In an interview with MedLabPortal, DGKL CEO Jan Wolter discusses the importance of laboratory medicine from the patient’s point of view. The occasion is today’s World Laboratory Day.

MedLabPortal: Mr. Wolter, as every year, April 23 is World Laboratory Day. Why do we need it?

Wolter: Laboratory medicine is the critical infrastructure within the critical infrastructure of health care. Or to put it more simply: Without a laboratory, almost nothing works in health care. To this end, physicians, clinical chemists, but also medical technologists and other specialist staff perform their duties every day, every night, on weekends and on public holidays. In doing so, they bear an enormous responsibility. Unfortunately, only very few people know that. World Laboratory Day stands for the achievements of these committed people and the importance of their activities for our health.

MedLabPortal: The statement that around 70 percent of all diagnoses are made with the help of laboratory medicine is well known. However, our family doctor stands by the maxim that he treats people, and not blood values. How closely does laboratory medicine work with practicing medical practices?

Wolter: The laboratory values must always be seen in context. And that’s exactly where the laboratory physician helps. Of course, the family doctor does not have to call the laboratory for every blood count to have it explained. But you don’t always take the results in your hands and immediately know what to do with them. And in fact, the consultation can also start earlier: Which parameters should be queried at all?

MedLabPortal: Let’s stay with everyday life. Last week, a 92-year-old diabetic had to be transported from the nursing home to the hospital, 25 km away, with blue lights on because the nursing home only measured her blood sugar once a month. She collapsed and barely survived. Measurements would have been necessary three times a day, which would have prevented the emergency. Doesn’t the loss of laboratory medicine services cause enormous costs?

Wolter: Modern medical care is inconceivable without a laboratory. In order to adjust medication correctly, laboratory tests are often essential in advance, for example when choosing the right antibiotic; but also in retirement planning. The earlier a disease can be diagnosed, the better, faster and more cost-effectively it can be treated and, in the best case, cured.

MedLabPortal: We were surprised that many laboratory medical examinations for self-payers are much cheaper than expected. A PSA test, for example, costs less than 50 euros – but can provide valuable information about the existence or non-existence of a prostate tumor. Why does everyone rely only on health insurance benefits?

Wolter: Even less than 30 euros! I am a big fan of health insurance companies reimbursing preventive examinations – especially a PSA test, which is also recommended in an S3 guideline. At the same time, here in Germany, we have become very accustomed to the fact that our health is taken care of by the health insurance company and not by ourselves. Not everything that a health insurance company does not reimburse does not make sense. Everyone has to take more responsibility for themselves here.

MedLabPortal: While we’re on the subject of doctors’ practices, what role does preanalytics play in a blood draw?

Wolter: It is crucial. Without clean pre-analytics, the sample is sometimes worthless. So if it is shaken too hard or not stored correctly, the result can be distorted.

MedLabPortal: So as a patient of the MFA, I have to explain when I should clench my fist for how long or at all? With all due respect – no one would follow my instructions.

Wolter: As a patient, I have to be able to rely on the fact that the specialist knows his way around. Unfortunately, I have already had to experience for myself that this is not always the case. There is obviously still a need for clarification here.

MedLabPortal: As is well known, the Germans’ favourite child is the car, for which they regularly spend a lot of money on TÜV or DEKRA alone. As a DGKL board member, how do you intend to make it clear to the public that laboratory medicine can also be a kind of TÜV for one’s own health?

Wolter: The comparison is good. With a laboratory examination, you can determine whether everything is still okay for many areas or functions of the body, quickly and easily. Unfortunately, many are more willing to invest money in their car than in their health. At the same time, however, I must also warn against overdiagnosis. If you want to know what else can be sensibly tested in addition to the usual preventive examinations, you should consult with a specialist in laboratory medicine. This saves you unnecessary and often expensive tests and puts you in expert hands just in case.

MedLabPortal: Thank you for your time.

The questions were asked by Vlad Georgescu

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Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.