Volume 49, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Research in Medicine 2025, 49(2): 0-0 |
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Rajabi Z, Farhid F, Nikmanesh B. Ethics in medical diagnostic laboratories: A necessity for quality improvement- a narrative review. Research in Medicine 2025; 49 (2)
URL: http://pejouhesh.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-3478-en.html
URL: http://pejouhesh.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-3478-en.html
Tehran University of Medical Sciences , b-nikmanesh@tums.ac.ir
Abstract: (12 Views)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Medical diagnostic laboratories play a vital role in public health, and adherence to professional ethics is essential for ensuring service quality, patient trust, and system safety. This study aimed to review professional ethical standards in diagnostic laboratories as a necessity for quality improvement.
Methods: This narrative review was conducted by searching Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2000 and 2024 using specialized keywords. Out of 74 retrieved sources, 22 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed thematically based on ethical codes from Iran, IFBLS, and WHO.
Results: Ethics are a main and inseparable component in medicine and related sciences. Defined as 'moral principles', ethics are essential across all fields. The ethical framework governing laboratory tests prioritizes patient safety, the independence and dignity of individuals, and maintaining professional integrity. Ethical principles were analyzed across three dimensions: bioethical principles, laboratory process stages, and stakeholders (including patients, colleagues, and society). Key indicators included respect, beneficence, confidentiality, justice, informed consent, accountability, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Conclusion: Focusing on ethical considerations is crucial for the professional development of laboratories, and training, along with associated practices, is vital for augmenting the skills of laboratory service providers, which in turn results in enhanced quality of laboratory services. Ethically, no discrimination must occur in the delivery of laboratory services to clients. Clients should be informed of their legal rights, as well as the confidentiality principles upheld in laboratory settings. Upholding professional ethics in laboratories enhances service quality, public trust, and equity in healthcare. Implementing ethical guidelines, continuous training, and structured oversight are critical strategies in this regard.
Background and Aim: Medical diagnostic laboratories play a vital role in public health, and adherence to professional ethics is essential for ensuring service quality, patient trust, and system safety. This study aimed to review professional ethical standards in diagnostic laboratories as a necessity for quality improvement.
Methods: This narrative review was conducted by searching Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2000 and 2024 using specialized keywords. Out of 74 retrieved sources, 22 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed thematically based on ethical codes from Iran, IFBLS, and WHO.
Results: Ethics are a main and inseparable component in medicine and related sciences. Defined as 'moral principles', ethics are essential across all fields. The ethical framework governing laboratory tests prioritizes patient safety, the independence and dignity of individuals, and maintaining professional integrity. Ethical principles were analyzed across three dimensions: bioethical principles, laboratory process stages, and stakeholders (including patients, colleagues, and society). Key indicators included respect, beneficence, confidentiality, justice, informed consent, accountability, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Conclusion: Focusing on ethical considerations is crucial for the professional development of laboratories, and training, along with associated practices, is vital for augmenting the skills of laboratory service providers, which in turn results in enhanced quality of laboratory services. Ethically, no discrimination must occur in the delivery of laboratory services to clients. Clients should be informed of their legal rights, as well as the confidentiality principles upheld in laboratory settings. Upholding professional ethics in laboratories enhances service quality, public trust, and equity in healthcare. Implementing ethical guidelines, continuous training, and structured oversight are critical strategies in this regard.
Keywords: Professional ethics, Diagnostic laboratory, Informed consent, Confidentiality, Quality of services
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Interdisciplinary (Educational Management, Educational research, Statistics, Medical education
Received: 2025/07/14 | Accepted: 2025/08/2 | Published: 2025/12/13
Received: 2025/07/14 | Accepted: 2025/08/2 | Published: 2025/12/13
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