Reminders for Redundant Tests: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

We performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the effect of giving providers reminders about apparently redundant clinical laboratory tests at the time of ordering. During the four-month study period, 939 apparently redundant lab tests were ordered. Tests were canceled in response to reminders 69% of the time. Of overrides, 41% were justified. In the intervention group, 27% of the redundant tests ordered were performed, compared to 51% in the control group (p < 0.001).