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Celebrating Lab Week 2025

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an annual celebration of medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play an important role in providing critical services that contribute to the effective delivery of care in today's complex healthcare system. They are indispensable partners in providing patient-centered care and in improving health outcomes and overall public health across continuum of care. 

An estimated 14 billion laboratory tests are performed in the United States each year by medical laboratory professionals. That means that laboratory testing is the single highest-volume medical activity in the lives of Americans. Those 14 billion tests help drive approximately two-thirds of all medical decisions made by doctors and other health care professionals from cradle to grave. There are only 337,800 practicing medical laboratory professionals for a population of just over 340 million people in the U.S.

We salute these heroes across the nation and those amongst us at Ðǿմ«Ã½.

Celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals

Daniel Jones

MD, MPH
Physician Surveyor
Laboratory Accreditation Program

As a pathologist and a surveyor, I have a front row seat to all the hard work that laboratorians do — much of it nearly invisible and under-appreciated, but so important to putting out quality results nonetheless. I get to hear their successes and help them understand how the standards can support improved patient care. I really appreciate the dedication I see in lab professionals — you deserve celebration!

Erin M. Perkins

MBA, MLS(ASCP)
Field Surveyor
Laboratory Accreditation Program

Many of us have utilized laboratory services in our lives — whether it be having your cholesterol checked as preventive maintenance or as a diagnostic tool when you are not feeling well. The critical processes that occur behind the scenes that lead to accurate results are performed and monitored by the important group that we celebrate this week - the laboratory scientists. These dedicated individuals are committed to providing the best quality care to every patient every day. Please join me in recognizing and thanking all laboratory scientists. Happy Lab Week!

Kelley Mitcham

MSHA, BS, MLS(ASCP)
Laboratory Surveyor
Laboratory Accreditation Program

One thing that stands out to me as I have traveled the country surveying clinical laboratories for the last 3.5 years is the eagerness and ownership that the laboratory professionals have displayed to me in their drive to “get it right” and to follow the required regulatory standards. It is so refreshing to witness as I enter laboratory after laboratory, and see that same passion in the next team. When there are areas of non-compliance identified, there are always immediate discussions and actions among the laboratory leaders on how they can change their processes to become compliant. Most of the time the action is taken before I complete the survey. It is very impressive to see that level of passion everywhere I go. Laboratorians know how to get the job done! They do not wait around; they put steps in place immediately to make it better. You deserve this special week of celebration and focus on the laboratory. The work and the steps you take to assure the reporting of quality results is a lot like an iceberg. The tip of the iceberg represents the laboratory result. So many people outside of the laboratory have no idea what a big mass is beneath the surface of the water – that is the extensive scientific work that the laboratory does assuring that results are correct! Clinicians make decisions on treatments for our patients based on the laboratory results you produce. Celebrate big during Lab Week and know that you do make a difference!!!

Cherie Ulaskas

MT(ASCP), MA
Associate Director, Standards Interpretation Group
Accreditation and Certification Operations 

We honor the fact that laboratory professionals have a passion for both healthcare and scientific inquiry, and the tangible impact they make on people’s lives. By providing accurate laboratory results, they aid in diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and ensuring patient safety. They are the heroes who understand there is a life behind every sample tested.

Although laboratory professionals are often the healthcare team members that are not seen front and center, your work behind the scenes is key to assist with diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Being a laboratory professional requires attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the values of accuracy and thoroughness, while always keeping the patient front and center in the face of our ever-changing healthcare climate.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence each and every day, and for being the magic behind the Mystery Machine of Diagnostics!

Harriet L. Briggs

MBA, MLS(ASCP)
Field Director
Laboratory Surveyor Program

Elia Mears

MHA, MT(ASCP)SM
Associate Field Director
Laboratory Surveyor Program

Lab Week is all about celebrating YOU — the numerous and dedicated laboratory professionals who transform healthcare every day by making a lasting impact on patient care. We salute you for the vital contributions you make on a daily basis, the countless hours worked, and the passion you exhibit to ensure the patients always receive the best of care. Laboratory professionals do not perform their job for praise and recognition, but rather because of the commitment made when we entered the profession to save lives and provide accurate diagnoses. The laboratory is the “solving force behind diagnostic medicine.” One team, one brotherhood. Thank you!

Melany Williams

MBA, MLS(ASCP)
Director, Subject Matter Expert, Mission Development and Organization Engagement
Laboratory Accreditation Program

Clinical laboratories are essential for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and screening patients for special conditions; 70% of physician decisions are based on laboratory results. As a laboratory surveyor for the past four years, I have witnessed the dedication of scientists across the nation who are committed to improving healthcare, evidenced by their passion for precision, accuracy, and continual process improvement. I salute all the laboratory professionals and pathologists who work hard every day to ensure patient safety and high-quality healthcare services for all. Happy Lab Week!

Shamika Norman-Davis

MHA, BS, MT(AAB)
Director of Organization Engagement
Mission Development and Organization Engagement

I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the incredible work you do every day. Being a certified Medical Technologist who has worked in and with laboratories for the past 24 years, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, precision, and passion that you bring to your profession.

Your commitment to excellence has not only advanced the field of laboratory science, but has also had a profound impact on countless lives, including those of my family members and myself. As patients, we have benefited immensely from your expertise, which has ensured accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and overall better health outcomes.

Michelle M. Freeman

MT(AMT), QLS(ASCP)
Sr. Account Executive & Specialist II, Laboratory
Accreditation and Certification Operations

The lab profession is ever changing, and with change may come challenges. As a lab professional for the last 15 years, I am always so proud to see the field continue to grow and persevere beyond any obstacles. With technological advances, extraordinary team members and exceptional leadership, the laboratory profession continues to be pivotal in healthcare today. I applaud my fellow laboratorians; keep up the good work and Happy Lab Week!!

Join Our Lab Week Conversations

Post your message on using the following hashtags:

  • #LabWeek2025
  • #qualitycarebeginsinthelab

Add a tribute to your laboratory and the colleagues you work with. Write us at so we can include your tribute in our celebrations!