The Ross Memorial Hospital Laboratory is planning a number of special events during National Medical Laboratory Week:

• Displays will be set up in the Ross’ new Main Lobby rotunda area throughout the week
• On April 20 and April 22, laboratory tours will be conducted for hospital staff and volunteers
• On April 21, a senior biology class from LCVI will be taking a tour of the Lab and will learn more about the careers available in a Medical Laboratory

Medical Laboratory professionals are Canada’s third largest group of health care workers. They play an important role in maintaining your health throughout your life. In fact, approximately, 85% of all physicians’ decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results.

However, the Medical Laboratory profession is facing a serious human resources shortage. The CSMLS is working with the Ontario Society of Medical Technologists (OSMT) to identify the extent of the shortage and to advocate for action by both the federal and provincial governments. Both associations want to ensure that the people of Ontario continue to have high quality medical testing in the future.

Medical Laboratory Scientists work in medical and research laboratories. Their knowledge and expertise contribute to innovations in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and other medical conditions.

Medical Laboratory Technologists conduct laboratory tests on blood, body fluids, and body tissue, and then interpret the results. Test results provide information used by doctors to diagnose and treat illness and to maintain their patient’s health.

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform pre-analytical functions, such as collecting and processing specimens and preparing special chemicals – called reagents – for use in testing.