Sustainability in healthcare: A review of the environmental impact of healthcare and laboratory medicine

The concept of healthcare sustainability is receiving heightened recognition owing to the acknowledged harmful impacts of climate change on human health. Clinical laboratories play a significant role in the carbon footprint of healthcare systems, largely due to their reliance on single use plastics, large amounts of waste generation, and intensive water and energy consumption. Numerous resources are available that provide recommendations to “green” the laboratory and can be implemented without compromising patient care. However, support from healthcare systems and large-scale policy changes are necessary for impactful change. This review examines the environmental impact of clinical laboratories and provides suggestions and resources to reduce their carbon footprint.