About Critical Values

Critical Values is the go-to resource for the entire laboratory team, providing insight and information on the latest research, information, and issues within pathology and laboratory medicine. The print and online magazine invites submissions on topics including, but not limited to, advocacy, education, technology, global health, workforce, workplace best practices, and leadership.

Questions? Comments? Email us at criticalvalues@ascp.org.


Critical Values Staff

Molly Strzelecki  Editor 

Martin Tyminski  Creative Director  

Jennifer Brinson  Art Direction and Design 

Our Recent Articles

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage/ LatinX Leaders in the Lab — 3 Questions with Amanda Tristan, SM(ASCP)CM

Sep 23, 2026, 23:01 PM by Team Critical Values

Amanda Tristan, SM(ASCP)CM, is a technical supervisor in microbiology at a large community hospital. Ms. Tristan has worked as a microbiology laboratory scientist for 12 years, helping train new laboratory scientists and ensuring patients receive accurate, timely results.

“I enjoy working in the lab. I initially wanted to be in scientific research, but I enjoy the instant gratification of resulting in a laboratory test within days of the collection. Sometimes it's the same day! I know I've made a difference in that patient's care.”

In this interview, Ms. Tristan talks with Critical Values shares her passion and commitment to mentoring future laboratory scientists and how her identity as a Hispanic woman shows her understanding of the communities she serves.

How would you describe your approach to training? How does it impact your work with new microbiology laboratory scientists and students?

I very much try to teach by example. I perform my task while explaining why I'm doing it. I refer to policies and the reasoning behind them so that new hires can get the full picture. I tell students they truly need to be able to multitask and be willing to go beyond the initial task if a problem arises.

How have your identity and experiences informed your career?

As a Hispanic woman, I know the challenges that come with being taken seriously, making my way to a provider, speaking my concerns, and the increased predisposition for certain diseases, such as diabetes. I want better and easier access to healthcare for everyone. That's why I've chosen to work at an institution that does a lot of community outreach.

What is an accomplishment you are particularly proud of, and what is the next professional goal you want to achieve?

I enjoyed taking part in our hospital’s new electronic medical record/laboratory information system (EMR/LIS) change. I trained coworkers on Beaker, Epic’s laboratory information system. I love my area of expertise and want to foster that interest in future scientists. I'd like to do more outreach with kids and teenagers to bring recognition to the field, and I hope to be the manager of a microbiology laboratory one day.