04/23/2026
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (Lab Week) is being observed April 19-25. This is an annual celebration of medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in health care and patient advocacy.
The theme for Lab Week 2026 is “Lab Story: To Infinity and Beyond for Our Patients.” This year, the Mobile County Health Department and Family Health — its primary care division — celebrate laboratory professionals who protect our future by skillfully adapting to meet today’s evolving patient care and public health challenges with resilience, innovation, and expertise. This theme also creates awareness and excitement about working in a laboratory setting.
Lab Week provides the profession with a unique opportunity to increase public understanding of and appreciation for clinical laboratory personnel.
“I want to thank all of our lab staff for their knowledge, hard work, and dedication. I truly appreciate each of you and the vital role you play in supporting patient care,” said LaJoya Todd, MCHD’s Lab Coordinator. “Your commitment, teamwork, and professionalism make a difference every day, and I am grateful to work alongside such a skilled and compassionate team.”
Lab Week is coordinated by a collaborative committee with representatives from 18 national clinical laboratory organizations. Now in its 49th year, it is important to reflect on the important history of Lab Week.
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 co-sponsors and campaign supporters.
