Lab Tests: Improving Care For Millions Of Patients

December 2022

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Millions of Americans benefit from laboratory services each day. This infographic quantifies the link between laboratory tests and improved outcomes. HIDA supports legislation which would prevent cuts of up to 15% that are scheduled to go into effect in 2023 for many common laboratory diagnostic services.

Lab Tested

Lab By The Numbers

7 Billion

Lab Tests Performed Annually

70 Percent
Of Medical Decisions Depend On Lab Test Results

Linking Lab Tests With Patient Outcomes

Cancer

Cancer diagnosis
  • In 2022, there will be an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 609,360 cancer deaths in the United States.
  • Early detection of cancer saves lives, lowers treatment costs and increases quality of life for patients and their families.
  • Blood tests for cancer include: complete blood count (CBC) tests, tumor markers, blood protein testing, and circulating tumor cell tests.

A1C

Hand pinprick test
  • Over 37 million living with diabetes in the United States — about 1 in 10 Americans.
  • Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.
  • A1C is a key measure of a patient’s average blood sugar levels.
  • Helps diagnose and manage prediabetes as well as diabetes.

Cholesterol

Heart and cholesterol
  • About two-thirds of U.S. adults say they have had their cholesterol checked within the last 5 years.
  • Following up a cardiac event with a statin prescription and cholesterol measuring blood test prevents 94 percent of patients from having a second cardiovascular event during the next 3 years.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, NIH National Library of Medicine, CDC, American Clinical Laboratory Association, Prevent Cancer Foundation