of evaluating the appropriateness of HIV-related diagnostic testing in the inpatient setting to improve test usage and reduce excessive healthcare costs. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.