[New series on Clinical Laboratory in Revista Médica de Chile]

The Chilean Autonomous Commission for Medical Specialties Certification recognized Clinical Laboratory as a specialty in 1994. This decision was based on the great development of the specialty that incorporated new methodologies and developed automatic computerized methods. The main objective of the Clinical Laboratory specialist is to work as a consultant to define the laboratory diagnostic strategies that have the best cost effectiveness ratio. He must also select and assess diagnostic methods, supervise their implementations and assure the quality of the results generated. He must also be an efficient laboratory director and administrator.