Blogs

My First JAM Experience: A Journey of Inspiration, Connection, and Discovery

By Mikey Kieu posted 16 days ago
Attending JAM for the first time was truly an exciting and enriching experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt an overwhelming sense of community and solidarity. Everyone there understood both the challenges and the incredible rewards that come with working in this profession, and that shared understanding created such a welcoming atmosphere. On my very first day, I joined the Ascending and Developing Professionals Forum, and right away, I met some of the friendliest people—Katie, Doryan, Alexandra, Emily, Erika, and so many more. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the ASCLS family. That sense of inclusion was something ...

Feelings from a New Grad

By Mindy Ingalls posted 02-28-2025
When I was in middle school, I dreamed of becoming an actress. I felt that I loved to perform, whether it be through dance, singing, playing the cello, or on the stage. I enjoyed making others happy. I took all kinds of classes and lessons and got myself involved in a variety of clubs. Through an honor society, I found myself volunteering for a blood drive. Looking around me at all of the phlebotomists and donors, I felt the joy in the room. "They look so cool and professional." "Look how difficult their job is, but they're doing it with a smile." "These people are making others happy." When I was in high school, I dreamed of working in healthcare. I felt ...

ASCLS-OK One Vision Conference 2025

By Tiffany Gutierrez-Connelly posted 02-17-2025
Hello, Oklahoma ASCLS Laboratory members! We have an exciting One Vision seminar and House of Delegates meeting coming to Broken Arrow, OK at Northeastern State University! Throughout the day we will have those highly coveted CE courses, networking opportunities with fellow laboratorians, vendor booths, laboratory-themed games and so much more! We also need YOUR help! Would you be interested in volunteering for the One Vision seminar event? Please click on our form: https://www.asclsok.org/volunteers SAVE THE DATE and invite your colleagues, fellow laboratory students, and even those who have served their time to our ONE VISION ...

Rhode Island ASCLS-CNE Convention March 17th and 18th

By Nathan Lacroix posted 02-07-2025
ASCLS-CNE is holding our 77th Annual Clinical Laboratory Science Convention in Warwick, Rhode Island on March 17th and 18th! Registration is open and can be found at the link: 77th Annual ASCLS-CNE Clinical Laboratory Science Convention Early bird pricing is available until March 1st only! Don't miss out on up to 28 P.A.C.E. credits, talks in Chemistry, Transfusion Services, Microbiology, and Hematology. As well as lunch talks, opening and closing keynotes, student poster presentations, and a return of a workshop in the microbiology section on Tuesday! We hope to see you there!

Tennessee Annual Laboratory Conference Dates

By Jenelle Musick posted 12-30-2024
Tennessee Annual Laboratory Conference (TALC) will be April 17, 2025 at TopGolf Memphis and TopGolf Knoxville. Earn CE credits while golfing, eating and networking!

Jackalope Journal ASCLS Wy Newsletter!

By Sarah Steinberg posted 10-06-2024

Tell your students to come to the DAC Movie Night

By Letycia Nunez-Argote posted 09-25-2024
Hello all fellow ASCLS colleagues and Educators. I hope you are well. It is almost the end of September and we hope everything is running as smoothly as possible wherever you are. Please review and share the following information for the upcoming Diversity Advocacy Council Movie Night event. It is a movie "night" but it will actually be in the middle of the day. If you are able to encourage students to take a bit of time on one of the following dates, we hope you can join us. Also please share this information with your peers in practice, clinical sites, internships and so forward. We hope to get as many people as possible to register. If you cannot attend ...

From Lab Coat to Suit Coat: Advocating for H.R. 2377 and the Future of Finance in the Laboratory

By Damien Garza posted 09-11-2024
As medical laboratory scientists, we are at the forefront of diagnostics. We take great pride in our role in patient care by ensuring accurate and timely results. As you know, the legislative landscape significantly impacts our profession, influencing everything from reimbursement rates, to standards of practice. Out of the many facets and legislative complexities that are massively relevant to our profession, I would like to focus on just one: H.R. 2377/S1000 or the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA). This bill sets the Medicare payment for the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) in a sustainable way. To understand SALSA however, it is vital ...

🌟 Renew Your ASCLS Wyoming Membership Today! 🌟

By Sarah Steinberg posted 08-02-2024
🌟 Renew Your ASCLS Wyoming Membership Today! 🌟 Stay connected, stay informed, and stay ahead in your career with ASCLS Wyoming! Renew your membership now to continue enjoying: 🔹 Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals and industry leaders. 🔹 Cutting-Edge Education: Access the latest research, webinars, and CE opportunities. 🔹 Professional Advocacy: Be a part of the voice shaping the future of medical laboratory science. Don't miss out on all the benefits and support your membership provides. Renew today and keep growing with ASCLS Wyoming! 🔗 Renew Now: Renew Today!!! #ASCLSWyoming #MembershipRenewal ...

But … BUT nothing!

By Heather Herrington posted 07-16-2024
Written by Ali Nussbaum , MHHSA, MLS(ASCP) CM , caPM, ASCLS Board of Directors Are you a BUT-er? Do you even know if you are or not? We live in a BUT culture. So, there is a good chance you are or someone you know is a BUT-er. BUT-ing is when you say something positive, add a BUT and then drop some hard criticism. “She is a great laboratorian BUT she lacks leadership skills.” “He is a nice guy BUT never listens to me when I talk.” This language, although common, is highly damaging. The criticism will negate all the good the first half of the statement is supposed to portray. Yes, you are good/nice BUT … ruins that sentiment. People who receive ...

Empowering Collaboration: Leading Together in a Molecular Lab

By Sarah Steinberg posted 06-15-2024
In the intricate world of molecular laboratories, where precision and teamwork reign supreme, I found myself in a unique position. Surrounded by colleagues who boasted more technical expertise but less experience as lead scientist, I embarked on a journey that challenged norms and redefined leadership within our team. At the outset, it was clear that our collective goal—to drive innovation and excellence in molecular testing—required more than individual brilliance. It demanded a synergy of skills, a shared commitment to quality, and a willingness to elevate each other. While some might have assumed that leadership was the domain of a select few, I quickly ...

The Just Culture

By Heather Herrington posted 06-09-2024
Written by Ali Nussbaum , MHHSA, MLS(ASCP) CM , caPM, ASCLS Board of Directors, and Avid Supporter of New Professionals Hey Rockstar! You! Yes You! You are awesome, intelligent, and a value to the profession! Am I making you blush? Did you just say “No that’s not me, I’m just a student/new professional”? As a society we tend to be “just” people. I am “just” a blank. This framework is self-limiting and puts us in an inescapable prison of immobility and thinking less of yourself than what is true. I have found through my time as a medical laboratory professional that many of my colleagues and even myself are prone to devaluing their education and experience ...

A Poem for Lab Week 2024

By Jesse Day posted 04-17-2024
In the Lab's Glow: Healthcare Heroes Shaping Patientcare By: Aditi Sarkar, MS, MLS(ASCP) CM In the hematology lab, where breakthroughs are found, We, laboratory scientists, with cells profound. With microscopes and tests, we delve and we strive, Exploring blood's secrets to keep life alive. At dawn's first light, our workday begins, Analyzing samples, uncovering what's within. With precision and care, each drop we explore, Seeking answers where diseases implore. We count the reds, ensuring oxygen's flight, And tally the whites in defense against plight. Platelets we measure, though small in size, Yet mighty in healing, where hope does arise. ...

MLS Clinical Assistant Professor Position

By Rachel Childs posted 02-14-2024
Old Dominion University invites applications for a Clinical Assistant Professor faculty position in the Medical Laboratory Science Program of the School of Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences beginning July 25, 2024. The School is housed in the College of Health Sciences and includes undergraduate programs in medical laboratory science, cytotechnology and nuclear medicine technology as well as postgraduate certificate programs in molecular diagnostics and cytotechnology. The School’s faculty participate in Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences, Health Services Research, and Biomedical Engineering, and have set up and operate a high complexity CLIA-certified ...

A Commitment to Knowledge, Collaboration, Advocacy, and Community

By Jesse Day posted 01-22-2024
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape today, professional organizations play a pivotal role. They become conduits for networking, continuous education, advocacy, and professional growth. For me, joining such an organization is a heartfelt pledge to uphold the highest standards within my profession. My decision to become an active member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) was born out of a deep-rooted passion for the field, fueled by real-life experiences and a sincere desire to contribute meaningfully to its progress. The field of clinical laboratory science, where I am a newbie, is not merely complex but also indispensable. ...

Connecting With a New Generation Through Social Media

By Alexandra Adams posted 11-19-2023
Welcome to the revival of the Labora-Story Blog! When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor because I had loved my science classes and thought the only career available was through medical school. I was wrong and had a family member introduce me to the laboratory. I decided to spend my high school senior year English project shadowing her. I still remember the first time I stepped foot in a laboratory. I was a bit overwhelmed but intrigued at all the beeping, what the colored tubes meant, large expensive instruments and those weird squishy blood bags. I knew from that moment the laboratory was meant for me. I was lucky enough to have someone close to me in the ...

Register for the Fall 2023 ASCLS IL meeting!

By Kristen Pesavento posted 09-13-2023
The Fall 2023 ASCLS Meeting will occur October 14th in Rosemont, Illinois. Registration is now open at: https://asclsil.ticketleap.com/2023-ascls-fall-meeting/

Arguments for AACC to Reconsider Their Stance for a DCLS to Serve as a High-Complexity Lab Director

By Daniella McCurdy posted 12-13-2022
On July 26, 2022 the CMS opened up comments regarding the docket CMS-2022-0119-0001. This CMS proposal discusses adding a definition for “doctoral degree” in 493.2 for the purposes of high complexity laboratory director (HCLD) qualifications. Board certification by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved certifying body is a requirement for HCLD qualification. The American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is one of the nine board certifying bodies listed by the HHS. 1 The AACC voiced opposition to including the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) in the definition. The AACC is a reputable certifying body that shares the ...

2022 ASCLS Indiana-Kentucky Collaborative Laboratory Conference

By Daniella McCurdy posted 12-13-2022
Originally Posted 10-30-2022 14:13 For those of us fortunate enough to attend this year's laboratory conference at Good Samaritan Hospital's Hedde Hall or virtually, there was plenty of knowledge exchanged, camaraderie built and foundations for the future of clinical lab science in Indiana extended. The April chill may still have been in the air Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 but the MLSs, educators, students, lab managers and experts received the conference information warmly. ASCLS-IN' president, Biz Fisher first introduced George Fritsma, MS, the author of the Fritsma Factor blog and the opening speaker. Delving into his wonderfully named ...

Check Out the Latest Issue of ASCLS Today!

By Christina Camillo posted 11-25-2022
Check out the latest issue of ASCLS Today! ASCLS-Maryland Board member, Dr. Diane Davis authored an important article titled " The Importance of Accurate Laboratory Reference Intervals for Transgender Patients " You can read the article at the following link: https://ascls.org/the-importance-of-accurate-laboratory-reference-intervals-for-transgender-patients/ And you can read all of the current ASCLS Today articles here: https://ascls.org/ascls-today/ Enjoy!