The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) sponsors a week each April to promote awareness and understanding of the vital role of medical laboratory professionals (MLPs). IQMH joins CSMLS in recognizing the critical work of MLP’s in the health care system.
The work behind laboratory doors often goes unnoticed, but the role of medical laboratory professionals is an integral part of patient care. Performing millions of tests each day in Canada, the work of MLPs help provide critical information about your health. These tests are key in early detection and treatment of many conditions and illnesses.
Medical laboratory professionals are trained to have the knowledge and skills to perform duties specific to their roles. Within four specializations and further subspecialties, medical laboratory professionals can be categorized as Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT), Diagnostic Cytology Technologists (CY), Clinical Genetics Technologists (CG), and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA). From analyzing tissues and body fluid samples, cellular changes, and abnormalities in chromosomes and DNA, medical laboratory professionals are key players in providing important health information, including test results that can detect pre-cancerous cells, genetic diseases, and determine blood compatibility.
Coupled with the rigorous proficiency testing programs IQMH offers, the tests conducted by medical laboratory professionals produce quality and reliable results to help health care providers diagnose and treat patients. This National Medical Laboratory Week, we thank all medical laboratory professionals for delivering essential services to the health care system, which play a critical role in providing life-saving patient care.
National Medical Laboratory Week runs from April 9–15. To learn more about the profession and hear personal stories from medical laboratory professionals about their work in health care, visit: www.wearelab.ca.