A modern and pragmatic definition of Laboratory Medicine
Giuseppe Lippi, Mario Plebani
Abstract
Herein we propose a modern and pragmatic definition of Laboratory Medicine. Laboratory Medicine may henceforth be defined as "a clinical science and discipline, devoted to the quantitative measurement, or qualitative assessment, of any substance which can be assayed in any type of biological fluid of any animal species, thus including humans, for either medical or research purposes. The results of these measurements are translated into actionable information for improving the care and/or maintaining the wellness of both a single individual and an entire population". This definition implicitly encompasses the use of a vast array of analytical methods, especially including -though not essentially limited to -colorimetric, enzymatic, turbidimetric, electrochemical, immunochemical, separation, nuclear magnetic resonance, cytochemical, clotting, molecular, cytogenetic and flow cytometry techniques These tests can be used for the screening, diagnosis, staging, prognostication and therapeutic monitoring of a kaleidoscope of pathological conditions, as well as for establishing health, fitness and predisposition towards certain activities and behaviors.