DIGI SOCIETY
The Laboratory Field Has Digitalized Significantly Over the Past Twenty Years
The laboratory field has undergone significant digitalization over the past twenty years. I graduated in 1997. At that time, patients’ names and personal identification numbers were written manually on sample tubes. Many laboratory tests were performed manually, and there was very little automated analysis. Tests were conducted as individual analyses using manual pipetting, and results took longer to be completed than they do today.
Nowadays, computer programs have transformed the way we work. All patient information is retrieved from the patient information system, and labels for different tests can be printed directly from this system. Many laboratory tests are now automated and performed using large machines. These devices sort samples and pipette multiple tests at once. Large laboratory centers have emerged, capable of analyzing thousands of patient samples and tests per day. The reporting of results is automated so that normal results are sent directly to the patient records. Abnormal results, based on certain criteria, are flagged for review by a laboratory technician. Automation requires strong data security and has improved patient safety while reducing human error.
Artificial intelligence has become part of laboratory work. It is already being used in hematology and pathology laboratories, for example, in cell recognition. However, the results still require approval from a laboratory technician. In the future, AI will further change the way we work by increasing efficiency and enabling the rapid and effective processing of larger volumes of samples. This will help patients receive diagnoses faster and allow work to be carried out with potentially fewer staff.
The role of laboratory technicians in large laboratory centers is shifting toward a more technical direction. In the future, more IT skills and technical knowledge of automated devices will be required. It is still difficult to imagine how the role of a laboratory technician will evolve. I often wonder what my own job will look like in five or ten years. Will small laboratories still exist at all? Will everything become large laboratory centers? In the future, life will undoubtedly become increasingly digital in all areas. It makes me wonder how I, or people older than me, will be able to keep up with these developments.
Risks of a Digital Society
One of the risks in a digital society is how personal information remains secure and how data protection is implemented across various digital services. Every action leaves a digital footprint, and everyone should consider carefully what kind of personal information they share, for example, on social media.
GDPR is extremely important in my work in the healthcare sector. All activities are governed by law, and patient information must be handled confidentially to ensure it does not end up in the hands of unauthorized individuals. At our workplace, we have a data protection officer who continuously trains staff on how to handle, store, and transfer patient data securely, with full consideration of data protection regulations. Patients also have the right to know who has viewed or processed their information in the patient information system. In my opinion, data security and privacy are crucial to ensure that patients’ sensitive information remains protected.
I Asked ChatGPT the Following Questions:
How is artificial intelligence used in clinical laboratories?
Answer: Its use is increasing steadily. Artificial intelligence brings speed, accuracy, and efficiency to diagnostics and laboratory processes.
AI is used in the analysis and interpretation of results. It can analyze microscopic images from blood, urine, and tissue samples. For example, it can classify white blood cells in hematology laboratories.
It can be utilized to optimize laboratory processes (such as timing of sample collection, routing, or analysis order), in automated quality control, and in predictive maintenance of equipment.
AI can support diagnostic decision-making and suggest possible diagnoses. It helps identify abnormalities, such as atypical cells.
It can also assist by combining results from different laboratory fields and automatically generating patient reports.
In microbiology, AI is used in image recognition of bacterial cultures, interpretation of antibiotic susceptibility results, and analysis of PCR and sequencing data.
The benefits of AI include faster response times, fewer errors and less human variability, reduced workload for staff, and the ability to focus on more demanding tasks. Challenges include transparency of AI systems, responsibility in case of errors, the need for continuous monitoring and validation, and ensuring patient data privacy and security.
In my opinion, AI provided a very comprehensive answer to my question.
How do I take a blood sample from a patient?
AI was able to clearly explain the step-by-step process of venous blood sampling—from patient identification to post-procedure steps—starting with the important note that blood sampling must always be performed aseptically and with patient safety in mind.
It’s possible that when asked for more specific or detailed information, AI might not perform as well.
Self Reflection
The overall experience was very interesting and useful. The videos and lectures supported my learning well. I gained a lot of new information from the videos on the topic. The assignment made me reflect on the changes in the laboratory field over the past twenty years—for example, how the role of a laboratory technician may evolve in the future.
I learned many new things about the various applications of artificial intelligence. For instance, the use of drones in examining buildings at risk of collapse. AI can also be utilized in military work by using drones to create floor plans of unknown buildings. In laboratory sample transportation, drones have been successfully tested to carry blood samples in warm conditions. In the future, drones could certainly be used more widely for transporting samples in other challenging environments.
I gained new and interesting perspectives on the history of digitalization and how it all began. I also learned new things about data security, even though these topics are regularly addressed in the workplace. It is important to stay vigilant about data protection even during free time. In the future, it’s definitely worth considering what is safe and necessary to share on social media.
I commented on the following blogs:
20/11/2025 at 13:49
Your post gave a fascinating look at how much laboratory work has changed. The contrast between manual pipetting and today’s automated systems really shows how far we’ve come. I especially liked your point about data security. Automation and integration bring huge benefits, but they also require strong safeguards.
The role of AI in hematology and pathology is exciting. I’ve seen similar developments in other areas of healthcare, and it’s clear that technical skills will become even more important for professionals. Your question about whether small labs will still exist in the future really resonated with me. Centralization can improve efficiency, but it also raises questions about accessibility and flexibility.
Thanks for sharing your reflections. It’s inspiring to see how you connect past experiences with future challenges. This post made me think about how we can support staff in adapting to these changes while keeping patient safety at the center.