Laboratory testing in primary health care in Belgrade.

This study aimed to (1) analyse the utilization of tests in 15 laboratories associated with primary health care centres in Belgrade between 1985 and 1992 and (2) assess differences and similarities concerning technologies and costs between two comparable laboratories. The number of tests performed at primary health care laboratories in Belgrade has decreased since 1987 with a drastic fall in 1992, corresponding with crisis and war in the country. The comparative analysis of costs between the two laboratories showed significant differences in the way laboratory technicians spent their time and a marked difference in direct and indirect costs between the two laboratories.