Medical laboratory professionals continue to meet testing demands of Canadian healthcare system during COVID-19

HAMILTON, ON, March 19, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is reassuring Canadians that the medical laboratory professionals who are performing a key role in the management of the current COVID-19 pandemic are amongst the best in the world.  

Normally, Canadians never give a second thought to who is performing their laboratory tests. The Canadian public should be assured by the fact that when it comes to the standards our laboratory professionals are held to, our system rates as one of the strongest in the world. This includes the standards in place for the academic training programs, certification and licensure. 

"Medical laboratory Technologists and Assistants (MLTs and MLAs) are the backbone of our medical diagnostic and public health systems," said Christine Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of CSMLS. "While Canadians do their civic duty by taking social distancing measures, these professionals are taking their place on the frontlines of Canada's pandemic response."

Public and private laboratories are making the operational adjustments needed to ensure increased demands are met in a timely and reliable manner.

"It is important to note that cancer and other chronic diseases have not taken a break amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient care has needed to continue for individuals with a variety of health issues," explained Nielsen. "The lab is a key part of patient care and so while the focus has been on responding to COVID-19, our labs are stepping up to provide care to all patients during this taxing time."

Recognizing that these are extraordinary circumstances, laboratory professionals will continue to provide timely, reliable test results for COVID-19 and other tests ranging from blood and DNA tests, to cancer screening, and other sophisticated medical testing. Some laboratory professionals working outside of the lab have recently been recalled into active duty to support the growing need for testing.

"Like many Canadians, our members are facing challenges in navigating this pandemic and responding to the ongoing changing circumstances in testing demands," states Nielsen. "Canadians can rest assured that medical laboratory professionals will rise to meet the needs of patients in these trying times. We will also continue our work with the federal and provincial governments to communicate and make changes based on ongoing need." 

"Seeing our members respond to this national health issue, I have never been prouder to be a medical laboratory professional," added Nielsen.

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is the national voice and certifying body of Medical Laboratory Technologists and Assistants (MLT/MLAs). Founded in 1937, CSMLS represents over 14,000 members across Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science