Clinical biochemistry and laboratory diagnostics develops dynamically namely due to the advance of modern analytical techniques, information technologies and with new findings in the molecular biology. According to data from the USA, 70 to 80 % of medical decisions in the hospitals depend on comparatively not expensive laboratory tests which represent only 3 to 5 % of the health care costs. There are three essential approach models for the automation and consolidation of laboratories in the world. Japan, USA and countries of EU stand for prototype of those directions. Japan has a high level of total laboratory automation starting with the preanalytical phase, over the analytical phase to the postanalytical phase with the partial consolidation of the discipline. In the US the high degree of laboratory consolidation is preferred with so-called modular automation. EU countries prefer high degree of modular automation, including the preanalytical processing of samples. International trends in the laboratory diagnostics manifest in the Czech Republic by modular systems in several laboratories. They can increase the effectiveness of laboratories and subsequently erase differences between the routine and statim examination and develop of molecular-biological techniques. Development of laboratory diagnostic technologies and their economical accessibility are the compulsory condition of acceleration of the diagnostics and treatment, leading to high quality, focussed and finally effectivuess of health care.

        Key words: clinical biochemistry, laboratory diagnostics, automation, accreditation, consolidation.