New Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science

Abstract

I recently read that the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) is considering the establishment of a doctoral degree in clinical laboratory science (DCLS) (http://laboratorymanageradvanceweb.com/common/editorial/editorial.aspx?CC=96819). As described in the article, the new holder of the DCLS would be “appropriately trained to advise on the proper selection performance and interpretation of laboratory tests.” He/she would be knowledgeable in the discussion predictive values, the clinical significance of test results developing algorithms, and sorting out clinical issues as they relate to laboratory testing. Isn't this exactly what doctoral-level scientists in various areas of the laboratory, e.g., microbiology, chemistry, immunology, and molecular pathology, currently do? While it is true that the thrust of the academic Ph.D. degree is research and teaching, it is the postdoctoral training and certification in the various areas of clinical laboratory science that defines the role that the individual plays in the clinical laboratory, not the degree.