Shining a light on medical laboratory professionals 

From April 13 to 19, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is celebrating National Medical Laboratory Week recognizing the vital contributions of medical laboratory professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure accurate diagnoses and quality patient care.   

Dr. Alan Spatz, chief of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine at the MUHC, shares his gratitude:   

“I am profoundly thankful to every lab employee and doctor within the Optilab Montreal-MUHC network. Their dedication, skill, and knowledge are instrumental in elevating healthcare delivery and advancing medical research throughout Quebec. By centralizing and standardizing laboratory services, Optilab-MUHC ensures high-quality testing in fields like biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, molecular genetics, and transfusion medicine, thereby providing the population with timely, accurate diagnostics and promoting collaboration across Quebec's healthcare network.”  

Enzo Caprio, Clinical Administrative Director at Optilab Montreal-MUHC, echoes that recognition:  

“It is often said that ‘the unsung heroes are the ones who make all the difference,’ and I believe that there is no group more fitting of this description than our Medical Laboratory Team. Each day, you work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the accuracy and precision of the tests that help diagnose, treat, and save lives.”  

A special spotlight on the LIS team 

This year, Yann Chong, Assistant to the Director for Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Performance, Data Management and Continuous Improvement, shared his appreciation for the LIS team’s essential role: 

“As we celebrate National Medical Laboratory Week, I want to sincerely thank you for the remarkable work you do each day—your skill, dedication, and precision are the backbone of our lab operations and play a vital role in patient care. From managing complex data systems and supporting seamless diagnostic workflows to driving the transition to a new provincial LIS, your work behind the scenes is essential to the broader healthcare system—enabling accurate diagnoses, timely treatments, and informed clinical decisions. This year especially, your adaptability, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence stand out, and I’m truly grateful to be part of such an exceptional team.”  

Focus on the Central Laboratory  

Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the MUHC Central Laboratory, located at the Glen site, is staffed by a dedicated team of 100 professionals, including Clinical Biochemists, Medical Technologists, Laboratory Technicians, and Administrative Agents.   

“The Central Lab handles everything from analyzing samples to validating test results and managing complex laboratory equipment,” says Laboratory Manager Rebecka Lang.  

A look at the numbers: 

• 250 urinalysis tests/day
• 1,000 complete blood counts/day
• 1,200 glucose analyses/day
• 7,000 specimens processed daily across multiple sectors, including:
  • biochemistry
  • hematology
  • coagulation
  • endocrinology
  • immunology and more
• Over 8 million tests performed annually  

“Whether it’s a routine blood test, a complex pathology report, or the urgent need for test results in critical care, you are the experts who provide the essential information doctors rely on to make life-changing decisions,” adds Enzo. “And when we look at the big picture—our entire MUHC Optilab cluster produced more than 32 million tests last year. That’s a remarkable indicator that speaks of your dedication and impact.  You are integral to the success of our healthcare system, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”  

Honouring lab professionals 

To mark this important week, the President of the Ordre professionnel des technologistes médicaux du Québec shared the following message: 

Dear colleagues,   
On the occasion of Quebec Medical Laboratory Week, which takes place from April 13 to 19, 2025, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your daily professional commitment.   
You are at the heart of the continuum of care and play an essential role in our healthcare system. Thanks to your diligence and expertise, you make a crucial contribution to the screening, diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up of patients—key steps in ensuring quality care.   
Let's take this week to highlight the value of your work, your dedication and the importance of your contribution. I look forward to meeting you during my tour of the MUHC Optilab cluster.  
Together, let's continue to promote our profession and demonstrate the full extent of our impact across the health network.  
(translated from French)  
Katia Kadri, T.M  
Présidente Ordre professionnel des technologistes médicaux du Québec  

As part of national recognition efforts, on April 15, the Montreal Tower at Olympic Park will be illuminated indigo in tribute to medical laboratory professionals. This initiative, led by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), highlights the crucial role of lab professionals in patient care.