For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – In recognition of Medical Lab Professionals Week, observed from Sunday, April 23 through Saturday, April 29, Aspirus Health is shining a light on the skilled laboratory professionals who patients may never see, but nonetheless play a vital role in healthcare.
Medical lab professionals conduct tests that provide crucial information for detecting, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disease. They use specialized instrumentation and techniques to analyze patient samples, such as blood, urine, body fluids, tissue and stool. They work in hospitals, clinics, blood banks, research and reference labs and even forensic labs.
“Each year, about 14 billion lab tests are ordered in the U.S., and 70% of medical decisions depend on those test results,” said Michael Hawks, Director of Laboratory Services with Aspirus Riverview Hospital and Clinics.
Aspirus said the need for lab professionals is rising due to population growth and aging, increased coverage of screening tests and the development of new tests.
“It’s estimated that demand for lab professionals will increase by 24% by the year 2025,” Aspirus stated.
“The U.S. is already experiencing a shortage of lab professionals,” Hawks said. “This provides an outstanding opportunity for those who enjoy math, science, chemistry, biology and helping others. Common traits of a lab professional include problem solving, an interest in technology, reliability, integrity and attention to detail.”
Aspirus noted that because the results they produce impact medical decisions, lab professionals are specially educated and trained.
“They possess a wide range of education levels, including certificates, two-year associate degrees, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and doctorate and medical degrees,” Aspirus stated.
“Please join Aspirus Health in thanking the medical lab professionals who work every day and every night to provide reliable, timely results so our healthcare providers can accurately diagnose and care for us all,” Hawk said.