History of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics in Poland

Abstract

Background: Medical laboratory diagnostics in Poland has a long history, however there is lack of studies in this field. Main Findings: The first clinical laboratories on ethnic Polish territory were founded in the mid. 19th Century. After the World War I, rapid development of laboratories in Poland, similar to pan-European trends, occurred. During the World War II many laboratory professionals were killed and laboratory infrastructures were destroyed or severely damaged. In the post-WW II period, during the communist era, the development of laboratory diagnostics in Poland was not significant due to the lack of access to the latest western technologies. However, some unique solutions to some problems were developed. For example, special M.Sc. studies for laboratory staff were introduced. Towards the end of the 20th Century, in the post-communist era, significant development of private laboratories was observed with subsequent integration into several companies. In Poland, laboratory diagnostician is a profession of public trust and over 14,000 professionals are registered in The Polish Chamber of Laboratory Diagnosticians. Conclusions: The history of medical laboratories in Poland reflects the development of this key element of healthcare. The recent history has several unique and valuable solutions as teaching laboratory staff in specific medical colleges and organizing them in associations of professionals.