Laboratory test costing tool (LTCT)

Because laboratory services play a major role in all the key processes of detection, assessment, response, notification and monitoring of public health events, well-managed, high-functioning laboratory services are crucial for public health.

For effective laboratory management, accurate assessment of the costs of performing tests is a prerequisite for both correct resource allocation and cost[1]effective laboratory administration.

A transparent mechanism for quantifying test prices that cover actual costs and that can be easily updated is therefore an important tool – especially for countries focusing on improving the quality of their health-care laboratory services as part of their strategy for improving both health care and the health[1]care system as a whole.

As part of its Better Labs for Better Health initiative, WHO/Europe has therefore developed a laboratory test costing tool (LTCT) as part of WHO’s range of laboratory quality management tools.

The LTCT calculates the annual costs of laboratory tests based on a large number of factors, including the price of reagents, the frequency of testing, equipment amortization and maintenance charges, and personnel and facility costs.

The LTCT is provided free of charge upon request to eulab@who.int.