Variation in Laboratory Utilization and Correlation with Hospital Bed Utilization: Experience of a Trauma-Care Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives The present study was planned with the following objectives: (i) to calculate the difference in frequency of laboratory test ordered and use of consumables between the prepandemic and pandemic phases, (ii) to determine and compare the monthly average number of tests ordered per patient between the prepandemic and pandemic phases, and (iii) to correlate the monthly test ordering frequency with the monthly bed occupancy rate in both phases. Materials and Methods Records of laboratory tests ordered and use of consumables were collected for the prepandemic phase (1.8.2019 to 31.3.2020) and the pandemic phase (1.4.2020 to 31.10.2020). The absolute and relative differences were calculated. Monthly average number of tests ordered per patient and bed occupancy rate between prepandemic and pandemic phases was determined, compared, and correlated. Statistical Analysis The absolute and the relative differences between the two periods were calculated. The continuous variables were analyzed between groups using Mann–Whitney U test. Spearman correlation was used to correlate the monthly test ordering frequency with the monthly bed occupancy rate in both phases. Results A total of 946,421 tests were ordered, of which 370,270 (39%) tests were ordered during the pandemic period. There was a decrease in the number of the overall laboratory tests ordered (12%), and in the use of blood collection tubes (34%), and an increase in the consumption of sanitizers (18%), disinfectants (3%), masks (1633%), and gloves (7011%) during the pandemic period. Also, the monthly average number of tests ordered per patients significantly reduced ( p -value < 0.001). Test ordering frequency had strong positive correlation with bed occupancy rate during pandemic (Spearman co-efficient = 0.73, p -value = 0.03). Conclusions An overall decline in laboratory utilization during pandemic period was observed. Understanding and correlating the trends with hospital bed utilization can maximize the productivity of the laboratory and help in better preparedness for the challenges imposed during similar exigencies.