Christen Diel, MS, MLS(ASCP)

Christen Diel is a Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Augusta University Medical Center with nearly a decade of experience in medical laboratory science, including generalist bench work, supervision, policy reform, and laboratory information system (LIS) optimization. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Rutgers University and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) degree, with a focus on advancing evidence-based medicine and optimizing laboratory utilization as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Throughout her career, Christen has led quality improvement initiatives, updated testing algorithms in alignment with the Choosing Wisely Campaign, and implemented the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation to improve kidney function assessment without race-based adjustments. She has contributed to research on rapid diagnostic testing for bloodstream infections and is working toward publication in peer-reviewed journals, as well as collaborating with the American Society for Microbiology on systematic reviews to inform clinical practice guidelines.

Passionate about healthcare equity, Christen’s research interests include improving laboratory data accuracy for transgender and non-binary patients through proper identification, representation, and reference range development within electronic medical records and LISs. She is an advocate for graduate-level laboratory education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policies that enhance patient safety and quality care.