An analysis of more than 84,000 patient records has uncovered substantial gaps in follow-up testing among patients at risk for kidney disease and anemia, demonstrating how laboratory data can be leveraged to identify missed diagnostic opportunities and support more proactive patient management.
The study, conducted by Life Data Lab in partnership with AccuReference Medical Lab, examined two patient cohorts totaling 84,259 records from 2024. Researchers used laboratory data to compare ordered testing against established US clinical guidelines and identify instances where recommended follow-up testing was not performed.
Using laboratory data to identify care gaps
One cohort included 26,949 patients with elevated hemoglobin A1C levels and normal creatinine results. Among those patients, only 15% received a recommended Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) test, leaving 22,912 patients without additional assessment for early signs of kidney disease.
The analysis also found abnormal kidney function results in 46% of males and 40% of females evaluated, leading researchers to project that approximately 43% of patients who did not receive ACR testing may be at risk for kidney disease.
In a separate cohort, researchers identified another significant testing gap. Among patients with low hemoglobin levels, 85% did not receive follow-up testing for iron, ferritin, or vitamin B12—tests commonly used to investigate the underlying causes of anemia.
The findings highlight a growing area of focus within laboratory medicine: using existing diagnostic data not only to generate results, but also to identify patients who may benefit from additional testing based on evidence-based guidelines.
"Laboratories sit on some of the most clinically actionable data in the healthcare system," said Alexander Ostrovsky, Vivica's founder. "This study demonstrates that when labs are equipped with the right analytical tools, they can support physicians in better informed clinical decisions, contributing to improved patient outcomes and the achievement of value-based care goals."
For clinical laboratories, the study illustrates how laboratory informatics and data-driven interventions could help uncover care gaps, support value-based care efforts, and expand the laboratory's role in population health management. The study was published through the Project Santa Fe Foundation's Clinical Lab 2.0 initiative.
Note: This news summary was generated by AI based on a published press release, followed by a review from human editors.
