Laboratory science and a glimpse into the future

ABSTRACT

Medical laboratory science is a major component of global health. Laboratory science for clinical operations and for biomedical research are accompanied by challenges and opportunities. Clinical laboratories continue to face operational issues, errors and limitations. Biomedical laboratories continue to evolve without cemented global guidelines. Even with regulations and structure that accompany public-private interrelationships, regulation and quality assurance processes are not standardized. Additionally, challenges within laboratory labor regulations, credentialing and training remain, worldwide. Recommendations of medical laboratory reform, redesign, structure and advocacy can positively impact healthcare. Alignment in clinical and biomedical operations, quality improvement and regulation are feasible.  Additionally, improvements to laboratory science research and policy bring opportunities for global harmony. With an agenda that includes prepared professionals, set standards and a global research enterprise, the future of interdependent laboratory science can be met inbright optimism.

Abbreviations: APHL: association of public health laboratories; CLIA: clinical laboratory improvement amendments of 1988; CDC: centers for disease control and prevention; CAP: college of American pathologists; COLA: commission on office laboratory accreditation; EFLM: European federation for clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine; WG-PRE: working group for preanalytical phase; EQA: external quality assessment; GLP: good laboratory practices; GCP: good clinical practices; GMP: good manufacturing practices; LQMS-SIP: laboratory quality management systems stepwise improvement process; IOM: institute of medicine’s; ISO: international organization for standardization; NCT: national center of tumor diseases; NLS: national laboratory system; QMS: quality management system; SOPs: standard operating procedures; SLIPTA: WHO-AFRO strengthening laboratory quality improvement process towards accreditation; WHO: World Health Organization

KEYWORDS:

• Laboratory quality
• laboratory management

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Julie Babyar is a public health professional, registered nurse and grateful to be a team player in global health systems leadership. She resides in California.