Forward steps in green medical laboratory practices for a sustainable future

Abstract

This paper provides information on the significance of environmental sustainability and the potential benefits of implementing green laboratory processes. Sustainability is a broad concept that includes goals such as conservation of natural resources, energy efficiency, waste management, and reducing environmental footprints. Green laboratories strive to minimise environmental footprints by embedding sustainability principles into their everyday practices. This involves improvements in energy consumption, water usage, chemical waste reduction, and recycling, ultimately, as well as lower waste disposal costs. Implementing green laboratory approaches provides many benefits, such as a smaller environmental footprint, increased energy efficiency, water conservation, and cost savings. Moreover, a rational test ordering process can effectively contribute to reducing environmental impacts in medical laboratories. Rational test ordering provides cost-effectiveness and reduces the carbon footprint. Establishing a green and sustainable laboratory culture in medical laboratories requires a permanent organisation in where all personnel participate. Training of the hospital management teams, clinicians, and laboratory professionals is a vital point. Methodology and quality indicators should be defined by international and national laboratory associations within the framework of a green and sustainable laboratory plan, and data should be collected. In conclusion, adopting green laboratory practices reduces environmental impacts, saves costs, and accelerates innovation processes. Setting quality targets and rational test ordering practices are also essential for sustainability. Applying sustainability principles in laboratory workplaces is an important step towards protecting the environment and leaving a more liveable world for future generations.

Keywords

• sustainability and green labs
• laboratory medicine
• environment
• carbon footprint
• single tube implementation
• rationale test ordering