The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (Lab Week). With all of the excellent promotional toolkits available, it is never too early in the year to start planning! Taking place annually during the last week of April, Lab Week provides an opportunity for formal recognition of the invaluable contributions made by laboratory professionals. But how did this special week come to be? By reflecting on the history of Lab Week, we can draw inspiration to elevate the profession and educate others about its critical role in healthcare.

The field of medical laboratory science, previously known as clinical laboratory science, reflects a history of remarkable growth, adaptability, and resilience, as outlined in this concise, impactful historical overview by COLA. During World War I, the rising need for lab services led hospitals to establish laboratories and the creation of ASCP’s registry in 1928. By the 1930s, two-year MT programs emerged, growing to a three-year college requirement by 1962, endorsed by the American Medical Association (AMA). In 1974, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) introduced new standards, further shaping the profession.
In the 1970s, laboratory professionals faced significant challenges that we still encounter today, including workforce shortages and a lack of public awareness about the essential role played in healthcare. Lab Week originated in 1975 as National Medical Laboratory Week (NMLW), founded by the American Society for Medical Technology (ASMT), now known as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 4.16.2019.). ASMT spearheaded the effort to create a national observance aimed at increasing visibility for the profession, fostering pride among laboratory professionals, and inspiring future talent to pursue careers in the field (American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science [ASCLS], n.d.).
Lab Week provided a platform to spotlight the unsung heroes of healthcare and their critical contributions. We do not have a record in the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) archives of the first three years, but we can see from 1978 to 2016, a record of Lab Week themes organized by ASCP. Early celebrations included luncheons with current and retired professionals, as well as flyers displayed in hospitals and presentations in educational institutions, highlighting the essential clinical testing and diagnostic work performed behind the scenes. Through efforts at archived storytelling, we have a record of how celebrations have evolved through the course of one’s career, such as ASCP’s Inside the Lab podcast episode with Ms. Stephanie Whitehead, MPH, MBA, CLS(ASCP)CM, Executive Director of Pathology and Laboratory Services at University Health in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Rodney Rohde, PhD, SM(ASCP)CM, SVCM, MBCM, Clinical Lab Science Program Chair at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
What began as a campaign led by one organization in 1975 has since grown into a collaborative effort involving 17 national clinical laboratory organizations. Today, Lab Week is a nationwide celebration that not only honors laboratory professionals but also serves as a platform to tackle pressing issues. These include advocating for increased funding, addressing workforce challenges, and adapting to rapidly evolving diagnostic technologies. Celebrations today also include fun ways to connect with laboratory professionals nationwide with the ASCP Lab Week Photo and Video Contest and the ASCLS Lab Week Run.
Although much has changed since Lab Week’s inception five decades ago, the need for public awareness remains constant. Lab Week serves as an annual reminder to celebrate the expertise and dedication of laboratory professionals while fostering a culture of appreciation year-round. As Lab Week 2025 approaches, let us take a moment to reflect on its history and consider ways to celebrate. Whether it’s recognizing certifications, planning team lunches, or hosting community events, small gestures can make a big impact. At WSLH PT, we believe in showing appreciation year-round, fostering positivity in the workplace, and supporting lab professionals as they continue their essential work. Thank you for making healthcare possible—you are truly appreciated today and every day.
References
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. (n.d.). Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. https://www.ascls.org/lab-week-mlpw
American Society for Clinical Pathology. (2022, April 26). S2Ep16: Lab Week Through the Years [Audio podcast episode]. In Inside the Lab. Buzzsprout. https://insidethelab.buzzsprout.com/1230539/episodes/10473623-s2ep16-lab-week-through-the-years
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (4.16.2019). About Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. https://www.cdc.gov/lab-week/about-archive.html
COLA, Inc. (4.14.2024) The Rich Tapestry of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in 2024: A Salute to Unsung Heroes. https://www.cola.org/medical-laboratory-professionals-week-in-2024-a-salute-to-unsung-heroes/
