Musculoskeletal pain in medical laboratory personnel: a cross-sectional study

Am J Clin Pathol. 2026 Jun 4;165(6):aqag063. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqag063.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the laboratory workforce in the United States.

METHODS: An electronic survey was used to gather data from laboratory workers between October 2021 and February 2022. The instrument included the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, as well as personal and work-related questions. A summary of descriptive statistics and a multivariable analysis using self-reported musculoskeletal pain in the past 7 days were performed.

RESULTS: Of 518 medical laboratory professionals in the study, 94% reported musculoskeletal pain in at least 1 body site in the past 12 months, with many experiencing pain in the past 7 days. The sites where musculoskeletal pain was most often reported in the past week included lower back (39%), neck (38%), and shoulders (34%). Sex, race and ethnicity, time in the profession, job title, and organization type were associated with recent musculoskeletal pain.

CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was documented among medical laboratory personnel. Characterizing musculoskeletal pain in this population can help researchers understand the physiologic impacts of long-term exposure to laboratory work, as well as implement and evaluate prevention and risk reduction measures.

PMID:42322230 | DOI:10.1093/ajcp/aqag063