[A role of clinical pathologists in Laboratory Information (Consulting) Center]

In the 21st Century, laboratory scientists must change their concepts and attitude in order to supply services and information of great value. The laboratory tests comprise an increasing volume, and medical workers frequently need consultation on these tests. Effective utilization of laboratory data are important aspects of evidence-based medicine, and will also contribute to the efficiency of hospital practice and management. Clinical Laboratory of Kitasato University Hospital opened the "Clinical Laboratory Information (Consulting) Center" in July 1995 to respond to the increasing demand for consultation. It has been supporting medical care and research. The Center is located on the second floor of the Clinical Laboratory building of Kitasato University Hospital, and is staffed by one medical technologist and a clinical pathologist specialized in laboratory medicine. The Center staff consults by telephone from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and get inquiries after-work hours and during weekends either by e-mail or fax. The Center aims to improve medical care by providing accurate and up-to-date information on clinical laboratory tests and interpretations. The clinical pathologist of the Center attempts to advise physicians regarding appropriate tests for particular patients. This avoids the ordering of unnecessary tests, which benefits the patient, the physician, and the hospital. The clinical pathologist should keep abreast of new findings on a wide array of clinical laboratory tests. The clinical pathologist should respond immediately to requests and complaints, thereby always seeking to improve oneself and the Center. Our Center is the first clinical laboratory in Japan staffed by both a clinical pathologist and a medical technologist, and our Center could be a pilot study for a new service of hospital clinical laboratories.