Medical professionals recognized during lab week

April 20-26 was lab week across the nation, a time to highlight and recognize the tasks of clinical laboratory scientists and phlebotomists who work with other medical professionals toward diagnosing patient health and well-being. Whenever one has blood drawn, or has other physical samples collected, such ends up in the clinical lab, where folks like my colleagues and I figure out what chemicals and/or cells are in it, and if the results are beneficial or otherwise.

Most, if not all, have had some sort of procedure that ended up being sent to the lab, the most common being a needle stick to the arm. We're not your favorite people to see, yet around 70 percent of health care decisions are based on these findings. Sometimes it is routine, sometimes it is bad news. It is usually stressful for the patient, especially when they are not feeling well. We do our best to get it right the first time so that the healing can begin.

Every one with whom I work is a dedicated professional. Our main goal is to get it right so that the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, et al, are armed with facts.

Another important aspect of our job is to answer your questions. Always feel free to express your concerns and take the opportunity to learn more about what is going on. We are here for you.

Matthew Burrier

Cedar Rapids