Executive
Board

150th Meeting of the IFCC Executive Board
February 24, 2021
Minutes
The 150th Meeting of the IFCC Executive Board was held via Zoom Conference
Participants:
EB Members
Khosrow Adeli
David Kinniburgh
Alexander Haliassos
Joseph Passarelli
Adekunle Bashiru Okesina
Abderrazek Hedhili
Sunil Sethi
Ana-Maria Šimundić
Ana María Lena RodríguezStephen Hill

(KA)
(DK)
(AHA)
(JP)
(ABO)
(AH)
(SSE)
(AMS)
(AMLR)(SH)

President
Secretary
Treasurer
Corporate Members Representative (ROCHE)
African Federation of Clinical Chemistry (AFCC)
Arab Federation of Clinical Biology (AFCB)
Asia-Pacific Fed for Clinical Biochemistry and Lab Med (APFCB)
European Fed of Clin Chem and Lab Med (EFLM)
Latin-American Conf of Clin Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI)North American Fed of Clin Chem and Lab Med (NAFCC)________AGENDA ITEMS from 150th EB meeting
1.0
1.0

Preliminaries
Opening remarks from President
KA noted that there is a lot of activity in the various functional groups via Zoom meetings,
in spite of the pandemic – perhaps higher than usual. KA has been attending some of themeetings. The intent is that the virtual meetings will continue when face to face meetings
can start again start.
IFCC Annual Townhall
KA suggested that the EB hold virtual (in-person when possible) townhall meetings withmembers once per year. There could be different meetings with National Society
Representatives, Corporate Members, Regional Federations, or other groups including
individuals. AMS said that the EFLM plans to do something similar, and other groups suchas the CSCC and US CAP hold similar meetings. It would be similar to the General
Conference but would have a broader audience and held yearly. The IFCC townhalls could
be a very large and effective two-way communication with everyone could be challenging.
However, it would be one way to establish direct communication with individual members
who are not being informed by their National Representatives. The EB supported the
proposal in principle, pending more details to follow.

150th EB Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2021

IFCC Annual Survey of Members
There should be an annual survey to all Full and Affiliate Members and a separate one to
all Corporate Members. It was noted that this was one of the recommendations from therecent TF-CM subcommittee and this is being done. The EB Executive Committee, alongwith the CPD, should work on the details for planning and implementation, for presentation
to the EB. The EB supported the proposal.
Accounting review and Auditing for IFCC
There was a recommendation from the previous EB to review the current IFCC accounting
system and add resources. KA has made some initial inquiries into possible European
companies who could review accounting practices and possibly take over some activities,
if this is warranted. These companies could also perform the IFCC audits, although it wasnoted that the same company should not provide accounting services and auditing. It wasnoted that there is a plan to add Office staff and possibly new staff could be involved inbookkeeping and accounting functions. It is important to note that there is no concern withrespect to the past financial practises or actions and this is just to ensure that as IFCC
continues to grow we need to be sure our financial systems are adequate. The EB agreed
it would be important that an external accounting firm be hired to ensure formal
accounting IFCC revenues and expenses as recommended by the treasurer andpresident.
1.1.149

Minutes of the Zoom meetings of January 26th, 2021
The draft minutes have been circulated.

13.1.17

Task Force on Global Newborn Screening (TF-NBS)
Survey of National Societies
A survey of National Societies will be conducted to determine potential countries to workwith in developing a NBS program.
EB liaison to be determined

13.1.18

Task Force on Global Lab Quality (TF-GLQ)
Responses to Request for Proposal (RFP) to select an EQA/IQC provider.
Several companies/organizations have responded to the RFP for an EQA/IQC provider. A
survey has also gone out the National Societies to see who is interested in participating in
the pilot study. A Zoom meeting will be scheduled to review the vendor responses.
EB liaison to be determined

13.1.19

Task Force on Outcome Studies in Lab Med (TF-OSLM)
DK will help KA in setting this TF up, with the goal of identifying hospitals to conduct
studies that will demonstrate the value of lab medicine, gather data from existing studies,and make data available to all interested parties. The AACC has indicated interest in
working with IFCC on this project. Other groups, including EFLM and other Regional
Federations may also be interested in participating.

13.1.20

Task Force Global Ref Intervals consortium (TF-GRIDLC)The Global Reference Interval Database is in development by Insoft, but the progress has
been slowed due to unfortunate health issues within the company. It is expected that the
project will get back on track soon.

13.1.21

Task Force on Global eLearning/eAcademy (TF-GEL)
Multiple proposals (>30) for live webinars and eAcademy webinars have been received
and the program is working well.
IFCC eLearning Accreditation Program

150th EB Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2021

It would improve the webinars/eAcademy program if the educational events wereaccredited for CE credit that would be acceptable to various member
associations/colleges. Ideally the IFCC could establish an accreditation program internally.
It was noted that the EFLM has tried this but found that many member organizations will
only accept educational events that have been accredited by their own accreditation
bodies, at a fee. Other federations (COLABIOCLI and AFCC) felt that such a program
would be useful. KA will ask EMD to look into this matter, perhaps with a survey ofneed. A specific plan with objectives will be developed for further discussion.
It was noted that webinar presenters do not have to be from IFCC members. Any expert in
the field, who is recognized as an expert may present.
EB liaison to be determined
13.0

Task Forces

13.1.1

Task Force on Ethics (TF–E)
A webinar proposal has been submitted by the TF-E and will be presented.
EB liaison to be determined

13.1.6

Task Force Young Scientists (TF-YS)
The TF-YS presented a symposium at the Virtual congress that was well attended. They
are working with the EuroMedLab organizing committee to organize an event there. Tomris
continues to support this group.
EB liaison to be determined

13.1.12

Task Force History (TF-H)
The TF-H last completed the Milestone document, and are planning next to prepare apublication for the 70th Anniversary of IFCC.
EB liaison to be determined

13.1.15

Task Force Corporate Members (TF-CM)
The TF-CM is meeting monthly with good participation, including at least 5 corresponding
members, plus they often invite various other corporate representatives and functionalgroup members to attend. The call for nominations for a secretary and 2 members hasgone out, with a deadline of March 1, 2021. The survey to Corporate Members has goneout and the TF will take responsibility for surveys at least annually.
JP is the liaison to the TF-CM.

13.1.16

Task Force on COVID 19
A document on antigen testing is being prepared. There is not enough data available atthis time on immunization monitoring to provide a guideline.
KA is the liaison.

2.0
2.2

Full Member Societies
Applications
Peruvian Medical Association of Clinical Pathology
The Peruvian Medical Association of Clinical Pathology was confirmed as a Full Member
by Council. The IFCC Number is 02 01 110.
An application has been received from the Libyan association of Clinical Pathology

2.40

Other Business
Update on Conference call with AACC leadership on February 3rd
There was a meeting the AACC President, President-Elect, CEO, CFO, Loretta Doan, SH.
DK and KA to review common issues. One area of common interest that was identified
was “Promoting the Value of Laboratory Medicine”.

150th EB Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2021

3.0
3.2

Corporate Members
Applications for Corporate Membership
Confirmed new applications
Technogenetics was approved as a new member via email January 2021.
PerkinElmner was approved as a new member via email February 2021.

3.4

Annual Dues
Update 2020 dues
Beijing Dream Diagnostics’ membership has not paid their membership since 2018. The
EB agreed to cancel their membership.

4.0

Affiliate Members
Update 2020 dues
It was suggested that we introduce a new category of “Inactive” for members who aredelinquent in their dues, and they will have no membership benefits during this period.

5.0

Regional Organisations
Pearls of Laboratory Medicine translation into Spanish. See 9.2.10

6.0
6.1

International and Professional Organisations
WHO
EB liaison nomination
ABO will become the EB liaison to WHO. A conference call for ABO, KA, and DK with
Sverre will be arranged for Sverre to update on WHO activities and hear his suggestions toimprove relations with WHO.
Doctors Without Borders
AH has attempted to contact the Doctors Without Borders but has not had a response. KA
will follow up with a formal inquiry.

6.2

CLSI
Agreement renewal
KA, JP and DK had a Zoom call with CLSI CEO to follow up on the renewal of theagreement between both organizations. The CLSI provides an important service withrespect to laboratory medicine standards, worldwide, and many individuals in IFCC
contribute to CLSI activities and documents. It was agreed to renew the MoU. Also, there
should be better communication between both groups and awareness of common activities
and projects in order to promote cooperation and avoid duplication of effort, or
contradictions.

7.0
7.2

Committee on Congresses and Conferences (C-CC)
IFCC WorldLab Congresses (Approval of Revised Guidelines)
It was previously agreed that the evaluation of National Society applications to host theWorldLab will be performed by C-CC with assistance from the PCO, and that funds fromsponsorship and registration will be deposited into IFCC accounts, and that expenses forthe congress will be paid by IFCC. An additional change is to include a virtual component
to all in-person meetings (hybrid meeting), and a virtual congress only option, should it not
be possible to hold an in-person congress. The Regional Federations will have the option
to hold their congress in conjunction with WorldLab, when possible. It was also suggested
that all posters should be electronic, which is more expensive but provides more benefits,particularly for virtual attendees. Other specifics that can be considered and included later.
KA will circulate the revised guidelines to the EB.
New IFCC Virtual Conference Guidelines
Guidelines should be developed for Virtual Congresses. The C-CC will be asked to workon this.

150th EB Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2021

7.2.24

IFCC WorldLab 2022, Seoul (KR), June 26-30, 2022
A conference call was held with IFCC, the Korean society, MZ, and the APFCB regarding
the WorldLab congress in Seoul. It was confirmed that the congress will now include
APFCB, IFCC and Korean society as a joint conference.

7.4.10Specialized Virtual Conference on “Critical Role of Clinical Laboratories in COVID 19
Pandemic”, 15-17 February 2021
KA update on the first IFCC virtual conference
The recent Virtual conference had a very good scientific program, an excellent registration
including many young scientists, and good corporate support. All feedback has been
positive. A survey was developed that is going out to attendees for their feedback that may
help improve further events.
EB liaison to be determined

7.3.2.25

EuroMedLab 2021, Munich (DE)
Munich, November 28 – December 2, 2021
Ethical MedTech Nov letter enquiry
PB has followed up several times but has not received a response to our request for more
specific guidance on what entertainment is allowed at IFCC events. KA suggested that wecan proceed with the response we have received thus far. It was noted that currently the
Ethical MedTech code does not contain requirements for virtual meetings/congress, but it
is expected that this will likely come in the future.
Follow up on DGKL Annual meeting 2021
There has been no response to our letter.

7.3.4.25

Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry -COLABIOCLICOLABIOCLI, León – Guanajuato, Mexico, March 30 – April 2, 2022
A preliminary program for the Mexico Congress was provided by AMLR and she will be the
EB contact with the LOC. The EB will plan to meet at this congress.

7.3.7.7

African Federation of Clinical Chemistry - AFCC
AFCC Congress, Lusaka – Zambia, September 24-25, 2021
ABO noted that the AFCC congress will occur in September of 2021 and more information
will be provided at the next EB meeting.

8.0
8.1
8.13

Scientific Division (SD)SD Executive Committee
Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM)
JCTLM Chair
The EB approved Greg Miller’s appointment as Chair of JCTLM.
BIMP/JCTLM annual contribution/invoice
There is a lack of detail on the arrangement to fund JCTLM, including the budget andexpenses. An MoU should be drafted. KA will meet with AHA and DK to discuss thismatter.

8.20

Membership
SD-EC appointment of Secretary
The EB approved the appointment of Garry John (UK) as Secretary for the SD-EC (20212023). Garry will resign as C-EUBD Chair.
C-NPU: appointment of Member
The EB approved the appointment of Fatma Meric Yilmaz (TR) as a new Member of CNPU (2021-2023).

8.3.61

Working Group “Development of a Reference Measurement System PT/INR
Standardization” (WG-PT-INR)

150th EB Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2021

The MoU with SSC/ISTH was signed by KA and we are waiting on the ISTH signature.
EB liaison to be determined
9.0
9.2.10

Education and Management Division (EMD)
Committee on distance learning (C - DL)
Due to closure of C-DL and merger into TF-GEL, the IFCC numbering, 9.2.10, can be
assigned to IFCC-AACC Pearls project

9.3.9

Harmonisation interpretive comments (WG - ICQA)EMD Chair proposal to close WG-ICQA
The EB supported the recommendation from the EMD EC to close the WG-ICQA, with
thanks to the members for their contributions.

9.20

Membership
C-CLM: appointment of Member
Elina Raja (MY) was approved as a Member of C-CLM for the 2021-2023 term.
C-POCT: appointment of Corporate Member
Pamidi Prasad (IN) - Instrumentation Laboratory, was approved as the Corporate Memberof the C-POCT for the 2021-2023 term.

10.0
10.8.2.2

Communications and Publications Division (CPD)
CCA as IFCC Journal
A Zoom call is planned to discuss this issue.

11.00
11.40

Emerging Technologies Division (ETD)
Other
Agreement with HIMSS (Partners Innovation Exchange).
The EMD has recommended that the IFCC enter into a “Partners Innovation Exchange”
with HIMSS, to promote a collaboration with respect to Information Technology, and may
include a joint conference. DK is following up with Sergio Bernardini and Damien
Gruson for more information.

11.2.11ICPLM Satellite Conference in May 2021
The ICPLM Satellite Conference will be held in conjunction with the EuroMedLab
Congress in Munich.
EB liaison to be determined

12.00

IFCC Awards
Date for ceremony
The EB agreed to announce the IFCC Awards at the Council meeting and hold the formal
ceremony at the EuroMedLab Munich congress, Nov 2021

14.00

Statutes and Rules
IFCC tax status
KA has been in contact with the Swiss lawyers representing the IFCC, regarding the tax
status for IFCC meetings held in Europe and elsewhere, and a response is expected soon.

15.00
15.2

Finances
Financial Audit 2020
The financial Audit for 2020 is ongoing without a problem and is expected to be completed
by end of February.
IFCC financial management
KA has been investigating possible international accounting companies who could review
the IFCC accounting processes, to provide recommendations on possible improvements in150th EB Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2021

accounting and bookkeeping procedures, and possibly provide some accounting or
auditing services.
19.0
19.80

Meetings
Executive Board Meetings – conference calls:- Wednesday, February 24th
- Wednesday, March 31st
- Wednesday, April 28th
- Tuesday, May 18th
- Wednesday, June 23rd
- Wednesday, July 28th
Milan office: possible KA/DK/AHA in person meeting with Office staff/MZ
Lake Maggiore: September 2021, dates to be defined (2 ½ days).

16.0
16.1

Organisational Matters
IFCC Office
KA and DK met with Paola, Stefano and Mauro to discuss the advertisement for the new
Office staff member. Further staff may be added in 2021 depending on how busy the new
TFs and existing functional groups are.

16.4

Annual Report 2020
The Annual Report for 2020 is being prepared as an electronic version only.

16.5

Handbook 2021-2023
The update to the Handbook is on-going150th EB Meeting Minutes February 24th, 2021