Who am I?

I, or someone like me, have touched you hundreds of times, but you never saw me, never felt me.  I give you hope, provide joy, and unfortunately, deliver bad news.  I am never there to share in your excitement or comfort you in your times of sorrow.  However, I still feel these emotions from a distance.

I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist.  I am the one who discovered a pregnancy in the couple who had a slim hope of ever bearing a child but was not there to "high-five" them.  I gave closure to thousands of families of the 9/11 disaster by identifying the remains of their loved ones but was not there to share their tears.  I personally discovered a terrorist's weapon of choice, Anthrax, but could not bask in the limelight.

I performed the tumor marker tests that helped in the diagnosis of cancer in your father, mother, spouse, or other family member early enough for a successful recovery or at least in time for them to wrap up loose ends.

I recognized when you needed more iron, less medication, and a better diet.  I tested your serum for hepatitis markers and for HIV antibodies.  I identified the organism that was causing your infection and the antimicrobials that would be effective in treating it.  I identified the HLA markers in a donor that provided a perfect match for the stem cell transplant you so desperately needed.  I supply most of the evidence your physician uses to diagnose your ills.  My tasks are limitless, but always behind the scenes.  I am a vital part of the healthcare team and make substantial contributions to you r diagnosis and treatment.  But I never get to tell you so.

Karen Gordon
President, Virginia Society for Clinical Laboratory Science