Scientists, technicians heroes too

Yes, the nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and others are on the front lines and are heroes. But did you know that the TESTING you hear so much about is done by laboratory professionals with college degrees including masters and doctorates?

Testing is complex and done in clinical laboratories. Sometimes we collect the specimens ourselves. We use specialized analyzers, but we also do complex manual testing requiring years of scientific study to get right and many with interpretive skills that you really cannot imagine. We spend long hours doing the testing. We are faced with supply shortages. We communicate regularly on highly technical scientific matters with the state department of public health and/or the CDC or other reference centers.

Some of us work in the companies that developed the tests in record time. We would like you to know who we are, but that is not why we do what we do. We love science and want to serve the scientific needs of our patients however they enter the health care system. Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians are my heroes, right along with all the others!

Brenda L. Kochis, MLS (ASCP), MBA

Spokane