Laboratory science and a glimpse into the future

Medical laboratory science is a major component of global health. Laboratory science for clinical operations and for biomedical research are accompanied by challenges and opportunities. Clinical laboratories continue to face operational issues, errors and limitations. Biomedical laboratories continue to evolve without cemented global guidelines. Even with regulations and structure that accompany public-private interrelationships, regulation and quality assurance processes are not standardized. Additionally, challenges within laboratory labor regulations, credentialing and training remain, worldwide. Recommendations of medical laboratory reform, redesign, structure and advocacy can positively impact healthcare. Alignment in clinical and biomedical operations, quality improvement and regulation are feasible. Additionally, improvements to laboratory science research and policy bring opportunities for global harmony. With an agenda that includes prepared professionals, set standards and a global research enterprise, the future of interdependent laboratory science can be met inbright optimism.