The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) is a time of recognition for more than 300,000 practitioners of clinical laboratory science professionals who play a vital role in every aspect of healthcare. Since the development of this career group in the 1920s, the clinical laboratory science professional has played an increasingly vital role in the diagnosis and prevention of disease. Today, the clinical laboratorian is a key member of a health care team.

As team members of one of the largest industries in the United States, the dedicated efforts of laboratory professionals often go unnoticed by the general public. With the public now demanding the assurance of quality health care and professional accountability, organizations representing practitioners of this critical science have a responsibility to ensure that the public is well informed about clinical laboratory competency.

Lab week is held annually during the last full week of April. This year’s observance will take place April 24 - 30. The theme is “Laboratory Professionals Get Results”.

Lab-related jobs include medical lab assistants, medical lab technicians, medical lab scientists, pathologists, and phlebotomists. There is a large shortage of laboratory professionals. Many now working in the field are approaching retirement, and there are not enough graduates entering the profession to adequately meet the needs of our nation’s health-care system.

As Americans continue to age, more testing is required more frequently. Almost 13% of the US population is now older than 65. The over-85 category, which requires the greatest amount of health care services, is growing rapidly.

Demand for medical laboratory testing is increasing due to increases in the world population; stronger emphasis on preventive medicine, including early detection and patient responsibility; and an explosion of new medical technologies, such as genetic and molecular testing.

Expanding medical knowledge and technological developments have increased the need for medical laboratory testing. New and different pathogens are contributing to increased needs for laboratory testing. The identification of new diseases and the resurgence of old foes like tuberculosis pose serious threats to public health. Along with the unprecedented increases in international travel are resulting in the importation of rare or previously unknown diseases which increases the need for laboratory testing. More than 10 billion laboratory tests are performed in the United States each year. Laboratory tests results constitute an estimated 70% of the patient’s medical records and are vital to the diagnosis and treatment of illness and disease.

To learn about career preparations and educational requirements for a career in laboratory medicine please go to ascp.org or stop in at Big Sandy Medical Center laboratory and speak to Del or Maricel. All lab professionals must take college courses and do an internship to prepare for a laboratory career.