Clinical laboratory staff perform a variety of critical functions that are vital for effective patient care. They specialise in collecting and analysing biological samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, using advanced techniques and technologies. With their expertise in microbiology and infectious diseases, haematology, blood bank, clinical chemistry, histopathology and molecular diagnostics, they produce and interpret test results, providing crucial information to healthcare providers. The vital importance of laboratory work is evident every day in the hospital setting, where clinicians rely on laboratory tests such as troponin to diagnose heart attacks, biochemistry tests to identify and correct electrolyte abnormalities and haematology tests to detect blood abnormalities and safely cross-match blood prior to transfusion. During events such as the COVID-19 pandemic the vital importance of pathology was clearly demonstrated as “diagnostic tests have the ability to safeguard public health as well the health of an individual by providing rapid information during public health emergencies to confirm the presence of infectious disease, triage and treat accordingly” [2].

Enabling Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Decisions

Clinical laboratory staff play a pivotal yet often unrecognised role in enabling accurate disease diagnosis and treatment decisions; “the relative spend on diagnostics compared with pharmaceuticals indicates that diagnostic tests are underappreciated in relation to the medical and economic value that they deliver” [2]. Through their meticulous analysis of patient samples, laboratory staff identify pathogens, measure biomarkers, and assess physiological parameters. For instance, medical laboratory scientists and technicians excel in identifying bacterial, viral, and fungal infections through molecular, culturing and susceptibility testing. Additionally, they analyse blood samples to measure glucose, cholesterol, and other vital substances, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various conditions.

Domestic and international collaboration between clinical labs is vital to achieving the end goal of best healthcare possible for patients. Developed nations possess resources, expertise, and infrastructure crucial for bolstering laboratories in resource-limited countries. Joint initiatives involving knowledge exchange, technological assistance and capacity building can significantly enhance the capabilities of these labs. Providing financial aid for equipment, training programs, and establishing sustainable networks enables resource-limited labs to conduct advanced diagnostics, disease surveillance, and research crucial for public health. Additionally, developed countries can offer mentorship, share best practices, and facilitate partnerships between their institutions and those in resource-limited settings. By prioritising long-term investments and fostering international cooperation, developed nations can play a pivotal role in uplifting the standards of laboratories in resource-limited regions, contributing to global health equity and resilience against emerging health challenges. Documenting, publishing, and sharing these efforts can inspire further support and encourage a collective commitment to strengthening global healthcare systems, these collective efforts can only act to highlight the critical work of laboratory staff.

Quality Assurance and Patient Safety

Ensuring quality assurance and patient safety is a primary responsibility of clinical laboratory staff. They follow stringent protocols and guidelines to maintain accuracy, precision, and reliability in their analyses. Through rigorous quality control measures, they identify and rectify errors, ensuring patients receive reliable test results. Importantly, pathology staff also contribute to the detection of emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks by monitoring and reporting abnormal trends or patterns in test results.

Moreover, clinical laboratory staff prioritise patient safety by handling hazardous materials with caution, minimising the risk of exposure to infectious or toxic agents, and preserving the integrity of biological specimens. Their unwavering commitment to upholding high standards of laboratory practice ensures the reliability and safety of diagnostic tests, forming a crucial aspect of effective patient management.

Raising public awareness

Doctors and nurses are the well-known faces of healthcare while the general public are often not aware of the important role of laboratory staff due to their lack of visibility. As illustrated by Gohar B et al, “our findings suggest that the medical laboratory environment’s “behind-the-scenes” nature has led to unique stressors. Expressly, participants indicated that they are often forgotten in relation to other healthcare providers” [4]. A feeling of not being seen and recognised adds another layer of strain to clinical laboratory staff, as they often experience a lack of recognition of their professional skills and expertise. Television shows, movies, books, and a variety of social media illustrate the important and vital role of doctors and nurses, but laboratory staff rarely if ever receive the same credit. Professional recognition is key in making laboratory staff feel valued and acknowledged for their critical role in the wider healthcare system.

Regularly, clinical pathology personnel play a pivotal role in vital public health initiatives such as managing outbreaks of infectious diseases like tuberculosis or containing the proliferation of multi-drug resistant organisms within hospital wards. “Most multidrug-resistant organisms (MRO) are linked to healthcare-associated infections (HAI). According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), HAI are among most frequent adverse events in health care; it is estimated that 15 out of every 100 patients will experience a HAI in LMIC. The significant burden of MRO infections underscores the importance of implementing measures for their control and prevention” [5]. The efforts undertaken by scientists and technicians represent the frontline defence in safeguarding the well-being of the general public and particularly vulnerable populations. These narratives necessitate public awareness to foster a comprehensive appreciation and acknowledgment of the indispensable contributions made by pathology staff.

Clinical laboratory staff work diligently to support patient care and outcomes, providing invaluable contributions to accurate diagnosis, quality assurance, and patient safety. Their expertise and behind-the-scenes efforts deserve recognition and appreciation. By shedding light on their vital role, we can foster a deeper understanding amongst the wider public as well as bureaucratic and administrative decision makers of the crucial nature of their work and encourage the acknowledgment they rightfully deserve in the healthcare system.

1. Molinaro RJ, Winkler AM, Kraft CS, Fantz CR, Stowell SR, Ritchie JC, et al. Teaching laboratory medicine to medical students: implementation and evaluation. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2012; 136: 1423-1429.
2. Jordan B, Mitchell C, Anderson A, Farkas N, Batrla R. The clinical and health economic value of clinical laboratory diagnostics. EJIFCC. 2015; 26: 47-62.
3. Jordan B, Mitchell C, Anderson A, Farkas N, Batrla R. The clinical and health economic value of clinical laboratory diagnostics. EJIFCC. 2015; 26: 47-62.
4. Gohar B, Nowrouzi?Kia B. The Forgotten (Invisible) Healthcare Heroes: Experiences of Canadian medical laboratory employees working during the pandemic. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2022; 13.
5. Cornistein W, Santonato D, Novau PA, Fabbro LG, Jorge MF, Malvicini MA, et al. Synergy between infection control and antimicrobial stewardship programs to control carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. Antimicrobial Stewardship and Healthcare Epidemiology. Cambridge University Press. 2023; 3: e162.