Some historical perspectives on AACC.

During the mid-1960s, the clinical chemistry profession began to take on new substance and new directions as its significance in the general US healthcare system came more prominently into public view. In part, this was precipitated by concern about the at-times unscrupulous and unprofessional conduct of certain laboratories in their treatment of human specimens obtained as part of the diagnostic process. “Sink testing,” as it was referred to by the press, had all the makings of a national scandal. Prompt and efficient action was required to focus proper attention on the professionality of clinical chemists. The American Association of Clinical Chemists (as AACC was then named) was greatly concerned, but lacked the resources to become pivotally involved on its own. As a consequence, an effective working relationship was established with the American Chemical Society (ACS).