National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week provides the profession with a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for, clinical laboratory personnel. The dates for the next NMLPW are:

NMLPW, which takes place the 4th week in April each year, is coordinated by a collaborative committee with representatives from 10 national clinical laboratory organizations, including ASCLS. Listed below are the 10 sponsoring organizations for this year’s NMLPW event.

In this 35th year, it is important to reflect on the important history of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (NMLPW). NMLPW originated in 1975, as 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.

In the fall of 2005, National Medical Laboratory Week was changed to National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 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.

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.

Beyond meeting this public need, the celebration of NMLPW 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 institution or local area.  Some have obtained proclamations by mayors or governors while others have been featured on local TV and radio stations. National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week has been successful in increasing the recognition of clinical laboratory science among the healthcare community and general public.

Planning guides, posters, promotional materials and informational materials are available to assist in preparing for this annual event.