Laboratory test costing tool-user manual (2019)

In alignment with Maputo Declaration on Strengthening of Laboratory Systems and the Health 2020 European Policy for health and well-being, the WHO Regional Office for Europe launched the Better Labs for Better Health initiative in 2012. This initiative is an intersectoral approach aimed to improve the quality of laboratory services and it is a principal part of WHO’s efforts to assist Member States to accomplish their commitment under the IHR core capacity implementation. Better Labs for Better Health builds on the premise that sustainable laboratory services require a rational approach to laboratory system strengthening. A crucial component of an efficient laboratory system is having a comprehensive overview on laboratory expenditures and actual cost of tests.

Better Labs for Better Health advocates for clear organization of laboratory systems at all levels within a country. This includes the development of clear terms of references, tests and methods to be performed at each level, as well as clarity of the accompanying costs. The laboratory test costing tool was therefore developed to help laboratories evaluate the cost of a test, justify this cost and assist in producing pricelists for laboratory tests.