Medical Laboratory Observer received several nominations from outstanding labs for the 2026 Lab of the Year running. We would like to thank everyone who submitted an application and recognize the following honorable mentions:

• Advocate Health – Charlotte Core Laboratory impressed us with their productivity and career advancement opportunities for staff.
• Bronson Laboratory Services demonstrates excellent teamwork with togetherness at the foundation.
• Department of Laboratory Sciences at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has outstanding education outreach with their online didactic education program servicing “lab training deserts.”
• Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute Laboratory Services significantly reduced falsely elevated potassium results, leading to better patient care.
• Great River Health Laboratories works hard to engage staff, resulting in most employees reporting wanting to stay with the lab.
• HNL Lab Medicine achieved 100% slide digitalization in 2025 and increased supported testing sites by more than 5%.
• Martin County Hospital District has high patient satisfaction while not compromising patient safety.
• Memorial Hospital Laboratory’s “Lazy Diana” approach stood out as a creative way to increase productivity and safety. An employee engineered a rotating platform for the lab’s molecular analyzer to aid another staff member with maintenance.
• Nebraska Hematology Oncology stood out with their positive outlook and teamwork, with staff possessing great attitudes that are reflected in their patient care.
• Sheridan VA Health Care System Laboratory has a more than 90% patient approval rating, with patients nationwide seeking care at their facility.
• University Health Pathology reduced their gynecologic specimen turnaround times by more than half and saved about $1 million in supply chain and reimbursement overall.
• University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center improved collaboration and communication across multiple departments streamlining workflows.

The MLO panel of judges was impressed by every nomination and appreciated the opportunity to read about your spectacular labs! Thank you for all you do for patient care.