Biomedical
Defining laboratory medicine, or squaring the circle?
Joseph Watine
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
In the August 2020 issue of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Giuseppe Lippi and Mario Plebani proposed a definition of laboratory medicine, which ends with this sentence: “The results of these measurements are translated into actionable information for improving the care and/or maintaining the wellness of both a single individual and an entire population”. Nevertheless, the selfishness of individuals may, sometimes, jeopardize the interest of whole populations. The virtue of justice being within the reach of the entire human community more than of single individuals, the final sentence in the definition proposed by Giuseppe Lippi and Mario Plebani, should therefore, in our view, be rewritten, less selfishly, for example like this: “For a given investment, these measurements are preferably made when they bring as much beneficence, and non-maleficence, as possible to the whole population”.
Summary
The article "Defining laboratory medicine, or squaring the circle?" by Joseph Watine (2021) critiques a definition of laboratory medicine proposed by Giuseppe Lippi and Mario Plebani. Watine argues that the original definition's emphasis on benefiting both individuals and populations may conflict with the principle of justice, which prioritizes the common good over individual interests. He suggests that laboratory medicine should focus on maximizing overall benefit and minimizing harm for the entire population, rather than balancing individual and collective needs.
Key Questions
What is the main critique presented by Watine regarding the definition of laboratory medicine?
Watine argues that the original definition's emphasis on benefiting both individuals and populations may conflict with the principle of justice, which prioritizes the common good over individual interests.
How does Watine suggest laboratory medicine should be defined?
He suggests that laboratory medicine should focus on maximizing overall benefit and minimizing harm for the entire population, rather than balancing individual and collective needs.
What ethical principle does Watine emphasize in his critique?
Watine emphasizes the principle of justice, advocating for the common good to take precedence over individual interests in the context of laboratory medicine.
