BLD Alum Publishes Guidebook for Laboratory Leaders
MSU Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics alum—Rebekah M. Martin, PhD, D(ABMM), MLS(ASCP)CM—has recently released a valuable new resource for laboratory personnel at all levels. Her book, 101 Topics for Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Leaders: Accreditation, Verification, Quality Systems, and More, provides practical information and strategies for several clinical laboratory topics and processes.
Whether you're a laboratory director, medical laboratory scientist, student, or industry professional, this book aims to guide you through the processes and requirements that shape daily clinical laboratory operations. With its approachable tone and real-world examples, it helps bridge knowledge gaps and brings clarity to the complex topics laboratory professionals face.
About the Book
Designed with broad accessibility in mind, 101 Topics for Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Leaders is organized into the three parts:
- Part I Getting Started: Regulatory Oversight and Laboratory Accreditation
- Part II Going Live: Verification and Validation of Test Systems – Focuses on verification and validation studies with separate chapters on required performance characteristics.
- Part III Staying Live: Quality Management Systems – Provides an overview of laboratory quality management systems, outlining the twelve quality essentials.
Definitions and examples throughout the text make it useful for newcomers, experienced professionals, and leaders seeking tools for training or compliance.
The Inspiration Behind the Book
The opportunity to write the book came after Dr. Martin co-authored a chapter in the Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook on verification and validation (V&V). ASM Press reached out, inviting her to expand on V&V and include other administrative and quality topics for the clinical laboratory.
“I immediately said yes”, she shared. “It was something I would have really valued having while I was in the clinical laboratory.”
Her inspiration and motivation for the book came from her own experiences navigating the vague regulatory language and guidelines. For someone new to the laboratory, it can feel daunting to decipher the secret language and roadmap that is expected.
“Throughout my career, some topics were mentioned but never fully explained—like verification and validation, or the difference between FDA-cleared and FDA-approved tests—they are expected to be known but are often not really taught,” she said. “I wanted a resource where common questions—both basic and advanced—could be asked and answered.”
MSU’s Lasting Impact
Throughout the writing process, Dr. Martin found herself reflecting on her time at MSU and in the BLD program. “I remember the first time I ever heard about CLIA was in Dr. Doig’s class, so she and that class were on my mind while I wrote Part I.” she recalled.
Her experience at MSU helped shape not only the content of the book but also its tone, “[I wanted to] provide a resource that was useful for laboratorians across a wide range of experiences—including something that would be useful for students” she said. “Having something that students could use was important to me and I kept that in mind when I was writing.”
An Author’s Reward
The moment she held the finished book in her hands made every late night and revision worth it. “Holding a physical copy of my book was everything.” she said. It was also rewarding to hear positive feedback from reviewers throughout the process. “Knowing that other people in the field saw the value of this book was encouragement to keep going.”
For those considering a writing project of their own, her advice is simple: just start. “The hardest part is starting. Figure out the process that works best for you. For me, that means: make an outline and start with writing what I feel most confident in or am most interested in.”
A Spartan’s Guide for the Next Generation
From her journey through the BLD program to helping the next generation of laboratory professionals, Dr. Martin continues to embody what it means to be a Spartan. Whether you’re launching a new lab process, refreshing your mind on regulations, or supporting students in the classroom, Dr. Martin’s book is a useful reminder that with the right tools and understanding, anyone can lead with confidence in the lab.
Where to Find the Book
101 Topics for Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Leaders: Accreditation, Verification, Quality Systems, and More: : https://www.wiley.com/en-us/101+Topics+for+Clinical+Microbiology+Laboratory+Leaders%3A+Accreditation%2C+Verification%2C+Quality+Systems%2C+and+More-p-9781683674450
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