[Progress in assays for and new developments in autoimmune pathophysioirmen's introductory remarks].

We examined the influence of a revision of health insurance in 2004 in Teikyo University Hospital in comparison with 2003. Out to the returns of most hematological tests, especially HbA1c and TK, being included in the treatment charges of outpatients, gross laboratory test sales decreased more than expected. Increased income from judgment charges and management charges could not make up for the deficit in test sales. Therefore, total laboratory test revenues decreased substantially. In 2006, the new revision of health insurance will worsen the revenues further. Hospital laboratory test departments should take appropriate and aggressive management steps in response to these revisions in health insurance.