Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary Medical laboratory professionals play a critical role in patient care by ensuring test results are reliable, meaningful, and appropriately used. This article urges laboratorians to move beyond “test performers” and become consultative partners through clearer communication, diagnostic stewardship, and real-time advocacy that helps clinicians understand test limitations,…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary This article emphasizes that effective advocacy for laboratory professionals begins with fostering understanding and changing perceptions through authentic conversations and personal interactions. These connections lay the groundwork for policy changes and professional recognition by helping legislators, healthcare administrators, educators, and students appreciate the value and expertise of…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary Written in the witty voice of Lady Whistledown, this letter discusses the evolving role of laboratory professionals who, traditionally unseen, are increasingly engaging in advocacy to influence healthcare decisions. Lady Whistledown explores the various advocacy roles laboratorians can take on to ensure their voice shapes healthcare policy…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary Stephanie Noblit, a medical laboratory scientist turned lawyer, applies her scientific expertise in toxicology to her current role in health policy and substance use/addiction law. She bridges the gap between science and law by interpreting drug testing and researching novel psychoactive substances to inform legal and legislative…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary The article discusses the commonly cited claim that 70 percent of medical decisions are based on laboratory results, tracing its origin to a 1996 article without direct evidence. The author highlights recent studies showing varied percentages and methodological challenges in substantiating this claim, ultimately advocating for citing…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary The article discusses an innovative educational approach called “Be the IP” designed to enhance frontline staff understanding of specimen collection’s impact on infection prevention, antibiotic use, and patient outcomes in long-term care. This approach engages staff with real-world scenarios and promotes specimen stewardship as a multidisciplinary responsibility.…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary The author shares his enthusiasm for starting the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) program, emphasizing the role of DCLS in advancing medical laboratory scientists from behind-the-scenes diagnostics to active patient care collaboration; supporting healthcare teams without replacing other providers; and advocating for improved patient outcomes through…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary Advocacy in laboratory medicine begins in educational settings where educators foster professional pride, understanding of the profession’s impact on healthcare, and leadership skills. With encouragement, students become ambassadors who promote the value of laboratory professionals, participate in recruitment, and engage with the broader professional community to address…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary The article discusses the critical role of laboratory professionals in healthcare, highlighting challenges such as workforce shortages, burnout, and limited public recognition. The author emphasizes the importance of professional advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, workforce development, and technological support to ensure patient safety and sustain the laboratory medicine workforce.…
Volume 40 Number 4 | August 2026 Summary The article reflects on a meeting of the ASCLS-Wisconsin scholarship committee where members representing four generations of mentor–mentee leadership lineages shared their commitment to nurturing future leaders. The author highlights the state constituent society’s vibrant, innovative, and mentorship-driven leadership culture that sustains its strength and relevance. A…