In a medical context, "LAB" is an abbreviation for "laboratory." A laboratory is a facility where scientific testing, analysis, and research are conducted on various biological samples, fluids, tissues, or other specimens. Medical laboratories play a crucial role in healthcare by providing diagnostic and clinical information that assists in disease detection, monitoring, and treatment.
Medical laboratories adhere to strict quality assurance measures to ensure accurate and reliable results. They participate in external quality assurance programs, perform internal quality control checks, and follow standardized protocols and guidelines. Accreditation bodies, such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) or the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in the United States, certify laboratories that meet established standards of practice.
