LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Laboratory testing is no longer limited to hospitals, clinics and diagnostic laboratories. Today, there are several laboratory tests you can do at home, ranging from simple urine tests to portable blood glucose monitoring and home specimen collection for laboratory analysis. For patients, home testing can provide convenience, privacy and rapid information. For laboratory professionals and healthcare providers, however, it is important to understand what these tests actually measure, how reliable they are, and when a home result needs confirmation by a qualified laboratory. The FDA recognizes home-use tests as tools that can help detect certain conditions, monitor diseases such as diabetes, and provide information about conditions such as pregnancy. It also emphasizes that home testing should complement, rather than replace, appropriate healthcare. 1. H. pylori Tests H. pylori testing at home is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among people experiencing recurrent indigestion,...

Discover the 10 best gifts for healthcare dads in 2026. From practical work essentials to relaxing gadgets, find the perfect gift for the doctor, nurse, lab technologist, pharmacist, or healthcare professional in your life. 10 Best Gifts for Healthcare Dads in 2026 Healthcare dads spend their days caring for others. Whether he is a doctor, nurse, laboratory technologist, pharmacist, radiographer, therapist, or healthcare administrator, long shifts and demanding schedules can leave little time for himself. That is why finding the right gift matters. The best gifts for healthcare dads combine practicality, comfort, and appreciation. Instead of buying something that ends up collecting dust, choose a gift that makes his workday easier or helps him relax after a busy shift. Here are the 10 best gifts for healthcare dads in 2026. 1. Smart Insulated Travel Mug Few things are more disappointing than taking a sip of coffee during a break only to find it cold. A high-quality insulated tr...

The growing demand for high-quality healthcare services has placed an increased emphasis on compliance, accuracy, and quality management systems in clinical laboratories. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are the backbone of every well-run laboratory, ensuring consistency, quality, and safety. For medical laboratory technologists and clinical laboratory professionals, writing SOPs has become one of the most accessible and profitable side gigs in 2025 If you have experience working in laboratories and understand regulatory standards like ISO 15189, CAP, or CLIA, you already have the foundation needed to offer SOP writing services to clinics, hospitals, research labs, and even start-ups. This guide will show you how to turn your expertise into a reliable source of income. Why SOP Writing is a Lucrative Opportunity SOPs are essential for any clinical or diagnostic lab aiming for accreditation, quality control, or operational efficiency. However, many small facilities lack the in-hou...

  Medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) play a crucial role in healthcare, but many find that their salaries don’t always align with their financial goals. If you want to pay off student loans, build savings, or achieve financial independence, a side hustle can provide an additional income stream without requiring you to leave your profession. Here are ten lucrative side hustles tailored for medical lab technologists looking to maximize their expertise and skills while earning extra money. 1. Freelance Medical Writing Medical writing is in high demand, and as a lab technologist, you have the scientific background to create high-quality content. Many companies, including healthcare blogs, medical publications, and pharmaceutical firms, seek professionals who can write accurate and engaging medical content. How to Get Started: Sign up for freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr , or Freelancer. Start your own medical blog to showcase your writing skills. Network with health-r...

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is revolutionizing healthcare by providing rapid diagnostic results at the bedside, in clinics, and even in remote locations. However, the speed and convenience of POCT come with a critical challenge ensuring accuracy and reliability. Without rigorous quality control (QC), POCT devices can produce erroneous results, leading to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and compromised patient safety. The Importance of Quality Control in Point-of-Care Testing Unlike traditional laboratory testing, which operates under strict regulatory oversight, POCT is often performed by non laboratory personnel. This increases the risk of errors due to improper technique, lack of calibration, or device malfunctions. Implementing a robust quality control program ensures that results remain accurate, reproducible, and compliant with regulatory standards such as ISO 15189:2022 and CLSI guidelines. Key Elements of Point-of-Care Quality Control To maintain high standards in PO...

In the early days of medicine, bedside testing was rare, and centralized laboratories handled most diagnostic procedures. By the mid  20th century, automation revolutionized laboratory medicine, making large scale testing more efficient and cost effective. However, as healthcare evolved, the demand for faster results grew, leading to the rise of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) rapid diagnostics performed outside traditional laboratories, often at or near the patient’s location. POCT plays a crucial role in modern healthcare by providing immediate results, allowing healthcare professionals to make quicker clinical decisions. It includes a wide range of tests, from blood glucose monitoring to rapid infectious disease diagnostics. With the increasing reliance on POCT, ISO 15189:2022, the international standard for medical laboratories, has incorporated new guidelines emphasizing quality, accuracy, and risk management in POCT to ensure reliable and standardized results. Understanding Poin...