'Through Every Decade the Lab Has Your Answers'

     

Last month, Today's Clinical Lab had the pleasure of attending the American Society of Clinical Pathologists 2022 Annual Meeting celebrating the 100th anniversary of the organization. We enjoyed meeting many of our contributors and making new friends. Despite the current state of laboratory medicine, including a dire workforce shortage, I was inspired by the fortitude, dedication, and dare I say, optimism, of clinical lab professionals from all over the world.

Throughout the conference, banners displayed a powerful message to attendees: 

“Through every decade the lab has your answers.”

Indeed, the clinical lab has been an unflinching source of answers for patients, clinicians, researchers, and public health officials through multiple outbreaks and public health crises for well over a century.

To help clinical professionals continue to provide those answers, our 2023 Technology Guide features key resources and updates on the latest tools and technologies in laboratory medicine.

Did your lab face supply chain issues during the pandemic? Leran about three practices to mitigate and overcome ongoing and future supply chain disruptions. Then, explore the rise of boutique and concierge lab services across the US.

“HIV continues to be one of the major causes of mortality due to a sexually transmitted infection,” writes Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD, in our infectious disease feature that includes an update on HIV testing, including new point-of-care and NAAT-based tests. Similarly, in our pathogen reduction feature, Maria Roussakis, MLT, MSc, details how recent advances in pathogen reduction technologies have improved global transfusion safety practices.

Robotics and automation are often touted as a cure-all for the challenges faced by clinical labs, but are robots really the answer? Today's Clinical Lab writer and editor Zahraa Chorghay, PhD, speaks to Nick Pattinson, head of product at Automata, about better approaches to lab automation.

“Having a documented game plan to maintain OSHA records is a must,” writes Jonathan Klane, MSEd, CIH, CSP, CHMM, CIT, our senior safety editor. In our compliance feature, Klane outlines practical tips and advice on how to get started, stay organized, and present your records to OSHA.

Our 2023 Technology Guide also features updates on MALDI-TOF MS use in high throughput diagnostic labs, purchasing sustainable lab equipment, building a precision medicine lab, and the finalists of the AACC Disruptive Technology Award and more.

Lastly, I want to thank our speakers and everyone who attended the inaugural Today's Clinical Lab 2022 Digital Forum and helped make it a success. I hope you will join us in 2023 for more live digital events.

Cheers!