Medical Laboratory Professionals Week - ASCLS

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Medical Laboratory Professionals WeekYou are here:

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April 19-25, 2026

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) provides the profession with a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for clinical laboratory personnel.

MLPW, which takes place the last full week in April each year, is coordinated by a collaborative committee with representatives from 18 national clinical laboratory organizations, including ASCLS.

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week originated in 1975 as National Medical Laboratory Week, or NMLW, under the auspices of the American Society for Medical Technology, now called the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). In subsequent years, other organizations have served as cosponsors and campaign supporters.

Download our New MLPW Logo

We’ve created a series of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week logos to highlight all the departments and disciplines that medical laboratory professionals contribute to. We encourage you to download as many as you’d like for your Lab Week celebrations.

• Click on an image below in the carousel. Then, right click to save image to your computer.

Lab Week Run

It’s time to start planning for the 11th Annual Lab Week Run! This event is sponsored by the ASCLS Ascending Professionals and Developing Professionals Forums. Proceeds are used to support travel scholarships to attend national ASCLS events and the Education & Research Fund Cynthia L. Breen Memorial Scholarship.

Download the 2026 Lab Week Run flyer to help spread the word.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join the Industry Partner Interest List

Please join the industry partner interest list to receive more information regarding sponsorship opportunities when they become available.

Thank you to our 2026 Lab Week Run sponsors!

Increase Awareness of the Profession - #Lab4Life

Beyond meeting this public need, the celebration of MLPW will help increase recognition for the profession as it improves the individual practitioner’s sense of self-worth. Further, as the various professional groups within laboratory practice work together on this project, the sense of unity and purpose necessary to further the goals of all laboratorians are reinforced.

Many members plan displays, open houses and various other activities in their institutions or local areas. Some have obtained proclamations by mayors or governors while others have been featured on local TV and radio stations. National MLPW has been successful in increasing the recognition of clinical laboratory science among the healthcare community and general public.

We encourage you to use our hashtag – #lab4life.  For laboratory professionals, this hashtag is a statement of our dedication to the profession.  To the general public, it illustrates how quality laboratory results can lead to a healthier life.  Use this hashtag to show others your pride in being a laboratory professional.

Download the #Lab4Life logo

Right click to save image to your computer. Images cannot be altered.

Download Color Logo

Download Black Logo

Download Red Logo

Download White Logo

Lab Week Proclamations

Proclamations

Obtaining mayoral and/or gubernatorial proclamations are interesting promotional items that require little time in relationship to the benefits that are realized. Elected public officials generally welcome the opportunity to participate in such events. This activity should be undertaken as a joint effort of the MLPW sponsoring groups on both state and local levels. See examples of proclamations below.

Procedures for arranging a proclamation signing ceremony may vary among states and cities. A general outline is given in the following paragraphs. If these procedures do not apply in your state or local situation, government staff can be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.

Finally, bringing MLPW sponsoring groups together in the mayor or governor’s office for a MLPW proclamation signing ceremony provides a terrific media photo opportunity. Publicity is vital as you begin your MLPW activities, and it’s also a chance to tell the media why MLPW is so important and what events or activities will be happening in your area.

• View an example of a State Proclamation
• View an example of a City Proclamation

To Arrange the Signing of a Proclamation by a Mayor or Governor

1. Obtain the contact information for the mayor or governor’s office. Contact as far in advance as possible. Remember, elected officials have very busy schedules, so make sure to call early and be flexible in setting the time and date for the signing.

2. When you contact the official’s office, say that you wish to speak with someone about requesting that the mayor or governor sign a proclamation for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, which typically occurs the last week in April.

3. You will communicate with an administrative assistant/aide or a secretary.

1. • Introduce yourself. Example: This is Jane Doe. I am the lead medical lab scientist/medical technologist at General Hospital in Our Town, and I am a local coordinator for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
   • Tell the person: Medical Laboratory Professionals Week will be observed nationally the week of April 14-20, 2024. We would like to ask the (mayor/governor), to sign a proclamation designating that week as Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in this (city/state). I would like to send more information explaining the week and provide suggested wording for a proclamation. I called to ask you the proper procedure.
   • Gather information: Your respondent will then tell you to whom the letter should be sent. Make sure you get contact information, as well as the correct spelling of the person’s name.

4. Below is a sample letter/email:

Dear :

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week will be observed nationally April 14-20, 2024. This week recognizes the contributions of the scientific and technical personnel whose work in the medical/clinical laboratory helps give our nation the best possible health care.

I am the Medical Laboratory Professionals Week coordinator for this state/city/district, and I am writing to say that we would very much like the week to be officially recognized in our (city/ state).

I am requesting that the (mayor/governor) participate in a ceremony at his/her office to sign a proclamation declaring a celebration of the week.

The wording for a suggested proclamation is enclosed. I have also included a schedule of dates and times close to the actual week during which it would be appropriate to hold the ceremony. Please let me know if this schedule includes a convenient time for the (mayor/governor).

I look forward to hearing from you regarding the approval of the proclamation and a reserved day and time for the signing. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me, as I will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have.

I appreciate your interest.

Sincerely, (Your Name)

5. Mark a date on your calendar (approximately two weeks in the future) to call your contact if you’ve had no response.

6. Once a date has been decided, arrange for representatives of the sponsoring groups to be present for the signing. If the governor or mayor’s official photographer will not be present, request that one of your members take pictures. Share the photo on your social media channels and send a digital photo to [email protected].

7. Be prepared to provide the mayor or governor’s press secretary with all relevant information about MLPW.

8. After the ceremony send a thank-you to the mayor or governor, as well as the individual in her/her office who helped arrange the signing. You will establish a great relationship that you may use again in the future.

MLPW Promotional Ideas

An objective of MLPW is to educate healthcare professionals, the public, and others about the role of the laboratory professional in patient care. ASCLS has many items available that can be used for this effort.  See below.  This list is a free resource for all to use in planning their MLPW celebrations.

• Download the MLPW Promotional Guide, filled with ideas for celebrating and building awareness about the profession
  • View an example of a successful effort for a Governor’s Proclamation
  • View an example of a successful effort for a Mayor’s Proclamation
• A Life Saved: Laboratory Professionals Make A Difference Video – poignant and moving video that inspires and empowers laboratory professionals to articulate the importance of their contributions to patient care. 
• Lab Tests Online — an unprecedented resource for healthcare consumers to understand the meaning of their laboratory test results; information about how to promote this site is available at the website.
• ASCLS Career Recruitment Toolkit – Our career recruitment toolkit contains several resources to be used in educating others about our profession during MLPW, including a new brochure and promotional video.
• ASCLS Promotion of the Profession website – The ASCLS PPC website has additional resources that can be used for your MLPW celebration.
• Laboratory Science Careers – a website designed to encourage students to enter our profession. It includes information on careers, education, and other resources, including videos.
• Coordinating Council on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce – the CCCLW works to ensure the supply of qualified laboratory professionals. CCCLW projects include an awareness campaign to put a face on clinical laboratory scientists.
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Laboratory video – view short video describing the value of laboratory professionals
• Maxine cartoon – John Wagner, of Maxine fame, drew a lab cartoon years ago picturing Maxine and Obie with a microscope and blood samples on the counter in honor of MLPW. Carol Daniels, retired program director from Indian River State College (FL), was his sister.  The cartoon was his contribution to our profession.  Thanks to Marilyn Barbour and IRSC for making this available.

Focus on the Person

In the fall of 2005, NMLW was changed to National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW) to emphasize the person whose expertise is needed in the performance of laboratory testing. Beginning in 2010 the organizers decided to “brand” the event by using the same theme each year: Laboratory Professionals Get Results.  In the summer of 2012 organizers deleted “National” from the title for brevity, and it became Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.

There are approximately 300,000 practitioners of clinical laboratory science in the United States. Since the development of this career group in the 1920s, the clinical laboratory science professional has played an increasingly vital role in the diagnosis and prevention of disease. Today, the clinical laboratorian is a key member of a health care team.

As team members of one of the largest industries in the United States, the dedicated efforts of laboratory professionals often go unnoticed by the general public, as well as by the very institutions employing their services. With the public now demanding the assurance of quality health care and professional accountability, organizations representing practitioners of this critical science have a responsibility to ensure that the public is well informed about clinical laboratory competency.

2025 Lab Week Activities and Resources

Below are Lab Week activities and resources created by members of the ASCLS Marketing & Communications Committee. Also be sure to scroll down to check out additional activities that were posted in previous years.

Welcome to Lab Week Bingo! We aim to celebrate everything we experience in the lab, from the everyday to the oddly specific. Bring this game into your lab to recognize the little moments that make our departments run: whether it’s a critical hemoglobin, a lipemic sample, or the triumphant feeling of QC passing on the first try!

Design a Lab Week logo that speaks to you and your lab. Share your design on social media, and be sure to tag ASCLS so we can see and share your design. #IamASCLS #Lab4Life #LabWeek

Just in time for Lab Week, ASCLS updated our digital cookbook of recipes for potlucks that have been lab-tested and approved by you, medical laboratory professionals! Try out some of these fun and delicious recipes, and post pictures of your creations on social media. Tag #IamASCLS #Lab4Life #LabWeek

Version 2.0 includes 12 new recipes, including:

• Sour Breakfast Tasting Flight or Tastebud Recalibration Protocol
• 63°C Sous Vide Egg on Savory Yogurt with Olive Oil & Herbs
• The Worlds Most Complicated Pea Soup
• Easy Restaurant Salsa
• Lentil Tacos
• Chocolate Lasagna
• Gluten and Keto friendly Peanut Butter Cookies
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
• And more!

Download Your Free Copy

This Lab Week, we created a playlist of songs that are their tried and true jams that you can boogey to in and outside the lab. Our music choices span genres, decades, and vibes, a reflection of the diversity of medical laboratory professionals. Give it a listen, do the centrifuge wiggle, or even make your own playlist based off of these songs. Just be sure to party and celebrate Lab Week with some rocking tunes!

Here are some songs that members wanted to highlight:

• I’m Still Standing, Elton John: Always a good song to play, especially after really rough days.
• Matsuri, Fuji Kaze: Matsuri means festival, and this Japanese song is about how everyday is a festival, and with all the ups and downs, being alive is worth celebrating.
• Sweet Child O’ Mine, Guns N’ Roses: When I worked in the lab, a co-worker of mine would do an Axl Rose impression every time this song came on the radio. Always made us laugh, no matter what was going on in the lab.
• Never Too Much, Luther Vandross: Perfect song to groove to while you are setting up your bench for the day.
• Wellerman, Sea Shanty: This song will get you pumped up!
• The Party’s Just Begun, The Cheetah Girls: Always a great song to get the lab party started.
• The Elements, Tom Lehrer: Even before I got into the lab world, this song was one of my favorites to sing to, and who doesn’t love a good science themed song?

ASCLS/ACLA/NILA Lab Week Social Toolkit

To commemorate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 20-26, ASCLS, the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA), and the National Independent Laboratory Association (NILA) have developed the following social media toolkit.

This annual celebration provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize and uplift the dedicated laboratory professionals who play a critical role in advancing patient care and public health every day.

Share these graphics and messages on social media and help spread the word. Click on the images below, then right click to save image to your computer.

This #LabWeek, we celebrate the laboratorians who play a key role in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease for millions of patients. Thank you for your daily efforts to keep patients healthy and reduce healthcare costs. #IamASCLS #Lab4Life

As we celebrate #LabWeek, we acknowledge the vital role of laboratory professionals in healthcare. Your hard work is instrumental in delivering accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Thank you for all that you do for our nation’s health! #IamASCLS #Lab4Life

Thank you to America’s laboratorians, who work tirelessly to provide life-saving diagnostics that inform treatment and care while lowering health care costs. #LabWeek #IamASCLS #Lab4Life

2025 MLPW Proclamations

• • Alabama
    • Northport
    • Tuscaloosa
  •  California
    • Fresno
    • San Jose
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
    • Jacksonville
    • Tampa
  • Hawaii

    • County of Kaua’i

    • County of Maui

  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
    • East Grand Forks
  • Missouri

• • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
    • Nassau County
    • White Plains
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
    • Brookings
    • Rapid City
    • Sioux Falls
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Previous Lab Week Celebrations

2024 Lab Week Activities

Below are Lab Week activities created by members of the ASCLS Marketing & Communications Committee. They were designed so you can easily print, share, and use them in your lab or workplace during Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. We challenge you to see how many you can complete. Answer keys will be provided during Lab Week, so we don’t spoil anyone’s fun.

• Crack the Code—Chromosome Riddles
• Crossword Puzzle
• Find the Hidden Pictures
• Lab Week Superlatives
• Mad Libs
• Spot the Difference
• What’s Your Bacteria Name?
  • Featuring a name badge template for your bacteria name!
• Word Search #1
• Word Search #2
• Answer Keys

Lab Week Photo Challenge

Congratulations to our winners!

This year for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, ASCLS hosted a fun photo challenge where laboratorians could share photos and show off their labs. We received 61 total submissions, and 1,645 people voted on their favorite photos during Lab Week. Congratulations to our winners in each category, who each won a $50 gift card.

The Bestest Lab

Winner: “Stop looking at the Walls, look out the Window!” submitted by Gregory Bass

Runner up: “We may be a small team in a small rural community, but our work speaks louder for our department” submitted by Cecil James Buguis

The Slide of Fame

Winner: “Live, Lab, Love” submitted by Ashley Smith

Runner up: “Now THAT’S a quality IHC” submitted by Naomi Gallegos

The Fungis in the Lab

Winner: “WJMC Lab Rats Class of 2023” submitted by Angela Sanders

Runner up: “Cells at Work costume for our MLS program’s costume contest! We are killer T cell and red blood cell” submitted by Jordan Holdaway

Lab Week Resources

• Ask Me Anything: Ideas to Celebrate Lab Week! (video recording)
• A Trivia Night SOP – Planning for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (podcast episode)
• “To Lab (Week), or not to Lab (Week), that is the Question …” (ASCLS Today article)
• CDC 2023 Digital Toolkit
• What Is Your Bacteria Name? Game
• What Lab Department Are You? Quiz
• Design Your Own Scrubs Coloring Page
• Which ASCLS Conference Are You? Quiz
• Which is Older? Game
• Which is Older? Answer Key
• Conflict Resolution Cell Style Quiz

2023 MLPW Proclamations

• Arkansas
• Chicago
• Cincinnati
• Clarksville (TN)
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Kansas

• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Monroe County (NY)
• Nassau County (NY)
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New York City
• North Carolina

• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Watch the recorded video

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