Website of the Department of Health

The National Pathology Benchmarking Service

DH is supporting the development of the National Pathology Benchmarking Service for primary care, which will allow users to examine requesting patterns for a range of  laboratory tests.  

It is envisaged  that users will be able to view and generate reports via an interactive website:  these reports will show a range of information, including testing patterns for specific tests by GP  practice, PCT or SHA. The service will enable GPs, practice staff and commissioners to make best use of diagnostic services, and assess whether tests are being used  to provide greatest clinical benefit.

The project is being run jointly by the Yorkshire Centre for Health Informatics, University of Leeds, and the National Pathology Benchmarking Service at Keele University.

A website has been set up to provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and information on the project.  Those interested can register in order to contribute to the discussion, receive updates, and take part in early evaluation of the prototype reports.  The website is at:

• NHS Pathology Benchmarking (opens new window)