Medical Laboratory Science in Pakistan: Reflections on Global Trends of 2017

1. Rising Demand & Market Growth in Clinical Laboratory Services

One of the dominant undercurrents in 2017 was the expansion of the global clinical laboratory services market. The “Global Clinical Laboratory Services Market 2017–2021” report estimated that the market would grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.72 % during that period. PR Newswire

This growth was fueled by:

• Increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare and routine testing
• The aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases
• Broader insurance coverage and greater health infrastructure investment

For Pakistan, these trends meant more pressure on labs (public and private) to increase capacity, improve turnaround times, and maintain quality under scale.

2. Innovations in Diagnostic Technology & Molecular Methods

2017 saw accelerating interest in molecular diagnostics, genetics, and automation. According to a “Medical Laboratory Testing Services” 2017 report, biotechnology advances in genetics and pathogen detection were key drivers for laboratories globally. PR Newswire

In particular:

• Labs began integrating PCR / nucleic acid amplification tests for infectious agents more aggressively
• Automation of sample handling, robotic pipetting, and high-throughput analyzers turned from novelty to near necessity
• The trend toward point-of-care testing (POCT) grew, enabling quicker results—especially in remote / rural settings

In Pakistan’s context, these innovations posed both opportunity and challenge: many labs had to invest in new equipment, retrain staff, and adjust workflow to incorporate molecular methods.

3. Early Applications of AI & Machine Learning in Laboratory Diagnostics

Though nascent in 2017, one compelling development was the use of machine learning (ML) in interpreting laboratory data. For example, a paper titled “Application of machine learning for hematological diagnosis” (2017) showed how ML models built on standard blood test results achieved prediction accuracies comparable to specialist interpretation. arxiv.org

What does that suggest for labs?

• Laboratory professionals must be conversant not just with “wet lab” protocols but also data analytics
• The role of the lab transforms from just measuring to interpreting and predicting
• Quality and reproducibility become even more critical, since algorithmic models are only as good as the data fed into them

For PMLPA and its members, the 2017 turn towards AI underscores the need for continuous training, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and staying technologically adept.

4. Quality Assurance, Benchmarking & Standardization

Another theme in 2017 was the emphasis on standardization, benchmarking, and laboratory accreditation. Laboratories worldwide increasingly recognized that without robust quality systems, results may be inconsistent or non-comparable.

Though not specific to 2017 only, the push for quality became stronger in that period because:

• Global networks (e.g. ISO 15189, external quality assurance schemes) were gaining ground
• Benchmarking of key performance indicators (turnaround times, error rates, sample rejection rates) became more common practice
• Laboratories started adopting systems to compare performance metrics against peer institutions

For PMLPA and member labs in Pakistan, this meant more attention to quality control, internal audits, external proficiency testing, and consistent reporting practices.

5. Challenges Faced in 2017 & Lessons for the Future

While the trends were promising, 2017 also revealed persistent challenges:

• Shortage of skilled manpower: The report on global lab services noted that lack of qualified professionals was a key constraint on growth. PR Newswire
• Cost and resource constraints: High-end diagnostic equipment and molecular assays are expensive, making adoption slower in low-resource settings
• Infrastructure gaps: Some labs lacked reliable electricity, temperature control, or IT systems for reporting
• Regulation and oversight: In many regions, laboratory regulation, standardization, and enforcement lagged behind technological progress

For Pakistan, these lessons resonate strongly. As PMLPA, we must push for:

• Better training programs and continuing education
• Advocacy for funding and infrastructure improvements
• Encouragement to adopt quality and accreditation systems
• Collaboration with international bodies

Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

Reflecting on 2017 gives us a vantage point: those years were not just about new gadgets or methods, but about transition—from manual to automated, from qualitative to quantitative, and from isolated labs to networked systems. For PMLPA, remembering how the profession evolved then helps us plan for how it should evolve now.

If you are a member or a visitor and want to discuss how your lab can align with these continuing trends, or if you’d like to become a member of PMLPA, feel free to reach out to us: Contact Us.