What Should We Do in the Department of Clinical Laboratory in the Future?--Chairmen's Introductory Remarks

The Japanese Society of Laboratory Medicine and Japanese Association of Medical Technologists symposium was held at the 60th National Congress of the Japanese Society of Laboratory Medicine. The theme of this symposium was "What should we do in the Department of Clinical Laboratory in the future?" In this symposium, we discussed the future of the Department of Clinical Laboratory. Three speakers talked about this theme: a laboratory doctor, a laboratory technician, and a laboratory technician training school teacher. The speed and accuracy of routine laboratory work and delivery of the results to medical staff have been evaluated. It is important for medical technologists to improve their ability to estimate laboratory data based on anatomical, pathological, and physiological knowledge. Medical technologists receive many requests. We have to respond to the questions from medical staff and provide patients with appropriate explanations. Our objective is to educate human resources who can support the overall process. We maintain the environment, and nurture various personnel who work in clinical, research, educational, and industrial fields. It is very important for medical technologists to perform their duties as medical staff. Medical technologists contribute to patients' diagnoses and treatments and they participate in hospital administration. Mutual cooperation within the clinical laboratory group may be necessary for future activity.