A study of factors affecting laboratory workload.

1. The use of a mathematical modelling technique is described. The factors influencing the day to day variation in laboratory workload were investigated to provide for accurate management forecasts. Analysis by linear stepwise regression showed that a potentially controllable factor the clinician ordering habits, accounted more significantly in this variation than less controllable factors such as admissions, routine and acute, total occupied beds and public holidays. 2. The significant factors remained valid after a review period of one year.