Week-long celebration recognizes laboratory professionals Published April 21, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Iesha Stanley 23rd Medical Support Squadron MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an annual celebration of the medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in every aspect of health care. It takes place the fourth week in April and began in 1975 under the auspices of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. This week is a time set aside to recognize the contributions of the scientific and technical personnel whose work in the clinical laboratory helps give our nation the best possible healthcare. Laboratory professionals work with virtually every department in our medical facility. Our Moody lab experts obtain specimens on anywhere from 40-100 patients a day, processing approximately 300-400 tests. As laboratory professionals, they provide critical information used by medical providers to diagnose and treat numerous diseases. Due to the high volume of patients and diagnostic tests requested daily, physicians rely on laboratory technicians to provide timely and accurate results. To ensure this, laboratory technicians perform regular equipment maintenance checks to verify the operating system is functioning properly. They perform quality control for accuracy, focusing on quality assurance and quality improvement. Our Moody Clinic Laboratory staff will celebrate lab week by sharing information with our patients and healthcare providers. Please come out and congratulate your medical laboratory professionals.