enews
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine

Communications and Publications Division (CPD) of the IFCC
Editor: Katherina Psarra, MSc, PhD
IFCC Office, Via C. Farini, 81
20159 Milano, Italy
E-mail: enews@ifcc.org

news

№ 10
October 2023

1

enewsIn this issue
Editorial
Message from the eNews Editor

4

The voice of IFCC
Message from the IFCC President

5

VLP Report on 33rd MACB Annual Scientific Conference

7

IFCC Distinguished Awards for the IFCC WorldLab Congress - Dubai (UAE) 2024 -10

Call for nominations

IFCC: the people
IFCC Call for Nominations

13

Report and Interview to Prof. Christa Cobbaert Chair of the IFCC Scientific

14

DivisionContribute to IFCC eNews
Getting to zero harm in controlled substance prescribing: Increasing the20

accuracy of prescription compliance monitoring through enhanced druk testingsupportInvestigator Initiated Studies: An Opportunity for Collaboration with Industry

22News from Regional Federations and Member Societies
Rare links: Launch of the Rare Registry Report from Pakistan

25

XXIII National Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine

28®EXPOLAB Veracruz 2023 (Mexico)
40th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Society of Clinical Chemistry30

EFLM’s New Corporate Membership Status: Strengthening Bonds with IVD

32

Companies2

New IFCC Members
IFCC Welcomes a new full member: Armenia

33

IFCC’s Calendar of Congresses, Conferences & Events
IFCC and Regional Federations events

39

Corporate Member events with IFCC auspices

40

Other events with IFCC auspices

40

3Editorial
Dear colleagues
It is already the 1st of October. The fall is here and most of us havebegun forgetting their summer vacations.
It is a good time for IFCC because many more National societies are
joining and even laboratory societies of different disciplines thanpurely Clinical Chemistry. You will find out a lot about these activities
in the President’s message, where you will also learn about the
progress in the guidelines concerning several methods and the new
Working Group created to support this activity.
And then, there is a very interesting interview of Prof. Christa
Cobbaert, Chair of the IFCC Scientific Division. You will read about theactivities and plans of the Scientific Division, a very important division,
the backbone of all the events that take place, like the WorldLab to beheld on May 2024 in Dubai. The history of the IFCC SD is there not toforget to mention its future.

Katherina Psarra, MSc,
PhD, eNews Editor

The fall is here, dear colleagues, and I am sure that a lot of congresses
take place in your countries, congresses of your national societies ofClinical Chemistry, as well as other laboratory societies. Have a lookat the falling leaves of the trees, let the autumn mood relax you andwrite a report for the IFCC eNews. We are looking forward to them.
And don’t forget to propose your candidates for the IFCC awards in
Dubai. You can read about them in this issue also.
Choose the best of the best!

Katherina

4

The voice of IFCC
IFCC President’s Message
October 2023
By Khosrow Adeli

My warmest greetings to everyone at IFCC. I hope you all are enjoying
the arrival of the Fall season. To start, I am delighted to inform youthat the IFCC Organization is experiencing significant growth in its
membership base. We have received applications from several newsocieties and countries seeking to become full or affiliate members, andwe have welcomed numerous new corporate members in just the pastfew months. Pending ratification by the IFCC Council, we anticipate
having 98 national societies as full members, more than 20 affiliate
members, and 58 corporate members. This remarkable achievement
breaks all previous records across all membership categories,
underscoring the heightened visibility, influence, and global reach of the
IFCC organization. Later this year, we will be publishing a special featurearticle in the eNews, highlighting all the new IFCC national societies,
affiliates, and corporate members that have joined IFCC over the past
three years.

Prof. Khosrow Adeli
PhD, FCACB, DABCC,
FAACC

Additionally, there is a growing interest in IFCC membership fromsocieties and entities in various specialties within laboratory medicine,
extending beyond clinical chemistry. The IFCC Executive Board isenthusiastic about recommending an expansion of the IFCC’smembership scope, aiming to encourage participation from all areas ofclinical laboratory diagnostics and clinical laboratory medicine. To alignwith this vision, we will be proposing amendments to the IFCC statutes,
facilitating the inclusion of other specialties within the IFCC organization.
Furthermore, the IFCC Executive Board is advocating for changes in theelection process for Executive Board members to foster a more inclusive
opportunity for individuals within the IFCC community to contribute to
the board. The proposed amendments suggest that no individual should
serve in the same position on the Executive Board for more than six years
in total. Additionally, individuals cannot be nominated for more than one
position in the same year or election cycle. Stay tuned for forthcoming
updates! A ballot will be initiated, and all IFCC Full Member Societies
will be invited to vote on the proposed revisions to the IFCC statutes,
ensuring the continued growth and success of the IFCC Organization.
I’m also thrilled to announce the formal launch of the new IFCC
initiative on Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines. The IFCC
Executive Board has granted approval for an innovative program aimed at
encouraging IFCC functional units, including committees, taskforces, andworking groups, to create and share best practice recommendations andguidelines across all facets of clinical laboratory medicine. This programis dedicated to facilitating the implementation of these recommendationsin clinical laboratories worldwide. Under this program’s umbrella, the IFCC
will develop various types of guidance documents, encompassing
best practice recommendations, position papers, and comprehensive

Article continued on the next page

5

IFCC President’s
Messageevidence-based and graded practice guidelines. These documents
will be made widely and freely available, serving as valuable resources forlaboratory professionals. Their purpose is to provide guidance, establish
standards, and promote best practices within the field of laboratory
medicine. Undoubtedly, these resources will contribute significantly toenhancing the quality of laboratory practices worldwide, with a particularfocus on benefiting developing countries. To oversee and drive thisprogram forward, we are in the process of forming an IFCC Taskforce on
Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines (TF-LMPG). This taskforce willserve as a steering group, providing program oversight, and will also act
as a review panel to evaluate proposals submitted by various functionalgroups. Stay tuned for further updates and contributions from thisexciting initiative.
Finally, in partnership with MZ Events, the Arab Federation of Clinical
Biology, the Saudi Society of Clinical Chemistry, and the UAE Genetics
Association, IFCC is diligently working on preparations for our upcoming
flagship scientific event, the IFCC WorldLab Congress, scheduled to takeplace in the fabulous city of Dubai from May 26 to May 30, 2024. Moreinformation to follow in future editions of the eNews.
As always, feel free to email me at president@ifcc.org with your feedback,questions, or concerns.  
Cheers,Khosrow

6

VLP Report on 33rd MACB Annual Scientific Conference
By Dr. Merve Sibel Güngören , IFCC Clinical Laboratory Management Committee Member (C-CLM)

As members of IFCC Committee on Clinical Laboratory Management (C-CLM), we have been kindly
invited to the 33rd Malaysian Association of Clinical Biochemists (MACB) Annual Scientific Conference“Paradigm Shift of Laboratory Medicine – Knowledge Engineering” which was held during 4th – 6th
September 2023. We had lectures during the pre-conference workshop on the 4th of September anda symposium on the 5th September.
IFCC C-CLM Workshop was titled as “Benchmarking Quality Performance in the ClinicalLaboratory” and my lecture was about autoverification, titled as “The Concept and Framework ofAutoverification”. Our workshop was kindly moderated by MACB President, Dr. Raja Elina Aziddin
who is also a member of IFCC C-CLM. This workshop was designed to include three main lectures
about hot topics of analytical and postanalytical phases (analytical performance specifications,moving average and autoverification), each of them followed by studies presented by distinguished
Malaysian colleagues. Presentations integrating conceptual and practical aspects of these important
topics were enriched with constructive discussions. This workshop was a great opportunity for us
to interact with our Malaysian colleagues, to observe the level of implementation of novel tools likemoving average and autoverification and to learn about local details of clinical laboratory practice in
Malaysia.
After the workshop, Prof. Yee Yean Chew, the president of the MACB 33rd Conference, was kindenough to take us to her laboratory at University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC) which holds an ISO
15189 accreditation. We were impressed by the testing capacity and variety.
IFCC C-CLM Symposium on Innovative Solutions in Laboratory Medicine was held on the 5th of
September, as one of the morning sessions. My talk was on digital transformation strategies inclinical laboratories. The level of attendance and questions from the participants reflected theinterest of Malaysian laboratory medicine community on this topic.
This visit to Kuala Lumpur as a representative of IFCC was an honour for me, as I was able to present
my expertise to an audience from a different part of the world. In my opinion, VLP creates great
opportunity both for us as speakers and the local participants of these events for networking,learning from each other and disseminating the vision of IFCC.
I stayed at Kuala Lumpur for five days and four nights. The venue of the event was Pullman Kuala
Lumpur Bangsar Hotel which was converted shortly before the event into Wyndham Grand Bangsar
Hotel. I would like to thank Dr. Raja Elina Aziddin, Dr. Yee Yean Chew and all members of MACB
Organizing Committee and MACB Council members for this successful event.
MACB was established and registered in 1990 and has more than 500 members today. During theconference, there were around 250 participants including exhibitors. Compared to total numberof members, I find the level of commitment very impressive. I have very positive impressions for
Malaysian Clinical Biochemistry community. I think they need to have more interaction with global
experts to benchmark their position and navigate their strategies for further planning.
Lastly, I would like to thank IFCC, Abbott, and IFCC-Abbott VLP Chair, Prof. Sedef Yenice for theirsupport for this great visit.

Article continued on the next page

7

VLP Report

Opening Ceremony of the 33rd Malaysian Association of Clinical Biochemists (MACB) Annual Scientific Conference

Dr. Raja Elina Aziddin, Malaysian Association of Clinical

Speakers and Audience of the Workshop ““Benchmarking

Biochemists (MACB) National Representative and IFCC C-CLM

Quality Performance in the Clinical Laboratory”.

member, bestowing a certificate to Dr. Güngören.

Dr. Güngören giving her presentation “The Concept andGroup photo in front of one Mural at University

Framework of Autoverification”.

Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

89IFCC Distinguished Awards for the IFCC WorldLab Congress- Dubai (UAE) 2024 - Call for nominations
By Maurizio Ferrari, Chair, IFCC Awards Committee

As you are aware, the IFCC confers several Distinguished Awards to scientists and clinicians who
work in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine or related disciplines. These Awards are thehighest honours that our Federation can bestow to colleagues worldwide in recognition of theiroutstanding achievements, to publicize their exceptional research and other contributions that have
improved medical and healthcare, and to stimulate and encourage other scientists to accelerate
their efforts in advancing clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine.
On behalf of IFCC and its Awards Committee, I am pleased to call for nominations for the following
IFCC Distinguished Awards for presentation at the IFCC Congress in May 2024, Dubai (UAE)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

IFCC Howard Morris Distinguished Clinical Chemist Award (since 2020) - IFCC Distinguished
Clinical Chemist Award (1967- 2017). - sponsored by Yashraj Biotechnology Ltd.
IFCC Award for Significant Contributions in Molecular Diagnostics - sponsored by Abbott
Laboratories.
IFCC Distinguished Award for Laboratory Medicine and Patient Care.
IFCC Distinguished Award for Contributions to the Cardiovascular Diagnostics - sponsored by
HyTest.
IFCC-Gérard Siest Young Scientist Award for Distinguished Contributions in Pharmacogenetics(under 40 years of age) - sponsored by Biologie Prospective.
IFCC Distinguished Women Scientist Award for Contribution to In Vitro Diagnostics - sponsoredby Yashraj Biotechnology Ltd.

Please note that each country/society can only nominate candidates for a maximum of 2 awards.
This rule allows a better distribution of awards to scientists from various regions around the world.
Nominations are welcome from the President or National Representative of the nominees’ nationalsociety, which should be a member of the IFCC. Each nomination should contain:
1) a statement as to the reasons for nomination,2) a full CV of the nominees including a bibliography, and3) other letters of support (optional),
4) Copy of ID as proof of age for the IFCC-Gèrard Siest Young Scientist Award.
They should be sent to Silvia Colli-Lanzi of the IFCC Office, (colli-lanzi@ifcc.org).
A more detailed description of them, including the former honorees, can be found by clicking on thislink.
For the 6 (six) Dubai Awards, the closing date for receipt of nominations is
31st December 2023.

Article continued on the next page10

IFCC DistinguishedAwards

IFCC Distinguished Awards

APFCB News 2023 Issue 2
Prof. Pradeep Kumar Dabla, Chief Editor, APFCB eNews says: “The APFCB
is glad to present you the 2nd issue of APFCB eNews, 2023. The APFCB
Committee-Communication & Publication has worked committedly to raise
the communication standards and networking with the member societies& partners while updating addresses office bearers so that important
information could reach all members within time. Though not limited, we plan
to extend communication via social media platforms, automated e-mailing,
and providing archived electronic information archived electronic information:
webinars, educational videos, and other modern tools”.
Click on the image to download your copy!
The painting on the cover, by Dr. Tan It Koon, Founding President of SACB and
APFCB and Former IFCC Executive Board Member and WHO Member of Expert
Committees, is titled “A Beautiful View of the Three Gorges in China”.
News from the website

11

12

IFCC: the people
IFCC Calls for Nominations
Communications and Publications Division (CPD)
Committee on Public Relations (C-PR) - 2 members positions
Working Group eJIFCC – eJIFCC Editor-in-Chief position
CPD Executive Committee (CPD-EC) Corporate Representative position
Nominations should be sent to the IFCC office (colli-lanzi@ifcc.org) by 31st October 2023

Task Force for Corporate Members (TF-CM)
3 Member positions: The open positions include (1) one new member position, (2) opportunity to serveas the secretary, and (3) opportunity to serve as chair.
Nominations should be sent to the IFCC office (paola.bramati@ifcc.org) by 31st October 2023

Emerging Technologies Division (ETD)ETD Executive Committee (ETD-EC): 3 members + 1 corporate member.
Committee for Emerging Technologies in Pediatric Laboratory Medicine (C-ETPLM): 3 members
Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM): 1 member
Nominations should be sent to the IFCC office (colli-lanzi@ifcc.org) by 15th November 2023

Task Force on Ethics (TF-E)
1 Member position
Nominations should be sent to the IFCC office (colli-lanzi@ifcc.org) by 15th November 2023
Education and Management Division (EMD)
Committee on Clinical Laboratory Management (C-CLM) - 1 member
Nominations should be sent to the IFCC office (cardinale@ifcc.org) by 3 December 2023
For any further information on nominations, please refer to your National or Corporate
Representative - contacts are available here.

13

Report and Interview to Prof. Christa Cobbaert
Chair of the IFCC Scientific Division
By María Pasquel-Moxley, Member C-PR WG-IANT/RIA/, eJIFCC

Prof. Christa Cobbaert, Chair of the IFCC

Dr. BQF. María Pasquel-Moxley

Scientific Division (SD)interviewer

Summary of professional activities, Prof. Christa Cobbaert.
Christa Cobbaert is heading the Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Department at the
Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) in Leiden, the Netherlands. Her scientific research in
the domains of Cardiovascular Risk Management, Kidney Disease and Cancer Biomarkers, has amajor focus on Precision Diagnostics using next generation protein diagnostics based on mass
spectrometry. Mass spectrometry allows to revisit old biomarkers and to select emerging moleculardefined biomarkers, for the sake of personalized patient management/ outcome. Mass spectrometry
also allows protein standardization at the molecular level. In her research group promisingbiomarkers which have the potential to fulfil unmet clinical needs in the clinical care pathways ofthe mentioned research domains are selected, multiplexed into protein panels, and quantified at
the molecular level using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, a generally accepted alternative
for replacing flawed and hardly standardized immunoassays. Finally, her research group uses
quantitative MS-based bottom up proteomics also as a platform for establishing global Reference
Measurement Procedures and Reference Measurement Systems for e.g. serum apolipoprotein
standardization, through certification of IVD-manufacturers.
Professor Cobbaert is currently the chair of the IFCC Scientific Division EC, involved with metrology
and standardization of medical tests (http://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-scientific-division/) and a member of
ISO TC 212 working group 2 on reference systems. She is representing EFLM in the IVD subgroupof the Medical Device Coordination Group during meetings with the European Commission on theinterpretation of the IVDR 2017/746. In this capacity she chairs the EFLM Task Force on European
Regulatory Affairs (https://www.eflm.eu/site/page/a/1650). Her work resulted in ~230 original
publications, multiple lectures/webinars and several appointments at (inter)national positions
because of her expertise on metrological traceability of test results.

Article continued on the next page14

Report and Interview toProf. Christa Cobbaert

Interview:
History of the IFCC Scientific Division:
A Committee on Standards was established in 1966 “to instigate and promote theoretical andpractical developments in the field of standards and standardization in clinical chemistry - in its
broadest sense”. Following a Council decision in 1978, efforts have been made to extend its work
to include more subjects of interest both to clinicians and clinical chemists and laboratorians.
Accordingly, the name of the Committee was changed to the Scientific Committee and later to the
Scientific Division.
The Scientific Division (SD) is a functional unit of the IFCC and its activities are managed by an
Executive Committee (EC). This EC is responsible for (1) developing the mission statement, (2)developing strategy and tactics, (3) initiating and managing standardization/harmonization projectsof prioritized medical tests, and (4) generating and adhering to its Terms of Reference.
The mission of the SD is to advance the science of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
and to apply it to the practice of Clinical Laboratory Science. SD’s major focus is on implementing
the metrological traceability concept for global test standardization / harmonization by
establishing working groups (task oriented) or committees (theme oriented) who develop ISOcompliant reference measurement procedures, reference materials and reference measurement
systems.
Dear Dr. Christa Cobbaert, with this introduction taken from the IFCC website Scientific Division,please answer the following questions:1.

Do you think that this mission can be expanded or generate other working groups orcommittees within the SD with the rapid advance of artificial intelligence in laboratory
medicine?
Indeed, the IFCC SD faces challenging times as the evolution in technology, metrology, (data)
science already impacts the way how we establish working groups (WGs) and define objectives.
A good example is the neonatal bilirubin working group which is a joint WG of the IFCC SD andthe IFCC Emerging Technology Division (ETD). A joint WG was considered to be essential for test
standardization of conventional central lab methods measuring neonatal bilirubin but also for
new non-invasive transcutaneous devices and biosensors used by pediatricians at the pointof-care. Ultimately, irrespective of the methods used appropriately standardized tests andexchangeable test results should be the norm in order not to confuse medical doctors and not toharm neonates.
With the rapid advance of artificial intelligence (AI) the need for valid and well standardized datathat can be pooled among trials and healthcare institutions is ever increasing. Especially if AI
becomes part of e.g. -omics applications in medical labs and gets integrated in our Laboratory
Information Management Systems, it becomes part of the medical test process. Consequently, amore holistic approach for evidence-based test evaluation and standardization will be needed,
as well as an intensified collaboration among the four IFCC divisions (Education and Management
respectively Communications and Publications Divisions are the other two) in order to keep pacewith all developments. Finally, from a regulatory perspective AI will be considered an IVD test,
its risk classification being dependent on its intended use. To handle all these opportunities,
partnerships, consortia and/or alliances are needed between IFCC and IVD-industry, professionalsocieties, the metrology world, and other collaborators such as ICHCLR and the JCTLM
committee. There is no room anymore for working in silos.

Article continued on the next page

15

Report and Interview toProf. Christa Cobbaert

2.

The second objective of the IFCC SD is developing strategies and tactics. Considering that
we live in such a changing and different world, how do you consider these tactics? Can
strategies be used in the different realities of science and technology in developing, ascompared to developed countries?
The availability and accessibility to metrological traceable test results differs among developing
and developed countries. Once the metrological traceability concept has been adopted andimplemented for prioritized tests by the IVD-industry test results become traceable to higher
order reference materials/ reference measurement procedures. In an ideal world there should
be commitment from the IVD-industry, especially those manufacturers with a global span, to
produce these state-of-the-art reagents unmodified also for markets in developing countries.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case and essential ingredients may be left out.
Also, as developing countries may use open analyzer systems and self-developed applications,
there is an enhanced risk that the metrological traceability of these test results is hampered.
In addition, the burden of proving safety and effectiveness of in-house tests is then the
responsibility of the individual healthcare institution. This situation is experienced as a doubleedged sword for low- and medium-income countries.

3.

Point three indicates that SD is responsible for managing projects! Do you have a projectin mind to develop, or are you already doing so? Can you, please, share the projects with
our readers?
IFCC SD EC manages standardization/harmonization projects of 20 task oriented working
groups (see SD Working Groups - IFCC) and 6 theme oriented committees (see SD Committees- IFCC). The Committee on Bone Metabolism works on the standardization of PTH assays, bonemarker assays, and vitamin D metabolite assays. The IFCC WG on Apolipoproteins by Mass
Spectrometry has established a reference measurement procedure (RMP) for standardizationof 7 apolipoproteins [apo(a) in Lp (a), apo A-I, apo B, apo CI, CII, CIII and E] for more refinedcardiovascular risk management, beyond lipid profiling. As Lp (a) is a genetically determined risk
factor which accelerates ASCVD and aortic stenosis, it is now recommended to be measured
once in a lifetime by the European Atherosclerosis Society expert committee. Note that
the RMP is mass spectrometry-based with bottom-up proteomics. It detects and measuresapolipoproteins at the molecular level. The highly heterogeneous apo(a) in Lp(a), one of the mostmisunderstood metrics in clinical chemistry so far. It will be standardized in two steps: firstly, bymaking Lp(a) test results traceable to SRM2B and expressing them in molar units, and secondly
by making the results SI-traceable in the nearby future.
Another example is the PT/INR working group, a collaboration between the IFCC and theInternational Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) which develops a sustainable
metrologically traceable calibration hierarchy for INR based on an internal protocol for value
assignment with a single primary reference thromboplastin and the harmonized manual tilt tube
method for clotting time determination. Intermethod variability of PT results in commercial tests
is about 40% among manufacturers but by establishing this reference measurement system it isanticipated that the intermethod variability will be reduced to < 10% among manufacturers once
the RMS is adopted. Both POCT-devices and wet chemistry tests can then be standardized.

4.

Is SD planning something? For example, regarding the POCTs that are now regulated andare part of ISO 15189:2022?
POCT tests should be evaluated and standardized like central lab tests in a similar way. So, there
is no need to have a separate ISO-standard for POC tests. The goal should also be that both
POC and central lab test results do not confuse caregivers and are exchangeable. In the end itcomes down to implementing the metrological traceability concept and establishing a calibration
hierarchy compliant with ISO 17511:2020 in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. For the

Article continued on the next page16

Report and Interview toProf. Christa Cobbaert

PT/INR handheld meters used on wards in hospitals and by patients in the home situation, thetesting takes place in capillary fingerprick blood. The calibration of a manufacturer’s POC test
against a (secondary) reference thromboplastin is therefore performed with split plasma samples.
5.

Finally, there are any messages that you can give to the thousands of colleagues whoread this magazine, and especially to young scientists who face a very big challenge interms of technological development and the forward leaps in laboratory medicine.
The young generation is invited to become actively involved in the IFCC and its activities
for building the future of laboratory medicine. Be(come) part of this impactful non-politicalprofessional organization and contribute to implementing the metrological traceability concept
for proper test standardization, or select other topics that interest you and contribute to safer
and more effective diagnostics and healthcare.

Dear Prof. Dr. Christa Cobbaert, we appreciate your time, effort and dedication in leading this
Division.
You are a brilliant professional who works very hard for the development of science in laboratory
medicine.
We congratulate you and thank you for taking the time to write this report.
Sincerely,
Dr. BQF. María del C. Pasquel - Moxley
Interviewer

The current IFCC SD (Rome 2023), chair Prof. Christa Cobbaert.

Article continued on the next page17

Report and Interview toProf. Christa Cobbaert

Visiting lecture tour end of August at the occasion of the IPCLM in Palestine.

Visiting lecture tour end of August at the occasion of the
IPCLM in Palestine. Prof. Christa Cobbaert and authorities.

18

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19

Contribute to IFCC eNews
Getting to zero harm in controlled substance prescribing:
Increasing the accuracy of prescription compliancemonitoring through enhanced drug testing support
The opioid epidemic is a serious public health crisis, with a growing need to find new ways to help
support both patients and providers to improve overall outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) estimate that over 100,000 deaths in 2021 were a result of drug overdoses,
a 15% increase from 2020, with opioids accounting for a disproportionate number of those deaths.
Thus, while many efforts have been made, opportunities exist in the opioid epidemic to help improve
patient outcomes.
A key component to battling the opioid epidemic is utilizing laboratory medicine to inform clinicaldecision-making, enhance monitoring and reduce overdoses. As part of the University Hospitals(UH) Pain Management Institute and Department of Pathology’s response, an integrated clinical careteam involving clinical, laboratory, and risk management leaders, sought to effectively use urine
drug testing as a key component to their safe controlled substance prescribing. This team aimed
to enhance opioid monitoring by improving physician confidence and accuracy of ordering andinterpreting lab testing for controlled substance monitoring.
This process was multi-faceted and included newly designed and inclusive drug test panels,
accompanied by intuitive naming, built-in reflexes between screening and confirmatory testing, anda comprehensive analytic method to detect commonly prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines.
Guidance and educational materials were also strategically rolled-out to provide guidance to clinicalstakeholders and users. Lastly, laboratory medicine was integrated into the clinical process througha new laboratory toxicology consultation service. Through this new process, UH has increased
compliance to appropriate follow-up of
presumptive positive drug screens with >98%
compliance, while decreasing drug testing
costs by 25%. This change corresponds to a
35% increase in clinician compliance with thetesting guidelines and has increased clinicalconfidence related to drug testing. For theirefforts and outcomes, this integrated clinicalcare team was awarded the 2022 UNIVANTSof Healthcare Excellence award recognition ofDistinction. Congratulations to Jaime Noguez,
Director, Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Christine
Schmotzer, Vice Chair, UH System Pathology
Operations, Sean Hoynes, Director, Risk
Management at UH Primary Care Institute, Heidi
Pictured from left to right: Jaime Noguez, Christine
DelVecchio, Senior Risk Management Officer,
Schmotzer, Sean Hoynes, Heidi DelVecchio, Jeanne Lackamp
Jeanne Lackamp, Director, UH Pain Management
Institute.
For more information on this best practice and others, please visit www.univantsHCE.com.
To learn about educational opportunities associated with UNIVANTS, please visit
www.HealthcareELX.com.

20

Satellite Meeting

SATURDAY

25TH
MAY
2024
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS
OF PEDIATRIC LABORATORYMEDICINE
TopicsImmunodeficiencies
Immuno-flow cytometry in pediatriclaboratory medicine
Genomics vs Mass spectrometry
in pediatric laboratory medicine
Newborn Screening for SCIDs
NGS in diagnosing
undiagnosed diseases

Organizing Secretariat
Phone: +39 02 66802323
info@dubai2024.org

21

Investigator Initiated Studies: An Opportunity for
Collaboration with Industry
By Jean-Sebastien Blanchet, Director Medical and Scientific Affairs, Beckman Coulter
Nadav Kaufman, Senior Director, Global Marketing, QuidelOrtho
Anne Skurup, Senior Medical Advisor, Radiometer Medical, ApS

This article was developed in support and with endorsement from the IFCC Task Force Corporate
Members (TF-CM). It is not however all encompassing with general trends and recommendations andis not necessarily representative of the positions of the companies employing the authors.
What are Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS)?
Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) are defined as studies conceived and led independently by
investigator(s). IIS are proposed and managed by external researchers who are not employed by a
product manufacturer and may be supported and/or have associations/partnerships with one or moremanufacturers.
Some diagnostic manufacturers may be readily interested in supporting investigator-initiatedstudies as a valued way to expand the knowledge base supporting a specific product. Such
independent evaluations may also support mandatory post market surveillance needs performed bymanufacturers.
When companies initiate clinical studies, internal teams define the study aims, protocols, statisticalanalysis plan, expected publication, and many other details. Clinical studies required for productregistration as part of the IVDR regulation in Europe or FDA submission in the US are usually entirely
managed by companies’ clinical and regulatory affairs departments, following strict execution
processes and well-defined quality standards.
IIS are different, as they are initiated from an unsolicited proposal by an independent investigator,
who then maintains control of the study. As such, most supporting companies leave a large degreeof freedom to investigator(s) for most aspects of the study, so long as minimum expectations are
met to ensure high quality standards, good business practices and legal, ethical and regulatorycompliance.
Why propose an IIS?
Investigators may propose IIS to manufacturers to address a wide variety of scientific objectives,
including:
•
•
•

•

To evaluate analytical and/or clinical performance of an assay in specific patient populations, inthe context of local standard of care or specific therapies, including real-world evidence.
To perform reference interval studies: either to confirm the manufacturer’s proposed ranges or to
add ranges for specific patient populations.
To address the potential clinical impact of an intervention in preanalytical, analytical or postanalytical phases to improve laboratory workflow, time to first result and patient outcomes,
leading to the demonstration of clinical utility and potentially to the development of institution’s
policies.
To demonstrate the health economics benefits of an IVD assay in routine clinical practice.

Article continued on the next page

22

Investigator
Initiated Studies

Steps to Propose an IIS:
Companies typically evaluate IIS proposals through a formal review process, which often includes ascientific review, as well as compliance assessment. These reviews assess the scientific and clinicalrelevance of the proposal, robustness, as well as the appropriateness of the requested support.
This review process can be lengthy, depending upon the various teams involved, and may takebetween two and twelve weeks to decide if and how support for the study is possible.
1.

Identify the research question.
To propose an IIS, first identify an area of interest and determine what scientific question(s) you
seek to answer. Innovative and novel studies are preferred by some companies, but studies
which seek to confirm previous conclusions also have relevance, as they reinforce scientificunderstanding.

2.

Design the protocol.
Once the research question is well defined, identify the appropriate study design to answer
the question. Develop a detailed protocol describing the study. It is important to keep in mind
that for IIS the protocol should be provided by the investigator. However, companies may offer
suggestions to the protocol after an initial review to ensure the quality of the study.

3.

Estimate the budget.
Based on the protocol, an assessment of the required support will be defined and requested
from the sponsoring company(ies). The support may range from simply seeking no-cost reagents/
consumables, to much broader support such as provision of an analyzer, on-site support andtraining, or technical resources. Companies may also provide financial support to fund statisticalanalysis, testing labor, and writing of results. An agreement on the study outcomes, timelines
and the final publication of the data shall be reached as well between the investigator and the
supporting company.

4.

Establish the contract.
The company will conduct an internal review of the proposal to ensure scientific quality, butalso to validate that the company support matches a fair market value, in compliance withlegislations. Following a positive internal review, a contract will be established between thecompany and the investigator institution. The study can only begin after approved contract(s)are in place.

Some companies may choose to follow up on study progress on regular basis, and provide financial
support based on milestones.
How to contact the company?
To propose an investigator-initiated study, simply directly contact the target company and/or
companies via their web sites for scientific and medical affairs support or through your local company
contact.

Article continued on the next page23

Investigator
Initiated Studies

Jean-Sebastien Blanchet, Director

Nadav Kaufman, Senior Director, Global

Anne Skurup, Senior Medical Advisor,

Medical and Scientific Affairs, Beckman

Marketing, QuidelOrtho

Radiometer Medical, ApS

Coulter24

News from Regional Federations and Member
Societies
Rare Links: Launch of the Rare Registry
Report from Pakistan
By Dr Sibtain Ahmed, (Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan)

The “Rare Links” webinar series, hosted by Aga Khan University, successfully organized a hybrid
education session titled “Embarking on a Pioneering Journey: The Launch of the Rare Registry” onAugust 31, 2023. This event brought together national and international experts to share insights
and experiences related to the launch of the RARE DISEASES REGISTRY by the section of Chemical
Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. This registry is a milestone for the
newborn screening and diagnostics of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) in Pakistan. The webinar
aimed to educate participants about the importance of a Rare Registry in enhancing patient careand research for IMDs, explore strategies for the sustained operation of the registry, and highlightthe crucial role of accurate data collection within it.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Professor Imran Siddiqui (Professor Chemical
Pathology and Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Pathology at CPSP). Dr. Lena Jafri (Section Head ofChemical Pathology) then unveiled the details of the Rare Registry through a comprehensive andthought-provoking presentation.
This was followed by a panel discussion, titled “Rare Dialogue Expedition,” moderated by Dr. Hafsa
Majid (Assistant Professor in Chemical Pathology). The panellists included esteemed experts such
as Dr. Aysha Habib Khan (Professor Chemical Pathology, Dr. Bushra Afroze (Associate Professor,
Paediatrics & Child Health), Ms. Azeema Jamil (In charge NBS lab), Dr. Muhammad Bilal (Genetic
specialist), Mr Shahnawaz Yunus (Data entry operator), and Dr. Ayesha Niaz Shaikh (Young physician).
Dr. Sibtain Ahmed, an Assistant Professor in Chemical Pathology, led an engaging session on theroadmap for the sustainability of the Rare Registry, using a Padlet activity to encourage interactive
participation from the attendees.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Erum Khan, Professor and Chair of the Departmentof Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, underlining the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing
research and healthcare in the field of rare diseases.
The webinar attracted a diverse audience including pathologists, paediatricians, physicians,
residents, laboratory professionals, nurses, and geneticists. More than 50 participants actively
engaged in the event through the Zoom platform, while a significant number of attendees were
present at the Peer Learning Space at Aga Khan University, Karachi.
In a country like Pakistan, where the prevalence of rare diseases often goes unnoticed due to limited
resources and awareness, the establishment of a Rare Disease Registry holds immense significance.
Such a registry provides a centralized repository of data related to rare diseases, enabling better
patient care through early diagnosis, informed treatment decisions, and the identification ofpotential research avenues. Additionally, the Rare Registry will facilitate collaboration among
healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, fostering a comprehensive approach
towards addressing the unique healthcare challenges posed by rare diseases in the region.

Article continued on the next page25

Report from
Pakistan

Overall, the “Embarking on a Pioneering Journey: The Launch of the Rare Registry” webinar playeda pivotal role in raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and initiating crucial discussions aroundrare diseases and IMDs diagnostics in Pakistan.
Glimpses from Rare Links-CME Session:

Group photo of participants.

Dr Imran Siddiqui giving the welcome address

Dr Hafsa Majid moderating the panel discussion

Dr Lena Jafri unveiling the details of the Rare Registry.

Dr Sibtain Ahmed leading the Padlet activity.

26

Free Educational Webinar

Topic

Troubleshooting with
Quality Control Data
in Medical Laboratories
for Beginners

Delivered by:

Oswald Sonntag

Independent Consultant
Recording Available

Watch On-Demand
During this webinar, Oswald explains how to identify problems anderrors that occur during the analytical phase in the medical laboratory.

WATCH NOW

27

XXIII National Congress of Clinical
Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine®EXPOLAB Veracruz 2023 (Mexico)
By QC Maria Yolanda Larrazolo Ramos, Coordinadora de Publicidad del XXIII Congreso Nacional deQuímica Clínica y Medicina de Laboratorio® EXPOLAB Veracruz 2023 - Federación Nacional de Colegiosde la Química Clínica AC (FENACQC - MX).

On April 28, 2023, the XXIII National Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine®EXPOLAB Veracruz 2023 was held, being hosted by the College of Laboratory Medicine
Professionals of the Veracruz region, where some up-to date topics in the area of clinical​​chemistry
were reviewed in order to encourage continuous study in our profession. Beginning on April 28
and ending on April 30, renowned national and international speakers shared scientific advancesand experiences in the different areas discussed. The event was held at the facilities of the Hotel“Galleria Veracruz Square”. Among the activities of the congress, the Diploma Award Ceremony
for Chemists from the different affiliated Colleges and associations, that accessed the 2023
Professional Certification process, was held. During the closing ceremony, awards and recognition
were given to the winners of the “Dr. Manuel A. Rodríguez Quintanilla” and to the commercial housethat won the Technological Innovation Award, which on this occasion was the LICON commercial
house. The attendees were thanked for their presence and invited to the XXIV National Congress ofClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine ®EXPOLAB Playa del Carmen.

Attendees XXIII National Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine - ®Expolab Veracruz 2023

Article continued on the next page28

EXPOLAB
Veracruz 2023

Young Scientists at the Free Works Competition

Inauguration ®Expolab Veracruz 2023

Organizing Committee XXIII National Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine - ®Expolab Veracruz 2023

Certified Chemicals 2023

29

40th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Societyof Clinical Chemistry
By Dr Iris CHAN, IFCC National Representative HKSCC, Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince ofWales Hospital, Shatin, HONG KONG

The year 2023 is the 40th Anniversary of HKSCC. It was started with the Annual Scientific Meeting(ASM) held on 7 January 2023. This was the first physical ASM of the society since the COVID-19
pandemic. The theme of the ASM was “Current Advances in Clinical Investigation and Management”.
There were two presentations by invited speakers: (1) “ Development of Robotic Surgical System for
Clinical Application - from Laparoscopic to Endoscopic Surgery” by Professor Philip WY CHIU, Head of
Division of Upper GI & Metabolic Surgery, Department of Surgery; Associate Dean (External Affairs),
Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and (2) “ Therapeutic Drug Monitoringof 5-fluorouracil to improve Patient Safety and Drug Efficacy” by Dr Felix CK WONG, Consultant,Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital. These were followedby five industrial presentations by Beckman Coulter Hong Kong Limited, Bio-Rad Pacific Limited,
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics and Roche Diagnostics (Hong Kong) Limited, Waters Corporation. The ASM
was well attended by 139 HKSCC members and guests. There were also fifteen industrial partners
participating in the industrial exhibition.

Group photo of HKSCC Council Members (Term 2022 – 2023) with Industrial Partners in HKSCC 40th Anniversary Celebration

ASM 2023 (7 Jan 2023): Prof Philip WY CHIU

ASM 2023 (7 Jan 2023): Dr Felix CK WONG

Article continued on the next page30

40th Anniversary Hong kongSociety of Clinical Chemistry

A dinner lecture was held on 18th May 2023 jointly by Hong Kong Society of Clinical Chemistry and
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited. There were two presentations by invited speakers:‘New Insights of Biomarkers in Clinical Application’ by Ms KH CHONG, Product Manager (Biomarkers)
APAC, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and ‘Bringing the Power of Rapid NGS to Rare Diseases andOncology’ by Dr Amy LAM, Field Application Scientist, Genetic Science Group, Thermo Fisher
Scientific, Hong Kong. The lecture was attended by 120 members and guests.

Ms KH CHONG

Dr Amy LAM

Highlight of the year was the dinner lecture held on 25th August 2023. Professor Dennis YM LO, Li Ka
Shing Professor of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong was invited to present a topic on‘Creating Paradigm Shifts in Molecular Diagnostics’. The lecture was well attended by 158 members
and guests.

Prof. Dennis YM LO during his presentation

31

EFLM’s New Corporate Membership Status:
Strengthening Bonds with IVD Companies
By Tomris Ozben, EFLM President

Individual IVD, biomedical, and pharmaceutical companies, corporate entities, as well as researchestablishments, play a significant role in the field of Laboratory Medicine. For this reason, it isimperative to establish robust connections with these entities to ensure alignment in decisionmaking processes, foster effective communication, and promote collaboration between industry
professionals and laboratory experts.
This rationale has led the EFLM Executive Board to introduce a new membership status specificallytailored for Corporate Members. This project proposal underwent thorough and meticulous
discussion during the EFLM Executive Board meeting held in Rome on May 21, 2023. It received
unanimous approval, highlighting its potential to create valuable communication channels between
EFLM and the IVD industry. Subsequently, the proposal was presented to the EFLM General
Meeting, the governing body of EFLM, which convened in an extraordinary meeting on September
7, 2023. This meeting included 35 Full National Societies Members and 4 Affiliate National Societies
Members (the latter having observer status). An unanimous and affirmative vote was cast in favourof incorporating the new Corporate Membership status into EFLM and amending the EFLM Articles of
Association to accommodate the necessary changes.
On behalf of the EFLM Executive Board and EFLM National Societies, I am pleased to share thisnew EFLM initiative with the IFCC and its members. We have initiated a recruitment campaign for
IVD companies and related entities interested in participating in the EFLM Corporate Membershipprogram. Those wishing to become part of this initiative can ensure their inclusion by contacting the
EFLM Office at eflm@eflm.eu through Silvia and Terry.

32New IFCC Members
IFCC WELCOMES A NEW FULL MEMBER: ARMENIAThe IFCC welcomes the Association of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics Specialists (AMLA) – Armenia.
The “Association of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics Specialists - Armenia” is now the 96th Full
Member within the IFCC.
Best wishes for a long and fruitful participation into IFCC activities and projects for advancing
excellence in laboratory medicine for better healthcare worldwide.

33

www.dubai2024.org

26th International Congress ofClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
17th Congress of Arab Federationof Clinical Biology
10th Saudi Society for Clinical
Chemistry Annual Meeting
8th International and UAE Genetic
Disorders Conference

DEADLINES
15 January 2024
Deadline for poster abstract submission

Dubai World
Trade Centre (DWTC)

15 March 2024
Deadline for reduced registration fees
34

News from the IFCC Website

Laboratory medicine - a critical role for patients in disease diagnosis and monitoring
Click here to access the on-demand content

The IFCC webinar: “Laboratory medicine - a critical role for patients in disease diagnosis andmonitoring” took place on September 13, 2023.
The laboratory tests evaluate the clinical status, confirm the diagnosis, and allow medical doctors toassess if the treatment is efficient. Also, laboratory medicine gives the possibility to evaluate thepatient and choose which is the best method or methods of personalized diagnosis for the patient,being integral to prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.
This webinar comprised of three following presentations of 20 min each:
Chair: Dr. Mirela Ahmadi
Talk 1 - “Assessing the specific tumoral markers, inflammatory status, and vitamin D metabolism
before and after the first chemotherapy cycle for lung cancer patients” - Ms. Andreea Crintea
Talk 2 - “The importance of molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis” - Dr. Mirela Ahmadi
Talk 3 - “The association between the PLIN1 rs2304795 gene and Metabolic Syndrome in obese
patients” Ms. Stanislav Alexandra Alina

Article continued on the next page

35

News from the IFCC Website

Click here for registering
The 10th October webinar on “Interference on high sensitivity troponin assays” will givean overview of analytical and biological interference affecting troponin assays, the analyticalmethods needed to detect interference and further discuss the clinical consequences of troponininterference and discuss a and potential biological meaning of detecting such results.
It will comprise of three following presentations of 20 min each
Moderator: Dr. Kristin Moberg Aakre (Norway)
Talk 1: Analytical and biological interferences for cardiac troponin assays; what should we look out for
and when? Dr. Pete Kavsak (Canada)
Talk 2: Detecting troponin interferences; recommendations for the routine laboratory Prof. Ola
Hammarsten (Romania)
Talk 3: When clinically can macrotroponins be confounding? Dr. Allan S. Jaffe (USA)

Article continued on the next page36

News from the IFCC Website

27th September, 2023
“The clinical laboratory and its impact on the enivironment”“El laboratorio clínico y su impacto en el medio ambiente”
on-demand content
Click here for the webinar in English
Clique aquí por el webinar en español

Waste from a Clinical Analysis laboratory can cause contamination and illness if not handledproperly. Infectious waste, especially sharps, presents a risk to those who may come into contact
with it. Many of diseases due to occupational exposure among health personnel correspond to
hepatitis B infections and HIV infections. Laboratories also generate chemical, pharmaceutical andradioactive waste, which requires special handling, and large amounts of common waste. In somecountries all this waste is mixed and burned in incinerators and this incineration generates large
amounts of polluting substances. These substances can be transported polluting the environment
not only where they are burned but also over long distances. If laboratory waste is not treatedproperly and is disposed of together with common waste, those who handle this waste also face adanger. It is important to promote the reduction of the entry of hazardous substances to the waste
stream. There are alternatives that are safer and cleaner than incineration and are equally effective
in rendering waste harmless. Being aware of the risks of poor handling of laboratory waste is very
important and seeing how to implement measures to minimize these risks is essential.

Article continued on the next page37

This webinar comprises of three following presentations of 20 min each
Moderator: Dr. Ana Maria Lena
Talk 1: Adequate disposal of waste in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory - Lic. Xavier Solans
Talk 2: Adequate disposal of waste in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory - Chemist Carlos Alberto
Severiche Sierra
Talk 3: Impact on health due to inadequate handling of hazardous waste - Biochemist Gustavo
Adolfo Velasco

38

IFCC’s Calendar of Congresses,
Conferences & Events
IFCC and Regional Federation
Events
Date

Title

Place

Oct 10,2023

Interference on high sensitivity
troponin assays

LivewebinarDec 4,- Dec 52023

2023 JCTLM Workshop on: ‘EQA
schemes elucidating the clinicalsuitability of laboratory results’Sèvres,FR

Jan 25, - Jan 26
2024

AFCC CONGRESS 2024

Cairo,EG

May 25,2024

XVII ICPLM - INTERNATIONALCONGRESS OF PEDIATRICLABORATORY MEDICINE

Dubai,UAE

May 26 - Jun 30,
2024

XXVI IFCC WORLDLAB Dubai 2024

Dubai,UAE

May 26, - Jun 30
2024

AFCB Congress in conjunction
with the XXVI IFCC WorldLab
Dubai 2024 Congress

Dubai,UAE

Oct 3 - 6,
2024

XXVI COLABIOCLI 2024

Cartagena,
CO

October 31 Nov 3, 2024

APFCB 2024 Sydney

Sidney,AU

May 18 - 22,
2025

XXVI IFCC-EFLM
EUROMEDLAB 2025

Brussels,
BE

Article continued on the next page39

Corporate Member Events with
IFCC Auspices
Date

Title

Place

Nov 18,2023

Inter-QC Topics

Quality
Academics,
online, MX

Other events with
IFCC auspices
Click here40

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41

IFCC Executive Board 2021 - 2023

Khosrow
ADELI
President

TomrisOZBEN
President-electDavid
KINNIBURGH
SecretaryAlexander
HALIASSOS
Treasurer

JosephPASSARELLI
Corporate
Representative

E. HOYARANDA
Asia-Pacific Fed
for Clin Biochem
and Lab Med(APFCB)

A. M. ŠIMUNDIĆ
European Fed ofClin Chem andLab Medicine(EFLM)

A.M. LENA
Latin-American
Confederationof Clin
Biochemistry(COLABIOCLI)T. PILLAY (ZA)
Communications
andPublications
Division Chair

S. BERNARDINI (IT)
Emerging
Technologies
Division Chair

P. LAITINEN (FI)Congresses andConferences
Committee Chair

Regional Representatives

AB OKESINA
AfricanFederation ofClinical Chemistry(AFCC)

A. HEDHILI
Arab
Federation ofClinical Biology(AFCB)

E. DUNN
North American
Fed of Clin
Chem and Lab
Med(NAFCC)IFCC Divisions and C-CC Chairs

C. COBBAERT (NL)
Scientific
Division Chair

N. RIFAI (US)
Education andManagement
Division Chair

IFCC Office Staff(L-R) Elisa Fossati, Paola Bramati, Silvia Colli Lanzi,
Silvia Cardinale, Smeralda Skenderaj, Sofia Giardina

42

IFCC Membership
Full members

Albania (AL)
Algeria (DZ)
Argentina (AR)Armenia (AM)Australia and
New Zealand (AU/NZ)
Austria (AT)
Belgium (BE)Bolivia (BO)
Bosnia Herzegovina (BA)
Brazil (BR)
Bulgaria (BG)
Canada (CA)Chile (CL)
China (Beijing) (CN)China (Taipei) (TW)
Colombia (CO)Croatia (HR)Cuba (CU)
Cyprus (CY)
Czech Republic (CZ)
Denmark (DK)
Dominican Republic (DO)
Ecuador (EC)Egypt (EG)Estonia (EE)
Ethiopia (ET)Finland (FI)France (FR)Georgia (GE)Germany (DE)Greece (GR)
Guatemala (GT)Hong Kong (HK)
Hungary (HU)
Iceland (IS)India (IN)Indonesia (ID)
Iran (IR)Iraq (IQ)
Ireland (IE)
Israel (IL)
Italy (IT)Japan (JP)Jordan (JO)
Kazakhstan (KZ)
Kenya (KE)
Korea (KR)Kosovo (XK)Corporate members

Latvia (LV)
Lebanon (LB)
Libya (LY)
Lithuania (LT)
Luxembourg (LU)
Malawi (MW)Malaysia (MY)Mexico (MX)Montenegro (ME)
Morocco (MA)
Myanmar (MM)
Nepal (NP)
Netherlands (NL)
Nigeria (NG)North Macedonia (MK)Norway (NO)Pakistan (PK)Palestine (PS)Panama (PA)Paraguay (PY)
Peru (PE)Philippines (PH)Poland (PL)Portugal (PT)
Romania (RO)Russia (RU)
Saudi Arabia (SA)Serbia (SRB)
Singapore (SG)Slovak Republic (SK)Slovenia (SI)South Africa (ZA)
Spain (ES)Sri Lanka (LK)
Sudan (SD)
Sweden (SE)Switzerland (CH)
Syrian Arab Republic (SY)
Thailand (TH)Tunisia (TN)Türkiye (TR)Ukraine (UA)United Kingdom (UK)
United States (US)Uruguay (UY)
Vietnam (VN)
Zambia (ZM)
Zimbabwe (ZW)

Regional Federations

Arab Federation of Clinical Biology (AFCB)
African Federation of Clinical Chemistry (AFCC)
Asia-Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry
and Laboratory Medicine (APFCB)
European Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)
Latin America Confederationof Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI)North American Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine (NAFCC)

AbbottAgappe Diagnostics, Ltd.
Arkray, Inc.
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.
Autobio Diagnostics Co., Ltd.
BD Life Sciences –Preanalytical Systems
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
The Binding Site Group, Ltd.
Biomasterclin Laboratorios
Venezuela
Bio-Rad Laboratories
C.P.M. Diagnostic Research
Diagnostica Stago
DiaSorin
DiaSys Diagnostic Systems
GmbH
ET Healthcare Inc.
Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical
Corporation
Fujirebio Europe
Gentian, AS
Helena Biosciencies Europe
Hemas Hospitals (PVT) Ltd.
HyTest, Ltd. i-SENS, Inc.
Immunodiagnostic Systems- IDS
Instrumentation Laboratory
Jangsu BioPerfectus Co., Ltd.
Labor Team
LumiraDx
Maccura Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.
MedicalSystem Biotechnology
Co., Ltd.

Medix Biochemica
A. Menarini Diagnostics
Mindray - Shenzhen Mindray
Bio-Medical
Nittobo Medical Co., LTD.
Biomedical Corporation
Oneworld Accuracy
Collaboration
PerkinElmer
PHC Europe B.V.
Quality Academics S.C.
QuidelOrtho
Radiometer Medical ApS
Randox Laboratories, Ltd.
Roche Diagnostics
Sansure Biotech Inc.
Sebia S.A.
Sentinel CH SpA
Shanghai Kehua BioEngineering Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co.,Ltd
Siemens Healthcare
Diagnostics
Snibe Co., Ltd.
Synlab
Sysmex Europe, GmbHTechnogenetics
Thermo Fisher ScientificTosoh Corporation
United Robotics Group GmbH
Labor Dr. Wispling hoff
Wuhan Life Origin Biotech
Joint Stock Co., Ltd.

Affiliate Members

Botswana: Institute of Clinical Laboratory Professionals
Brazil: Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica / Medicina
Laboratorial (SBPC/ML)
China: Lab Medicine Committee, China Association of Medical
Equipment (LMC)
Egypt: Egyptian Association of Healthcare Quality and Patient
SafetyFrance: French National Network of Accredited Laboratories ofMedical Biology (LABAC)
India: Association of Medical Biochemists of India (AMBI)
Iran: Iranian Association of Clinical Laboratory Doctors (IACLD)
Jordan: Society for Medical Technology & Laboratories (SMTL)
Kazakhstan: Public Association - Federation of Laboratory
Medicine (FLM)
Mexico: Federación Nacional de Químicos Clínicos (CONAQUIC
A.C.)
Mexico: Colegio Nacional de Químicos Clínicos en Medicina deLaboratorio (CONQUILAB)
Mexico: Federación Nacional de Colegios Profesionales de laQuímica Clínica, A.C. (FENACQC)
Nepal: Nepalese Association for Clinical Chemistry (NACC)
Philippines: Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in ClinicalLaboratories (PCQACL)
Romania: Order of the Biochemists, Biologists, Chemists in
Romanian Health System (OBBCSSR) Serbia: Serbian Society for
Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Science (SCLM)
Spain: Andalusian Society for Clinical Analysis and Laboratory
Medicine (SANAC)
Spain: Asociación Española de Biopatología Médica - Medicinade Laboratorio (AEBM-ML)
Spain: Asociación Española de Farmacéuticos Analistas (AEFA)
Sri Lanka: College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka (CCPSL)
Türkiye: Society of Clinical Biochemistry Specialists (KBUD)
Ukraine: Association for Quality Assurance of Laboratory
Medicine (AQALM)
United Arab Emirates: Genetic Diseases Association (UAEGDA)

43

enewsPublisher
Communications and Publications Division(CPD) of the IFCCThe Communications and Publications
Division publishes ten editions of the e-Newsper year, including two double issues.
EditorKatherina Psarra, MSc, PhD
Department of Immunology Histocompatibility Evangelismos Hospital,
Athens, Greece
E-mail: enews@ifcc.org
The eNews is distributed to all IFCC
members registered on-line to receive it andto all IFCC sponsors.
Deadlines for submissions to the eNews
N° 1/2 – January/February: by mid January
N° 3 – March: by mid February
N° 4 – April: by mid March
N° 5 – May: by mid April
N° 6 – June: by mid May
N° 7/8 – July/August: by mid June
N° 9 – September: by mid August
N° 10 – October: by mid September
N° 11 – November: by mid October
N° 12 – December: by mid November
If you want to submit an article oradvertisement to be published in the eNews,
send it to: Katherina Psarra, Editor, IFCC
eNews
E-mail: enews@ifcc.org

Copyright © 2022 IFCC. All rights reserved.
Contents may not be reproduced without
the prior permission of the Communications
and Publications Division (CPD) of the IFCC.

44