Changing trends in laboratory testing in the United States: a personal, historical perspective.

This article reflects on my nearly 40 years providing clinical and laboratory genetic services. It reviews the evolution of laboratory and genetic testing from their grant-supported academic research to current complexities. Changes in the economic and academic landscape parallel technological innovations in laboratory testing. My career trajectory parallels the newer trend of genetic testing. I began in academics, working as a student and postdoctoral fellow in academic laboratories that also provided clinical testing services. Next came time in a small molecular laboratory performing diagnosis and testing services. My current position is with a national commercial laboratory company.