Empowering laboratory professionals for a healthier tomorrow with ADLM
Find out how CLINICAL24 supporter, ADLM, advances clinical laboratory medicine by empowering laboratory professionals
10 Dec 2024
The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM, formerly AACC) is a global scientific and medical professional organization focused on enhancing clinical laboratory science and its applications. Its leadership fosters an environment where laboratory professionals can adapt to changes in technology and healthcare demands. By providing valuable insights and guidance, ADLM ensures that lab professionals can effectively contribute to patient care.
Key functions of ADLM
ADLM’s efforts focus on several crucial areas:
- Promoting new thinking and skills: ADLM inspires laboratory professionals to embrace innovation and develop new skills. By offering clinically relevant content, the organization empowers members to discover adaptive solutions and respond effectively to changes in the healthcare landscape.
- Advocacy and outreach: ADLM raises awareness of the invaluable contributions made by laboratory professionals in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. Through its advocacy efforts, ADLM engages a diverse community of professionals who are eager to stay informed about the latest research, technology, and regulatory changes.
- Educational opportunities: The organization provides numerous educational resources, including conferences, workshops, and webinars, to help professionals stay updated on industry advancements. The upcoming ADLM 2025 meeting (formerly the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo) will feature over 250 educational sessions, making it an essential event for laboratory scientists.
Strategic vision and mission
ADLM's 2024–2029 Strategic Plan aims to empower its members and improve population health while fostering an inclusive community. Their vision is clear: better health and healthcare for all through laboratory medicine. The mission of ADLM focuses on advancing the practice and profession of clinical laboratory science globally, ensuring that laboratory professionals are equipped to face future challenges.
Advocacy priorities
ADLM is committed to advocating for critical issues within laboratory medicine. Its three main advocacy priorities include:
Children's health: ADLM works to enhance test accuracy and interpretation for pediatric patients, emphasizing the importance of reliable testing for newborn screening.
Harmonization of test results: Variability in laboratory test results can lead to confusion and compromised patient care. ADLM has collaborated with international stakeholders to establish the International Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results, aimed at ensuring uniformity in lab results globally.
Fair reimbursement practices: Many laboratories, particularly in rural and underserved areas, struggle with inadequate reimbursement for services. ADLM advocates for policies that ensure fair reimbursement, helping to maintain access to vital laboratory services.
Facing challenges in laboratory medicine
Dr. Octavia Peck Palmer, the ADLM President for 2023–2024, highlights the pressing challenges confronting the laboratory community in an interview with SelectScience® at ADLM 2024. Peck Palmer discusses the impact of the FDA’s recent ruling on laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). This ruling categorizes laboratories as medical device companies, which may create a costly regulatory burden that could hinder patient care.
Additionally, the clinical laboratory workforce is experiencing significant shortages. ADLM is actively working to address this issue by engaging college students and promoting career opportunities within laboratory medicine.
The importance of the ADLM Annual Meetings
The ADLM Annual Meeting is a prime opportunity for professionals to connect, learn, and explore innovations in laboratory medicine. The 2024 meeting attracted over 18,000 participants, reflecting a growing interest in the field and the necessity for continuous education and collaboration. As an official media partner of ADLM, you can see a number of interviews with experts SelectScience conducted during the event.
Through its advocacy, education, and commitment to addressing industry challenges, CLINICAL24 supporter, ADLM, plays a critical role in ensuring that laboratory professionals can deliver high-quality patient care. Their efforts not only enhance the field of laboratory medicine but also contribute to better health outcomes for all.