Medical laboratory professionals are the least visible of the health care team. However their contribution to the diagnosis and effective treatment of the various maladies that afflict mankind cannot be underestimated.

As a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology celebrating Laboratory Professionals week (April 20-26) I cannot fail to pay tribute to the hundreds of men and women in Malta who play a vital role in every aspect of health care. Since they often work behind the scenes testing hundreds of thousands of body fluids and tissue samples, few people know about their critical contribution in our fight against disease.

It is also in part to their research efforts that today’s healthcare team are better equipped to bring relief to our sick people.

Recently becoming a “client” using their services heightens my appreciation of this year’s slogan “Laboratory professionals get results!”

I feel the need to pay tribute to these professionals.