CLINICAL24: Letter from the Managing Editor

For many years I’ve observed and supported the incredible national and international awareness days and weeks for our clinical laboratory profession. These events are crucial for raising awareness of our profession and for recognizing the professionals that deliver essential laboratory services for healthcare systems.

I’ve always been impressed and inspired by how the profession comes together for these events, with one powerful voice. CLINICAL24 is inspired by this unity, and aims to bring together as many voices as possible to raise our conversation far beyond what would be possible as individuals.

The goal of CLINICAL24 is to explore day-to-day challenges in the medical lab, but also crucially to explore the technology solutions that will help us overcome them. SelectScience^® will serve as the host of this conversation, bringing together those working within the industry, and I encourage you to add your own voices to the discussion. This sharing of knowledge is what will make CLINICAL24 a global discussion like no other, one that will traverse not only county and state lines, but will also cross borders and unite experts in the field for the advancement of healthcare.

Key challenges for medical laboratories

In the run-up to CLINICAL24, I’ve had the privilege of speaking to many influential voices in the industry, including laboratory science advocates and thought leaders, societies and associations, and the leadership teams from some of the biggest diagnostic companies in the world.

The challenges that have been raised so far are varied, but there are some common themes that run throughout the conversations. Staffing issues are a key cause for concern around the globe. This has emerged as a dominant challenge in our own ongoing CLINICAL24 survey, as well as other recent surveys in the industry conducted by companies such as Siemens Healthineers¹.

During CLINICAL24, we will explore this challenge and look at potential solutions. Don’t miss my interview with David Wells, Chief Executive of the Institute of Biomedical Science where we discuss the IBMS Long-Term Workforce Plan, for insights into how this influential body is planning ahead to tackle staffing issues.

There are also several other challenges that face the industry, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of large language models, implementing newer diagnostic technologies and tests, quality control considerations, and so much more. Ensure you visit our feature pages regularly and follow us on our brand new clinical social channels, X, LinkedIn and Facebook, to stay updated on the conversation.

Our Platinum Sponsors 

I’d like to take a moment to thank all of the companies that have supported this flagship initiative to date. In particular, our Platinum Sponsors, visionary giant Beckman Coulter Diagnostics which will be taking us on a high-sensitivity immunoassay journey; and Scopio Labs, an innovative company that has the attention of hematology labs around the world with its digital morphology solution. These companies are working closely with myself and with SelectScience to ensure that together we can bring you some of the most exciting conversations in this industry.

Watch out for our Advancing Healthcare Forums on the very latest high-sensitivity, high-throughput immunoassay technologies, digital transformation in hematology, and a global conversation on sepsis diagnostics with the Global Sepsis Alliance and the UK Sepsis Trust.

Add your voice

SelectScience is merely the host of this conversation, I offer you the opportunity to add your voices, opinions and experiences to the discussion.

• Lab professionals, take our CLINICAL24 survey to tell us your thoughts on daily challenges in your lab. Plus, let us know if you’d like to submit a guest editorial for the feature, telling us about a typical day in your lab life.
• Companies and technology providers, contact insightsteam@selectscience.net to hear more about sponsorship opportunities and feature your solutions.

References

1. New survey reveals burnout in clinical labs impacts patient care and staff safety

Sonia Nicholas biography

Sonia Nicholas worked as a Band 7 state-registered Biomedical Scientist in the NHS for nearly 10 years. After joining SelectScience as Clinical Editor in 2011, Sonia was instrumental in shaping and growing the clinical community. Now Managing Editor and Clinical Lead, Sonia works directly with the lab science professionals who deliver diagnostic patient results, as well as with the companies that provide technology solutions for the industry.

Follow Sonia Nicholas on LinkedIn.