These are unprecedented times for laboratorians. The COVID-19 pandemic has touched us all—especially those on the frontlines. These professionals have given above and beyond as they collect specimens and perform COVID-19 test evaluations and validations and testing. Many have done this at risk to themselves and their families because of limited PPE. ASCLS acknowledges the…
Cindy Johnson, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, ASCLS President Merriam-Webster defines visibility as the ability to see or be seen; the quality or state of being known to the public. We have been encouraged by ASCLS passionate past presidents to “Be the Face,” “Promote the Profession,” “Get Out of the Basement,” “Share Your Passion,” and “Tell Your Story.”…
Kim Von Ahsen, MHS, MLS(ASCP)CMSLSCM, ASCLS Region VI Director Photo credit: Lewis Ogden As we started the ASCLS 2019-20 year, ASCLS President-Elect Maddie Josephs defined the word visibility in her response to the Candidate’s Question: What is missing within ASCLS or other laboratory professional organizations that limits our ability to recruit and maintain members? noun:…
J. Eric Stanford, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CM What does “Visibility of the Profession” mean to you? If you asked someone on the street what your role is as a laboratory scientist, would they be able to answer? Across many laboratory scientists, in many labs throughout the country, the overwhelming answer to that is usually “no.” By our…
The ASCLS Nominations Committee is pleased to present the following candidates for office in the 2020-21 Society year. Candidates selected by the House of Delegates will take office during the 2020 ASCLS-AGT Virtual Joint Annual Meeting. Delegates will elect one president-elect; one director each for Regions II, IX, and X; one 2-year term member for…
Gerald D. Redwine, PhD, MT(ASCP) The physical and chemical examination of urine samples plays an essential role in the diagnosis of patients’ pathological conditions. However, the sheer number of routine urinalysis can minimize their significance, especially considering that most analyses are automated, which can foster complacency for less than apparent problems. As a result of…
Carolyn Sabady, PBT(ASCP) It is no secret that phlebotomists and laboratory personnel carry a significant amount of weight on their shoulders. Whether they are assisting in a stat situation, processing a sample, or acting as a liaison between the patient care team members and the medical laboratory technologist, laboratory personnel need to be resilient. Building…
James Hollowell, ASCLS Developing Professionals Forum Vice Chair University of Louisiana-Monroe MLS graduate Jennifer Nguyen at the Spring Into Health event in Monroe, LA. Students used “glitter bug” solution and UV lights to show kids how dirty their hands can get and taught proper hand washing technique. Recruitment events bring visibility to our field and…
Kim Alexis Espejo, ASCLS-IL and Region VI Developing Professional Chair The MLS Club at the University of Illinois Springfield participates in campus events to promote the club and advocate for the medical laboratory science profession. Medical laboratory science (MLS), the profession, program, and in my case, club, was never a well-known entity at the University…
Patient Safety Corner Stacy E. Walz, PhD, MS, MT(ASCP), ASCLS Patient Safety Committee Chair One of the many wonderful resources easily accessible by laboratory professionals, other healthcare professionals, and the general public, is the blog, Lab Testing Matters, sponsored and managed by COLA. For several years now, the ASCLS Patient Safety Committee has proudly been…