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

International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine

N° 1/2 – January/February 2023

In t h is issue
 EDITORIAL
 Message from the eNews Editor

5

 THE VOICE OF IFCC
 IFCC President's Message – January/February 2023

6

 Brief report on my visit to deliver lecture
at the conference of Biomedical Society of Zambia

8 Workshop on Flow Cytometry- Nov 15 to 17th, 2022 - Rabat, Morocco10 The voice of Corporate Members shined inat the 2022 IFCC Industry Forum: advancing excellencein laboratory medicine for better healthcare worldwide

12

 VLP Report, ACBICON 2022:
Assessing AI technologies and ethics in healthcare services

16

 VLP Report, ACBICON 2022: It’s time to look at the LabMed evidence!

21

 The IFCC - Abbott VLP Program: VLP Report at the Annual Conferenceof the Association of Clinical Chemists of India

24

 IFCC Professional Exchange Programme: a great opportunity

26 IFCC: THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS
 The Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI)– Young Professionals Working Group present in CALILAB 2022

31

 IFCC Professional Scientific Exchange Programme (PSEP):
my experience in Fares Taie Biotecnología, Mar Del Plata, Argentina

34

 CONTRIBUTE TO IFCC eNews
 Increased bone biomarker monitoring enables measurably improved care
for Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral Bone Disorder patients38

 Improving Cancer patients safety, confidence
and clinical care through screening healthcare workers
for neutralizing COVID-19 IgG antibodies and establishinga COVID-19 convalescent Plasma Bank

40

 Combating a global public health challengethrough a highly governed clinical care pathway:
leading diabetic care best practice from Dubai

42

 NEWS FROM REGIONAL FEDERATIONS AND MEMBER SOCIETIES

45

 Metabolomics: Revolutionizing Chemical Pathology in Pakistan
through ChemCon 2022

45

 XXII Serbian Congress of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
and The 16th Belgrade Symposium for Balkan Region

47

 The V Forum of Academic Units training professionals
in Biochemistry and equivalent degrees in Latin America and the Caribbean

51

 COLABIOCLI carries out the “1st Latin American Conferenceof Young Clinical Laboratory Professionals” in a very emotional framework55 Changing of the guard:
Prof. Katell Peoc’h, SFBC President (Nov 2022 - Nov 2025)

58

 JIB Paris 2022: an iconic congress in the iconic City of Lights

60 Serbian response to a Western Balkan refugee crisis

66

 Kosovo – Spotlight on migrants and migration challenges

69

 Integrating lab medicine technologies
and mobile health services for asylum seekers and refugees- Israel point of view -71

 Paris-Italy JIB 2022:
Leading AI innovation in genomics

74

 12th Scientific Conference of the Palestinian Medical Technology
Association (PMTA)

76

 IFCC'S CALENDAR OF CONGRESSES, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Calendar of IFCC Congresses/Conferences
and Regional Federations' Congresses

77 Other events with IFCC auspices

80

EDITORIAL
Message from the eNews Editor
by Katherina Psarra
eNews Editor
Dear colleagues,
I hope that among your decisions for the New Year is that you will read a lot
more, a lot more books in fact. Because this first issue of the eNews for 2023
is a book! I invite you to read it.
First in the President’s Prof. Khosrow Adeli message you will learn a lot about
the ambitious and interesting IFCC plan. And then if you go through the articles, as I did, you will learn so much about AI in general, AI from the beginning
till now, and in particular its applications in Laboratory Medicine. You will findout that there is a software that can write even papers instead of you!!!
You will learn about evidence-based laboratory medicine as well and you willmeet more wonderful scientific groups, UNIVANTS winners.
A lot of information about how several countries are dealing with the refugee
crisis regarding their health issues can be found in this issue. The role of Laboratory is stressed in this important matter, concerning human lives.
It is really like reading a book, a very interesting book where our job plays afundamental role.

Katherina Psarra, MSc, PhD

Happy New Year, once more, dear colleagues!
Katherina

5THE VOICE OF IFCC
IFCC President's Message – January/February 2023
by Khosrow Adeli
IFCC President
Happy New Year to everyone in the IFCC family! We have an exciting
year ahead, full of new priorities to further our mission of “advancing
excellence in laboratory medicine for better healthcare worldwide” aswell as the IFCC major scientific event, the XXV IFCC-EFLM WORLDLABEUROMEDLAB ROME 2023.

Prof. Khosrow Adeli
PhD, FCACB, DABCC, FAACC

As our first new priority this year, IFCC will focus on breaking silos byenhancing collaboration with all major bodies involved in laboratory
medicine and in vitro diagnostics. We have already started discussions
with several organizations to build stronger relationships that will ultimately foster innovation and minimize the overlap/duplication in
our scientific and educational activities. New memorandums of understanding (MOU) are being signed with EQALM, BCLF, WASPALM,
and FIFBCLM.

Another key priority is promoting the web presence of the IFCC organization and its affiliates, which will
increase the visibility of IFCC within the clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine community as well as outside
the field in the broader medical and healthcare community. Work involved in this priority includes developmentof a new IFCC website with a modernized look and feel as well as improved navigation and functionality, which isalready underway. Other improvements are also in the works, such as an update of the IFCC eAcademy website,
redevelopment of the eNews and eJournal, and creation of new databases. The new IFCC website is almost
ready and will be officially launched shortly.
Third, IFCC will be developing and disseminating evidence based IFCC Clinical Laboratory Practice Guidelines
to support clinical laboratories around the world. These guidelines will provide practical recommendations tolaboratory professionals based on evidence from a wide range of existing reputable guidelines, peer-reviewed
publications, and expert consensus. All guidelines will provide specific implementation resources to ensure
utility in clinical practice. Given that IFCC is home to leading experts in laboratory medicine, we will call upon
our Committees, Task Forces, and Working Groups to help develop and disseminate these guidelines. A special
meeting of the IFCC Executive Board with chairs of all divisions, taskforces and working groups is planned in early
March to develop a roadmap for this important new program.
Article continued on next page

6

The fourth priority is ensuring accreditation for all IFCC educational programs including all IFCC Live Webinars
and regional/international conferences. Continuing Education (CE) credits will be provided for the upcoming
EuroMedLab/WorldLab 2023 with the support of EFLM and plans are underway to ensure accreditation of all
future IFCC conferences.
On that note, we have a very exciting event planned later this year. The IFCC-EFLM EuroMedLab/WorldLab 2023
Congress will take place from May 21–25 in the historic and beautiful city of Rome. An excellent scientific program is planned for this biannual congress, filled with innovative and diverse education opportunities, including
lectures, symposia, recent advancements in clinical practice and science, poster presentations, and industry
exhibits. There will also be many social and networking opportunities, as this leading forum brings together scientists, laboratory specialists, clinicians, industry colleagues, and other experts from around the world. In fact,
we have already received over 2000 abstract submissions, indicating this is set out to be one of the most widelyattended congresses in the IFCC history.
Ahead of EuroMedLab 2023, we have several important satellite meetings planned on May 20 and Mary 21 as
well as a special IFCC Young Scientists Forum on Sunday May 21st. Stay tuned for more information on both themain congress as well as the satellite meetings and special forum.
As always, please feel free to email me at president@ifcc.org with any feedback, questions, or concerns you may
have.
Khosrow

News from the IFCC Website
The eJIFCC adopts Editorial Manager (EM) system for manuscripts
János Kappelmayer, Editor-in-Chief, eJIFCC, and Harjit Pal Bhattoa, Assistant Editor, eJIFCC are glad to announce that the eJIFCC is adopting “Editorial Manager” for manuscript submission.
In the past years, the eJIFCC has become increasingly visible among laboratory
specialists worldwide. This, on the one hand resulted in the increase of thenumber of downloads of papers published since the eJIFCC is a platinum open
access publication, and on the other hand, it resulted in a considerable increasein the number of submissions. We detailed the progress in the advancementof the scientometric parameters of the journal in a review in the eJIFCC in
Issue 4 of 2021. In order to cope with the increase in submissions we decided
to advance our manuscript handling process, and recently subscribed for
the Editorial Manager (EM) manuscript handling system. Editorial Manager
is a long-established and one of the best-known editorial submission andmanuscript processing program that belongs to Aries. It was founded in 1986
and is headquartered in North Andover, MA.
The introduction of the Editorial Manager, along with the use of Ithenticate, the most trusted plagiarism
checker by the world’s top researchers, publishers, and scholars, will increase eJIFCC's reputation among
the Scientific journals.

7

Brief report on my visit to deliver lecture
at the conference of Biomedical Society of Zambia
by Professor Adekunle Bashiru Okesina
EB Regional Federation Representative
African Federation of Clinical Chemistry (AFCC)
Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology
College of Health Sciences
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
Nigeria
My initial challenge for this visit to Zambia was getting a flight from Lagos to Livingstone which was thevenue of the conference. I therefore had to break mybooking to first arrive in Lusaka and make a separatebooking from Lusaka to Livingstone. Also, becauseof December congestion due to holiday travels theprices of flights in that region had gone up. Anyway,
I eventually had a smooth travel, first to Lusaka andlater to Livingstone. I spent 72 hours to go and myreturn journey had a similar duration.
I arrived on the evening of 13th December because
the conference started on the 14th of December.
I gave my first talk on the 14th and the second on
the 15th of December. The local organizing committee for the conference did a good job by providing
a comfortable accommodation and they were very
hospitable.
I used the IFCC template for the 2 presentations andI also inserted the slides to acknowledge Abbott Diagnotics and IFCC at the beginning and end of mytwo presentations. Indeed, I gave a brief introduction of IFCC as an organization and what it stands
Professor Adekunle Bashiru Okesina
for, not only the global spread across various parts
giving one of his talksof the globe in more than 92 countries, but also its
readiness to assist developing countries most especially the young scientists in their carrier development inlaboratory medicine. I gave this description of IFCC in a separate talk and also encouraged participants to takeadvantage of regular webinars. My second topic addressed the value of continuous professional development in
the improvement of laboratory services. I was happy to observe that substantial efforts are already ongoing in
Zambia, as displayed by the presentations in the conference, but there is always room for improvement. However, I pointed out the need to make it more organised and properly documented and spread across the 9 regionsof the country.
Article continued on next page8

A few participants approached me and informed
me of their special interest in my talk on Monkeypox which they found very useful. One of them said
that they were planning a local survey to determine the prevalence of the disease in Zambia andmy talk came very handy in assisting them in thisproject. Many young scientists were also happy tolearn what IFCC stands for and what they can benefit from IFCC professional exchange programmeand sponsorship of young scientists to attend conferences.
Zambia is also one of the countries currently participating in the global external quality assurance
project of the IFCC. Presentation was made on how
far they had gone with this project and there waspalpable enthusiasm that they are eager to push
the project forward. The Minister of health could
not attend the opening ceremony but he was represented by a senior member of his Ministry.

Participants at the Conferenceof Biomedical Society of Zambia

Finally, the visit was a success and members of
National Society i.e. Biomedical Society of Zambia
expressed their gratitude for this support and theywant more of such support to strengthen the society for rapid development.

News from the IFCC Website
IFCC Call for Nominations
The IFCC invites nominations for the following positions:Â Task Force on Ethics (TF-E) - one Member position.
Replies by 15th February 2023.
Â Committee Kidney Disease (C-KD) - two Member positions.
Replies by 20th February 2023.

				Â New Task Force on Environmental Impact of Laboratory Medicine andIn Vitro Diagnostics: call for nominations for Members positions.
Replies by 20th February 2023.

Â Task Force for Young Scientists (TF-YS) - two Member positions. Replies by 28th February 2023.
Read more

9Workshop on Flow Cytometry
Nov 15 to 17th, 2022 – Rabat, Morocco
by Dr. Claude Lambert (FR)
Chair of the IFCC Working Group on Flow Cytometry (WG-FC)

In November 15 to 17th 2022, a new Workshop on Flow Cytometry under the umbrella of IFCC was held in Rabat,
Morocco. The workshop was organized by the IFCC working group of flow cytometry from the Education andManagement Committee and was sponsored by Beckman Coulter (Salma Benchekroun, Αmira Mokrane andAnica Remenar) and Mabiotech (Issam Driouch, Hamza Laabouki), the local representative.
The workshop focused on cell analysis of T cells and NK cells in clinical immuno-monitoring (Claude Lambert,
univ Hospital Saint-Etienne France, Anis LARBI Global Medical and Scientific Affairs, Beckman Coulter) and inlymphoproliferative syndromes (Mikael Roussel University Hospital Rennes France, representative of the CYTHEM
French speaking Association on cell analysis in hematology).
The participants attended the 3 full days of the workshop composed of lectures (in French) in the morning andpracticals in the afternoon with sample preparation, instrument settings and data interpretation of clinical cases.
Twenty-three experienced participants came from the main universities, the National Institute of Hygiene (INH)
and few other medical laboratories of the central area around Rabat and Casablanca.
Several laboratories are equipped with cytometers in Morocco. An active national network manages HIV monitoring while other laboratories are involved in diagnosis of immune disorders, including primary immunodeficiencies and hypersensitivities or hematological disorders like lympho-proliferative diseases, leukemias, bonemarrow transplantation as well as monitoring organ transplantation with HLA typing and cross match. Overthe past few years, we could observe a clear development in using flow cytometry in diagnosis although, like inmost African countries, they are facing the needs for training and difficulties to get instruments and reagents inreasonable time and costs.
The workshop was held in a very nice ambiance. Many local participants had the chance to meet for the firsttime. Participation was very enthusiastic. Post workshop enquiry revealed that attendees found the workshop
excellent (52%) or very good (42%) and asked a lot for more of these events to be organized in the future in theirconcluding comments.
Article continued on next page10

Group photo of the participants

During the course, Prof. Lambert, sitting near the podium,gives further details

Participants during the one practical sessionof the course

11The voice of Corporate Members shined at the 2022 IFCC Industry Forum: advancing
excellence in laboratory medicine for better healthcare worldwide
Nadav Kaufman, Senior Director of Global Marketing, QuidelOrtho
Els Melis, EMEA Senior Marketing Manager, QuidelOrtho
Brendan Meyer, Associate Director, Medical Affairs EMEA, Integrated Diagnostic Solutions,Becton Dickinson Life Sciences
Alessandro Ortisi, Associate Director, Global Clinical Marketing, Laboratory Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers
Joseph Passarelli, Senior Director - Scientific Relations Scientific Relations, Roche Diagnostics Solutions
Tricia Ravalico, Global Director, Scientific Leadership and Education, Abbott
Anne Skurup, Senior Medical Advisor at Radiometer Medical
Frank Vitzthum, Managing Director and Vice President Pre-Development & Advanced Technologies Siemens
Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH(L-R) Moderators: Joe Passarelli (Roche) and Tricia Ravalico (Abbott)Discussants: Anne Skurup (Radiometer Medical), Frank Vitzthum (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH),
Els Melis (QuidelOrtho) and Brendan Meyer (Becton Dickinson Life Sciences)
Article continued on next page12

For over 50 years, corporate members have been influential in supporting the mission of the IFCC. Until recent
years, however, the voice of corporate members were often dwarfed or unheard. This paradigm has changed
substantially with the development of the IFCC Task Force of Corporate Members (TF-CM) which has been thriving since its inception 5 years ago.
Initially led by Joe Passarelli, Roche Diagnostics, the TF-CM tackled early topics of joint corporate interest. Upon
his subsequent transition to serve on the IFCC Executive Board, his position as chair of the Task Force was replaced by Tricia Ravalico from Abbott. Collectively and with the support of the IFCC, Joe and Tricia had led multiple industry-workshops including their recent success in Brussels at the IFCC General Conference.
With special thanks to Khosrow Adeli for the invitation, Joe and Tricia hosted an educational forum that spanned
4 brilliant speakers from industry including Anne Skurup, Senior Medical Advisor at Radiometer Medical, Dr.
Frank Vitzthum, Managing Director and Vice President Pre-Development & Advanced Technologies Siemens
Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH , Els Melis, EMEA Senior Marketing Manager, QuidelOrtho, Belgium, andDr Brendan Meyer, Associate Director, Medical Affairs EMEA, Integrated Diagnostic Solutions, Becton Dickinson
Life Sciences.
Their forum tackled emerging trends both pre and post COVID, highlighted the opportunities and challenges
associated with the enhanced regulatory demands for clinical studies and included best practices associatedwith industry partnerships. A more detailed summary from each talk is summarized below with call to action for
all teams, committees and/or interested colleagues to leverage the IFCC TF-CM as a collective industry voice thatcan enhance triple wins for the IFCC, companies and the patients we all serve.
The title of the first presentation (Anne Skurup) was “Meeting the Demand for Clinical Studies: A Joint Effort for
IFCC and IVD Industry,” was based on the observation that the need for clinical studies in the in-use environment
in hospitals required for regulatory approval has increased. The complexity regarding documentation andexecution of associated studies is also on the rise. At the same time, challenges exist due a world-wide lack ofhealth care staff and post Covid effects. Consequences include longer times to market for new and innovative
products, despite the potential to improve patient care and reduce workloads.
During the Industry Forum, live poll results amongst representatives from the audience indicated a strong interest in engagement in future clinical studies. Excitingly, this translates to the triple win mentioned earlier inthat safe and effective IVD solutions become more readily available through partnerships enabled by the IFCC
with the strength and insight to mitigate and/or solve some many of the current challenges that companies arechallenged with, while also embracing the confidentiality associated with these needs. Long term, deepened
collaborations can lead to faster release of new technology that not only meets current health care challenges
but fosters additional benefits both within and outside off Laboratory Medicine. Opportunities in the near term
include but are not limited to the potential establishment of an IFCC expert advice committee with a passion to
support this valued initiative.
In the second presentation, “Emerging Trends”, Dr. Frank Vitzthum outlined transformational changes, like demographics, consumerism, etc. and how they drive current and emerging trends. There is still a growing need forin-vitro diagnostics. However, cost pressure forces us rightfully so to achieve more with less. At the same time,
we must provide clinical value through new and improved assays as well as digitalization. Healthcare is becoming
more and more digital combining information applying data management, algorithms, and clinical decision support including artificial intelligence to add significant clinical value. Intelligent machines will support precision
decision making and eventually connected Intelligence will expand healthcare availability.
Article continued on next page13

In the third presentation, Els Melis commented on “What Have We Learned from the COVID Experience?” Foralmost 3 years, the COVID-19 pandemic put unprecedented pressure on society, people, hospitals, and healthcare systems, causing over 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Her presentation argued that everyone should reflect
on the impact which the COVID pandemic has had, take learnings, and assure a better preparedness for the
future.
Looking at the Healthcare System, the pandemic heavily disrupted access to early detection, screening, diagnosis,
care, and treatment for people living with acute and chronic non-COVID related diseases. This dramatically
impacted their day-to-day life, leading to a worsening of their conditions and often increased mortality. It is
important to build back better and more resilient healthcare systems, with screening programs which support
risk stratification and as such enable improved access to early screening and diagnosis.
As an Industry, we learned that it is possible to go fast when the world health is at stake. Crisis creates naturalalignment and assay development times, which typically take 2-3 years, could be achieved in as little as a few
weeks. We observed collaboration between governments and regions. Rapid publication of new insights enabledcontinuous progression and learnings.
From the laboratory’s perspective, the staffing and supply shortages have emphasized the need for mitigationplans to enable rapid response, rapid addition of capacity, accelerated on-boarding of new vendors for criticalsupplies and updated processes to implement new tests.
The pandemic also demonstrated a lot of flexibility from the regulatory bodies. Emergency authorizations eliminated normal burdens and enabled faster development and product releases. However, they were facing resource issues too as they needed to rapidly expand capability to review many more filings than ever before.
Should regulatory bodies create a group of additional reviewers as a contingency plan?
The crisis has definitely put diagnostics in a positive light. As we are adjusting to the new normal, we need tocontinue striving for efficient and agile processes to improve patient outcomes and to ensure no one is left
behind in case of future health emergencies.

Brendan Meyer discussed the opportunities and challenges of “IFCC Partnership with the IVD Industry”. Together with the ongoing sponsorship of IFCC activities, such as Divisional work, scholarships, awards and conferences, there are clear examples where IVD partnerships are supporting best-practice changes in clinical laboratory
practice. While prerequisites such as compliance requirements and long-term budgeting may be challenging,these can be overcome through planning and change management. The IVD industry looks forward to continuing and growing partnerships.
Tricia Ravalico closed the session with a spotlight on the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award program, aglobal award for all healthcare teams who have achieved measurably better healthcare performance throughteamwork and avant-garde use of insights from laboratory medicine. His award program was featured as a bestpractice among industry with multiple IFCC leaders as award winners over the past 4 years. Learn more about
the UNIVANTS awards and/or their associated best practices at www.UnivantsHCE.com.
In summary, the IVD industry is active and excited to advance the mission of the IFCC and Laboratory Medicine.
For any IFCC team and/or committees who is seeking further insight about the IVD industry, please leverage the
IFCC Task Force of Corporate Members as supportive partners in your respective efforts. We are in this together
and excited for the future.
Article continued on next page

14

Joe Passarelli (Roche), Anne Skurup (Radiometer Medical), Brendan Meyer (Becton Dickinson Life Sciences),
Tricia Ravalico (Abbott), Els Melis (QuidelOrtho) and Frank Vitzthum (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products GmbH)

15

VLP Report, ACBICON 2022:
Assessing AI technologies and ethics in healthcare services
by Bernard Gouget, Chair IFCC-CMHBLM, IFCC Abbott VLP
Pradeep Kumar Dabla, Member IFCC C-MHBLM
Department of Biochemistry, G.B.Pant Instituteof Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (GIPMER)
Damien Gruson, EB IFCC- ETD, IFCC-C MHBLM Liaison
Sergio Bernardini, Chair IFCC ETD
On the occasion of the 48th annual conference,
ACBICON 2022 (New Delhi, Nov 24-26, 2022) organized by the Association of Clinical Biochemists ofIndia, the topic Artificial Intelligence and its ethicalchallenges in Lab Medicine was the subject of several presentations. As disruptive technology advances,that interacts more directly with the digital sphere,
the healthcare and lab medicine sectors are transforming themselves on a daily basis, characterized
by better clinical diagnosis. Across the healthcare
sector, technological and product advances are supporting patient diagnosis and care. Lab Medicine isaffected significantly by 4.0 technologies, which include machine learning and artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and automation, data mining as wellas multi-omics and POCT devices improving healthy
lifestyle. The integration of these new technologies
is perhaps one of the most essential developmentsin the Indian context.
A preconference full day hands-on workshop under the theme of “Applied Artificial Intelligence
Research” was organized by Prof. Pradeep Kumar
Dabla and IFCC C-MHBLM on November 23rd at
the Govind Ballah Pant Institute of Post Graduate
Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), Delhi,
India. The workshop was unique and first of its own
kind initiative in ACBI conference to bring hands-on
training on AI module and data set along with series of lectures in lab medicine and AI applications.
The one-day workshop aims to bring together beginners and interested members to identify themost pressing needs for AI measurement and its

evaluation to advance the state-of-the-art patientcare.
The program was inaugurated by welcome speechof Director GIPMER, Prof. Anil Agarwal; Chair IFCCC-MHBLM, Dr. Bernard Gouget & ACBI EB, Prof. Excellence V. K. Gupta. In his opening speech, Prof.
Dabla recalled that the primary duty of the specialistin Lab Medicine is to the patient, placing the welfareof the patient above his own needs and desires andensuring that each one receives the highest quality of care according to current standards of medical
practice. Laboratory medicine has always been oneof the medical disciplines with the highest degreeof digitalization. Since its emergence, automation,
electronic transmission of results, and electronic reporting have becoming increasingly prevalent. Highquality lab medicine services must be safe, effective,
efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered.
Specific knowledge of AI in the lab medical community is still poor and AI education is much needed.
This was the challenge of the workshop. Educationon the value of AI and research to prove its clinicalutility are needed to integrate AI into laboratory
medicine. AI in healthcare is the use of complex algorithms and software to mimic human cognition in
the analysis of complex medical data. AI algorithms
can only work properly with reliable and accurate laboratory data. As laboratory medicine enters the era of
big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the ability toprovide accurate, readily available and contextualized
data is crucial. AI has the potential to improve diagnostics through more accurate pathology detection,
Article continued on next page16

better laboratory workflows, better decision support,
leading to greater efficiency.
Prof. Sergio Bernardini (Chair IFCC-ETD) precised that
the AI employs quite different mathematical and algorithmic approaches, from operational research toconstrained programming, and is therefore at thecrossroads of neuro-computing, statistical inference,pattern recognition, data mining, knowledge discovery, and machine learning (ML). As a subfield of AI,
ML is built upon statistical and optimization concepts.
It can be described as the development of computer
programs that learn from experience with respect totask and performance measures. AI and data science

have demonstrated success in image analysis in radiology, pathology, and genomics analysis for accelerating diagnosis speed, improving accuracy and enhancing medical expertise. Considering the growing
quantity and diversity of data to which healthcare
professionals are exposed as biological data, genomics, proteomics, clinical observations, and personal
records, Data science with AI will no doubt prove useful for holistic interpretation of the wealth of information in lab Medicine.
Prof. Damien Gruson (EB, IFCC-ETD), attending online,
explained that modern medicine generates a great
deal of data stored in medical databases.

AT the GIPMER, GB Pant Hospital, New Dehli
L to R: Sergio Bernardini, Bhaswna Mahajan, Pradeep K. Dabla, Bernard Gouget

Article continued on next page17

Dr. Pierre-Jean Lamy Online

Data mining, also known as knowledge discovery indatabases, refers to the process of extracting potentially useful information and knowledge hidden in alarge amount of incomplete, redundancy fuzzy, andrandom practical application data, and closely related
to time and, medical data mining differs. Analyzing thequantitative and qualitative clinical data in addition to
discovering relationships among a massive number ofsamples using data mining techniques can unveil hidden medical information in terms of correlation andassociation of apparently independent variables anddiscover new relationships among substantial data

sets. Data mining is a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of database technology, statistics, ML, andpattern recognition that profits from all these disciplines. Although this approach is not yet widespreadin the field of medical research, several studies havedemonstrated the promise of data mining in building
disease-prediction models, assessing patient risk, andhelping physicians make clinical decisions.
At the end of the morning session, Dr. Manu Shetty,
MAMC, Delhi (IN), described a comprehensive life cycle for the design, development, and deployment ofartificial intelligence (AI) systems and solutions.
Article continued on next page18

The preliminary risk assessment will contribute toward an informed practice of AI, as well as the increased awareness, knowledge, and transparency ofAI and its capabilities.
After a convivial lunch shared with the participantsfrom Pan-India basis, the team of Data Scientists,
Young Scientists computer team (Mr. Srijan & Mr.
Bhavya) presented a practical guide and exercises to
get the most out of Excel, using it for data preparation,
applying machine learning models, including cloudservices and understanding the outcome of the data
analysis. The second afternoon session started with
Dr. Pierre-Jean Lamy, Montpellier (FR). He recalled
the origins of the concept of Artificial Intelligence.
After the first developments initiated by the mathematician Alan Turing, modern AI was founded in 1956,
at a conference at Dartmouth College, (New Hampshire, USA), where the term “artificial intelligence”
was coined. Based on cybernetics and computer science, AI benefited from important research funds until 1974. After several reports criticizing progress in AI,
government funding and interest in the field dropped
off – a period from 1974–80 that became known as
the “AI winter”. At this time, two AI began to compete: the symbolic AI and the connectionist AI. Symbolic AI is also known as expert systems is widely usedin laboratory medicine. As connectionist AI tend to
mimic more precisely human intelligence using neural network, its use to resolve complex problems hasgrown significantly since the 2000s. Machine learning and deep learning, which are a part of AI weredeveloped for image recognition and exploration of
Big Data. As laboratory medicine continues to undergo digitalization and automation, laboratorians will
likely be confronted with the challenges associatedwith AI. Currently, the most common roles for AI in
medical settings are clinical decision support and imaging analysis. Digital pathology, cytology and cytogenetics in hematology, genetics (NGS diagnostics), automated validation of clinical laboratory test results
are some of the fields of laboratory medicine already
impacted by AI development. The biggest challenge
for AI in medicine is working on quality data with thebest possible curation. It has a significant cost. Using
AI in genomics is difficult to navigate, not only becauseof the great variety and large amount of available
data, not just to understand what question to ask andwhich equipment to use, but also because this fieldis highly sensitive to legal, ethical and moral aspects.
AI opens many possibilities and the road that follows
the development of AI is just beginning to unfold andbringing many promises. AI is just at the beginningof its potential applications in genomics, the path isstill long but irreversible. AI presents an opportunity
to improve the efficiency of lab medicine, health caredelivery and the quality of patient care, but there ismuch work to do for using AI safely and ethically. AI
in medicine has also its own challenges. Four major
ethical issues must be addressed: informed consent
to use data, safety and transparency, algorithmic fairness and biases, and data privacy are all key factors toconsider.
AI triggers major ethical concerns and questions regarding the ability to disseminate their benefits inan equitable manner. During the preconference, Dr.
Bernard Gouget first defined Ethics as the scienceof morale concerning principle of human duty in thesociety. It is the social value which binds the society by uniform opinion/consideration and enables thesociety to decide what is wrong and what is right.
Ethics is engaging multiple disciplines, including philosophy, law, political science, and education. Ethics
is not static, applicable for all times. What was considered good ethics a hundred years ago may not be
considered the same today. The disruptive technologies confront us with many ethical questions: newgenetic knowledge, AI, Big Data, precision medicine
organ transplantation, new definition of death, sophisticated means of keeping people alive, anxiety
about the costs of health care, and a more informed
and educated public. These matters are moving wellbeyond the boundaries of medical ethics. The term
bioethics generally refers to the study of ethical issues
arising because of the development made in the fieldof medicine, biology, and technology, which might
become a cause of concern for humans or detrimentally affect the association between human and theirenvironment. Gouget recalled the Core Principles
of Bioethics: - Beneficence: duty to help the patientadvance their own good and to act in a patient’s bestinterest - Autonomy: duty to honor a patient right toArticle continued on next page19

make their own decision and to be self-determining- Nonmaleficence: duty to do no harm to the patient- Justice: duty to be fair in how care is provided andin how resources are allocated. No single principle
trumps the others; their relationship is dynamic andrequires clinicians to carefully evaluate each situation
on its own merits and patient needs.
As with any transformative technology, some AI applications may raise new ethical and legal questions,for example related to liability or potentially biased
decision-making. AI must be developed and appliedin an appropriate framework which promotes innovation and respects the human values and fundamental
rights as well as ethical principles such as accountability, transparency an equitable healthcare delivery. The EU guidelines address issues such as the future of work, Informed consent to use data, fairness,safety, security, social inclusion and algorithmic biases
and transparency, data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, and Intellectual property law. The insertionof an algorithm’s predictions into the patient-physician relationship introduces a third party, turning
it into one between the patient and the healthcare
system. It changes the dynamics of responsibility andthe expectation of confidentiality. Later on, during
the congress, Prof. Jawahar Kalra (CN) shared his experience with the Delphi technique, a well stablishedinternational protocol used to find consensus amongexperts and solutions to complex multidisciplinary
challenges, that has identified key ethical issues pertaining and presented the SHERPA (Systemic Human
Error Reduction and Prediction Approach) a consortium of eleven partners from six countries that analyzed how AI impacts ethics and human rights. Dr. R
Dhananjayan, Chennai (IN), discussed on the several
eras in Lab Medicine practice where the implementation of ethical guidelines presents challenges. They
included: Consent from patients (i.e., consent for unforeseen complications, usage of leftover samples
and bio-banking) - Considerations in genetic testing- Reporting implications in incidental findings - errors

disclosure - Role of laboratories in test utilization - Direct to consumer testing - Emerging diseases settings.
IFCC-TF for Ethics, AACC, ISO have defined ethical recommendations for medical labs. The IFCC TF- E has
streamlined documents available worldwide (https://www.ifcc.org/taskforceethics/). ISO 15189:2012 Its
section 4.1.1.3 elaborated the ethical conduct required in laboratories. Its section 4.1.1.3 elaborated
the ethical conduct expected in laboratories including
topics like confidentiality, conflict of interest, undue
pressures and influences and requirements.
Today, artificial intelligence plays a role in billions ofpeople’s lives. Sometimes unnoticed but often withprofound consequences, it transforms our societies
and challenges what it means to be human. AI has thereal potential to provide real social, economic and environmental benefits making direct improvements topeople’s everyday lives. We only can agree with the
WHO guidance of June 28th 2021: “While new technologies using artificial intelligence hold great promise to improve diagnosis, treatment, health researchand drug development supporting governments carrying out public health functions, including surveillance and outbreak response, such technologies mustput ethics and human rights at the heart of its design,
deployment and use.”
Congratulation to Prof. Pradeep K Dabla for the organization of the preconference at the GIPMER and for its
participation at the ACBICON 2022. Training medical
students in AI and Ethics must be acknowledged as animportant need. The Team AI & IFCC-MHBLM madeefforts to showcase the underlying research for measuring and assessing AI technologies in healthcare
practices. The Team GIPMER also included AssistantProf. Jitender Sharma & senior technical staff who
were instrumental in making this program succeed.
Thus, it was possible to familiarize students with thedevelopment of AI and Ethics in Lab medicine and toprovide students with competencie in the use of IT
tools, AI theories and ethics principles as well as tofamiliarize students with disruptive technologies.

20

VLP Report, ACBICON 2022: It’s time to look at the LabMed evidence!
by Bernard Gouget
IFCC-Abbott Visiting Lecturer
IFCC Chair Committee on Mobile Health (IFCC-C-MHBLM)
Ramy S.H. Assad KhalilMember IFCC-C EBLM
Seema Bhargava
Vice President ACBI
Member IFCC-C-EBLM and IFCC VLP
The 48th Annual Conference of the Association of Clinical Chemists of New Delhi (November 23-26 2022)
was held at the prestigious ICAR Convention centerin New Delhi, India. This conference was focused on
the multidimensional concept of patient centeredcare, illustrating how the medical biologists, the clinicians and other health professionals can collectively
enhance patient care. It was a particularly opportune
moment to explore the capacity of patient-centeredinnovations aimed at improving care processes andhealth outcomes. Each patient should reasonably expect reliable and error-free care in any situation at
any time.
According to the protocol, Professor Seema Bhargava(IN) introduced the speakers at the international symposium on evidence based which was organized in
the main auditorium. Two speakers were from India(IFCC-APFCB), one from Alexandria, Egypt (IFCC-AFCB)
and another one from South Africa (IFCC-AFCC). They
were invited to exchange ideas on “What is the evidence and how we can apply it” for making evidence
based Lab medicine a priority in our daily practice inorder to improve quality of care and health outcomesin any region of the world. The session was coordinated by Professor Arif Ali (IN), and as convenor andchaired by Bernard Gouget (FR).

professionals perform diagnosis and treatment, teachand learn medicine, and carry out research. The tools
exist, we still need to know how to use them. The underlying principals are the same, the concept is about
making sure that when decisions are made, they are
made based on the most up-to-date, solid, reliable,scientific evidence. One of the greatest achievementsof evidence-based medicine has been the development of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, methods by which researchers identify multiple studies
on a topic, separate the best ones and then criticallyanalyze them to come up with a summary of the best
available evidence. According to Christopher Price, if
clearly, EBM embraces the diagnostic modalities, Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine (EBLM) focuses on
the use of diagnostic tests and the goal of improving
patient outcomes. A definition of EBLM, developed
from the definition of EBM given by Sackett et al. is‘the conscientious, judicious and explicit use of best
evidence in the use of laboratory medicine investigations for assisting in making decisions about the careof individual patients’. EBLM integrates biological andclinical experience as well as patient values with thebest available research information. In more concise
terms: evidence-based lab medicine is the effectivebalancing of data, professional input, and patient
preferences.

The words evidence-based are used to describe lotsof things in medicine, healthcare and beyond in different parts of society: evidence-based medicine (EBM),
evidence-based practice, evidence-based policy, andevidence-based education, etc... Evidence Based
Medicine seeks changes in the way in which health

The IFCC Committee on Evidence based Laboratory
Medicine (IFCC-C-EBLM) was represented by Pr. Ramy
S.H. Assad Khalil, Lecturer of Chemical Pathology Medical Research, Institute Alexandria University (EG).
The C-EBLM aims to raise awareness of the consistent implementation of evidence in the routine clinical
Article continued on next page21

laboratory practices. He explained the EBLM current
and future projects within the IFCC committee andits practical implications for endocrinology explaining
what the “evidence base” is in EBLM. Considerable
steps have been made in the improvement of laboratory endocrinology over the years. He underlined thatthe endocrine tests, as indispensable cornerstone forthe diagnosis and the follow up of endocrine diseases, are subject to continuously updated evidence for
their utilization. This includes evidence on the best to
aim tests selection, according to diagnostic accuracy
characteristics and limitations, appropriate timing
and pre-pre analytical standards for sampling, also
the best available method. He presented illustrative
case studies by practicing evidence-based clinicians
and medical biologists. Evidence-based lab medicine(EBLM) is making a clear contribution to medicine.
Cutting-edge Evidence-Based Endocrinology not only
spells out the high value of EBLM, but also its limitations, challenging endocrinologists and medical biologists to embrace its principles in the best interests of
their patient practice.
Professor Arvind Kumar, Department of Medicine All
India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi(IN) said that prognostication plays a pivotal role inthe management of infection diseases medicine. He
underlined that infectious diseases have been major
threat worldwide and have a great impact on publichealth and the world economy. In bacterial sepsis
leucocyte count, CRP, serum procalcitonin (PCT) Interleukins (IL1-IL6) are biomarkers to facilitate early
diagnosis and guide therapeutic. Cryptococcal meningitis is one of the most common opportunistic infections among HIV/AIDS patients, estimating more than
220,000 cases and 181,000 deaths worldwide eachyear. Early detection and treatment of infection are key
to reducing the mortality associated with this disease.
The CrAg is highly sensitive and specific available as a
POCT with a rapid turnaround time. Since 2015, theWorld Health Organization (WHO) has recommended
a commercially available lateral-flow urine LAM test
to assist in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in severely
ill people living with HIV. None of the routine blood
tests such as white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) or procalcitonin (PCT) have sufficient sensitivity

or specificity to diagnose or exclude periprosthetic joint
infection (PJI). In PJI caused by low-virulence pathogens
systemic inflammatory markers are often normal. CRP
is increased after surgery, reflecting post-interventional inflammation. Serial measurements over time areneeded for accurate interpretation. Different profilesof tests were described for the ascites etiology. It wasalso explained that a pleural effusion can be due tomany different underlying diseases. Precise differential
diagnostic categorization is essential, as the treatment
and prognosis of pleural effusion largely depend on its
cause.
Professor S Arulselvi, department of lab medicine
Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center, AIIMS, isin charge of the Blood Bank. She reported her experience in blood transfusion in the management of
trauma patients. Rapid identification of patients at
risks for Mass Transfusion (MT) is always challenging.
The primary goal of her study was to compare threescores: the Trauma Associated Severe Hemorrhage(TASH), the Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC)and the Emergency Transfusion Score (ETS) to identify
a reliable predictor for the optimum management of
the patient with trauma. The comparison of the threescores demonstrated that only TASH was clinically significant in predicting mass transfusion. TASH score iseasy to use and predicts the probability of mass transfusion after multiple trauma. Emergency Transfusion
Score (ETS) reduces the chance of mortality but notpredict the probability of mass transfusion (MT). Understanding the pathophysiological changes associated with the severity of the trauma is a pressing priority to predict the outcome of these patients.
Professor Tahir Pillay, University Pretoria (ZA) , chair
IFCC-CPD discussed the best practices approach to
calculating LDL-C based on the available evidence.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important biomarker for determining cardiovascular risk
and regulating lipid lowering therapy. Therefore, theaccurate estimation of LDL-C concentration is essential in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and prognosis. LDL-C has been traditionally calculated using theFriedewald equation (LDL-C = TC - (HDL-C) - (TG/5)),
which requires the measurement of serum TC (totalcholesterol), HDL-C, and TG (triglycerides). This equation for estimating LDL-C is also known to have many
Article continued on next page22

limitations. It has been recognized that the equation
tends to underestimate directly measured LDL-C whenTGs is significantly elevated. With implementation of
the novel factor, Martin-Hopkins formula shows higher accuracy as triglycerides trend higher and non-HDL
cholesterol and LDL-C trend lower. The Martin-Hopkins performed well and had good applicability. Presently, the Martin/Hopkins method is available as asmartphone application and in multiple digital distribution platforms. Furthermore, it is technically easily
feasible to add the Martin Hopkins estimation (MHLDL-C) and remnant cholesterol (RC) values to thelaboratory lipid report based on the Martin/Hopkins
table after determining TC, HDL-C and TG.
So, where are we today in the practice of EBLM? The
purpose of Lab medicine is to facilitate decision making in clinical practice. There is a need to integratemany educational and scientific tools to promote theimplementation of best practices. EBLM allows toadvance clinical diagnosis by research and dissemination of new knowledge, and to combine methods from clinical epidemiology, statistics and social
science with the traditional pathophysiological andmolecular approach. Several elements must be taken
into account to progress in the EBLM: audit practice,identifying the question, search for evidence, critically appraising the evidence, applying it to practice bymodifying the practice, and constant practice audit.
Guidelines based on the best scientific evidence will
help in translating the results of good quality research
into everyday practice and will help to promote an evidence based culture for a better effectiveness in lab
medicine. The EBLM-oriented specialists in lab medicine of tomorrow have to use evidence summaries inlaboratory practice and can help to develop and update selected systematic reviews or evidence-based
guidelines in their area of expertise.

L-R: Sedef Yenice, Ramy S.H. Assaad Khalil, Jay Kalra, Praveen Sharma, Rajiv Timothy Erasmus, Maurizio Ferrari,
Bernard Gouget, Alexander Haliassos, Tahir Pillay, Qing H.Meng, Rajiv Ranjan Sinha

23

The IFCC - Abbott VLP Program:
VLP Report at the Annual Conference of the Association of Clinical Chemists of India
by Ramy Assaad Khalil
Lecturer of Chemical Pathology, Alexandria University, Egypt
Collegiate Member of The Royal College of Physicians, London
Member of IFCC, C-EBLM

The 48th Annual Conference of the Association of Clinical Chemists of India, ACBICON, was held on 23-26 November 2022, atthe ICAR Convention center in India’s capital city of New Delhi.
The successfully organized and scientifically rich conference had
the general theme of “Enhancing Patient Care” in alignment with
the new era of patient-centered approach and goal of laboratory
medicine.
I was honored to be invited, by the committee of the successfulinternational conference, to represent the IFCC Committee on
Evidence Based Laboratory Medicine (IFCC, C-EBLM) to particiRamy Assaad Khalil, VLP Lecturer
pate in the symposium of Evidence based laboratory medicine.
EBLM aims to the evidently appropriate test utilization leading to the correct and accurate diagnosis and management in a patient-centered approach with consideration of an evidently rationalized resources utilization.
IFCCEBLM Committee, of which I am a member, aims to raise awareness of the consistent implementation ofevidence in the routine clinical laboratory practice.
My talk titled “Evidence Insights on Routine Endocrine and Diabetes tests” was focusing on Endocrine tests, considered as an indispensable corner stone for the diagnosis of endocrine diseases and are subject to continuously
updated evidence for their utilization. This includes evidence on the best to aim test(s) selection, according todiagnostic accuracy characteristics and limitations, appropriate timing and pre-pre analytical standards for sampling, and the best available method. Moreover, the adoption of evidence-based reference intervals and hence
results interpretation and up to date clinical judgment.
I also participated with a talk in the symposium of Metabolic Syndrome. The presentation emphasized the substantial evidence of the relation of thyroid dysfunction, even if subclinical, with different components of metabolic syndrome as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides levels, glucose
homeostasis and insulin resistance. At the second part, it highlighted the post-partum period as a critical period
for the development of many pathologies affecting the thyroid function in different manners.
A comprehensive laboratory workup including thyroid and pituitary profiles as well as thyroid autoantibodies, isan indispensable tool to differentiate between the variable thyroid pathologies. As is the case with all endocrinal
diseases diagnosis, special attention to the relation of different tests results to each other as well as the results
timing are crucial to reach the appropriate diagnosis.
Article continued on next page24

The presentations have been well received and I received positive feedback from the conference delegates andfaculty. As well as at the personal level, the symposia I participated in and the others I attended were very enriching and enlightened many research and practical aspects. In addition, networking and connecting with different
fields expertise was a highly valuable opportunity.
My participation in ACBICON 2022, which I truly appreciate, was only applicable owing to the IFCC – Abbott
Visiting Lecturer Program (VLP), which sponsored the travel and in general aims to support the international exchange of lecturers to share knowledge and exchange variable experience between professionals from different
parts of the world. I also acknowledge the great hospitality of the Association of Clinical Chemists of India (ACBI).

Ramy Assaad Khalil (center) receives a recognitionof his participation

Ramy Assaad Khalil in a following momentof the ceremonyGroup of participants at ACBICON 2022

25

IFCC Professional Exchange Programme: a great opportunity
by Prof. Nader Rifai
IFCC, Education and Management Division Chair (EMD)
Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
The IFCC Executive Board has made the decision to double the number of the Professional Exchange Programme(PEP) awards given every year to better serve our national societies. In this programme, a scientist visits ahosting laboratory for up to three months to learn a technique or a skill. The PEP covers the cost of travel of thevisiting scientist and the living expenses (fixed amount) during that period (https://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-educationdivision/pep-professional-exchange-programme/).
The PEP consists of two distinct programmes:
1. Professional Scientific Exchange Programme (PSEP), whose mission is to exchange or develop highlevel scientific information or skill
2. Professional Management Exchange Programme (PMEP) whose mission is to develop appropriatequality management skills in order to improve the performance and quality of service offered topatients by the base laboratory
Although there are no geographic restrictions for the PSEP and the scientist can go anywhere in the world toacquire a particular skill, the PMEP is restricted to regional areas with the reason being that laboratory management is somewhat region-specific. Historically, only those under the age of 40 years of age were eligible to takeadvantage of this programme. However, these rules have been relaxed for the following reasons:a. Because of family situations and economic hardships, an individual may not be able to complete
their formal training before they reach the age of 40 y. So, it is unfair to punish such an individual for
circumstances beyond their control
b. In certain cases, a senior person could acquire an advanced training from a highly specialized laboratory
and because of their influential position they may be able to affect clinical practice locally andpotentially regionally. It was felt that the potential clinical impact of such a visit would be great andworth supporting
Every application, when the applicant age is over 40 y of age, would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Going forward, there would be two calls for applications, one in the Fall and another in the Spring. In order tofacilitate the process and assist the applicants in finding a suitable hosting match, the PEP compiled a list oflaboratories from around the world that are willing to host visiting scientists indicating their areas of specialties
and their ideal period of time to host the scientist. At the present time, the list includes 63 laboratories from 19
countries. This list is expected to continue to grow and is hosted on the IFCC website:
https://www.ifcc.org/media/479713/ifcc-pep-hosting-labs-fall-2022.pdf.
In 2022, the PEP made 11 awards; 4 from Asia, 2 from Africa, 3 from Latin America, 1 from the Middle East and
1 from Europe. In addition, 10 have already been approved for 2023; 3 from Asia, 2 from Africa, 1 from Latin
America, 1 from the Middle East and 3 from Europe. The selection of the successful applications is competitive;
Article continued on next page26

approximately 30% of applications were successful in the Fall 2022 Call. Applicants are encouraged to take theprocess very seriously and prepare the best possible application to increase their chances of success.
Those who participated in the PEP had a very positive experience, both mentors and mentees.
Comments from and photos of mentors and mentees, one who received PSEP and another who received PMEP,
are presented below to serve as examples of how they perceived the impact of this program on young people’s
careers and its value for their professional development.
•

Prof. Fred Apple, a renowned researcher, is hosting Dr. Blanca Fabre Estremera from Spain through thePSEP. Prof. Apple commented:“I fully support the outstanding IFCC PSEP and currently have a visiting scientist from Spain, Blanca Fabre
Estremera, in my laboratory. This program provides educational and research opportunities to scientists, allowinginteractions through a global perspective, challenging the scientist to think beyond their comfort zone. It is a fun
way to bring the scientific world closer together.”•Dr. Fabre Estremera, his mentee, also shared her thoughts about her experience:“I am deeply grateful for spending 3 months at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, supported by the IFCC PSEP scholarship. I am having the opportunity to learn how a clinical laboratory operates in the USA and to expand my knowledge regarding cardiac biomarkers working closely with Prof. Fred
Apple, an excellent professional and an exceptional person. This program is exceeding all my expectations,personally and professionally. I definitely encourage other fellows and young scientists not to miss the
chance of learning abroad.”

Dr. Blanca Fabre Estremera
with her mentor and host, Prof. Fred Apple•

Prof. Annie Zemlin, not a stranger to the PEP, hosted Ms. Tiyezye Gondwe from Zambia through the PMEP.
Prof. Zemlin indicated:“I support the IFCC PMEP and am honoured to be a host laboratory. Ms. Tiyezye Gondwe from Zambia recently
rotated at our laboratory, and we have hosted numerous candidates, mainly from Africa, in the past. Our
programme includes numerous activities including a weeklong Laboratory Management module, writing up a27

protocol for a quality improvement project and various aspects of quality improvement. Previous candidates
have successfully published their studies in peer-reviewed journals. This is an important project and candidates
can use the knowledge and skills gained to improve and prepare their laboratories for ISO15189 accreditation,
which leads to improved patient care. The programme can also be used to improve their careers and previous
candidates have been promoted to senior positions in their national societies.”•

Ms. Gondwe shared below the positive impact of the PMEP on her ability to better perform her current
duties and how it prepared her to take on the implementation of ISO 15189 requirement. She said:“Before this training, I had a lot of doubt about the activities we would carry out to implement the ISO 15189
requirements at Kabwe Central Hospital (KCH) Laboratory in Zambia. The IFCC PMEP enabled me to witness how
ISO 15189 requirements are incorporated in the day to day laboratory activities and has greatly boosted my confidence in executing my duties. I have created a network of colleagues at Tygerberg Academic Hospital that can
assist as I carry on with my duties. With the knowledge and experience I have gained and the dedication of myteam, we will be able to attain accreditation status at KCH. More importantly, I will be able to help other laboratories in the country to implement the ISO 15189 requirements.”

Ms. Tiyezye Gondwe, third from the left, and her mentor and host, Prof. Annie Zemlin, second from the left,in a group photo at the Tygerberg Academic Hospital laboratory in Cape Town

I ask all members of the IFCC family to take advantage of this excellent opportunity and urge the representatives of the national societies to encourage their constituencies to benefit from this potentially career-changing experience. I also ask the IFCC corporate representatives to present this programme to theircompanies and to not only encourage them to support it financially but also to consider hosting scientists
in their own research laboratories.
Only by working together and supporting one another our profession will continue to flourish.

28

Organizing Secretariat

Via Carlo Farini 81 – 20159 Milano (Italy)
Phone: +39 02 66802323 - 911
maddalena.dedona@mzevents.it
www.mzevents.it

ROMA

LA NUVOLA

20 May 2023
16th International Congress of PediatricLaboratory Medicine – Satellite Meeting29

25TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF CLINICALCHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
25TH EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF CLINICALCHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
55TH CONGRESS OF THE ITALIAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGYORGANISING SECRETARIAT
Via Carlo Farini 81 - 20159 Milano (Italy)
Phone: +39 02 66802323
E-mail: info@2023roma.org

30

IFCC: THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS
The Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI)– Young Professionals Working Group present in CALILAB 2022

by Santiago Fares-Taie
Chair IFCC TF YS
Rosa Sierra-AmorMember WG eNews, IFCC NC Member

At the CALILAB 2022 Congress, there was representation of young professionals from the Latin American region
with as coordinator, Santiago Fares-Taie, chair IFCC TF-YS.
The objective of the Symposium within the CALILAB 2022 congress was to communicate to young scientists participants, all the different activities and opportunities in the clinical biochemistry and laboratory medicine
field, where they are building their future.
The idea was that all groups of young scientist attending CALILIAB 202 could interact and learn from each other. The program included the participation of: 1) young scientists from the International Federation of Clinical
Chemistry (IFCC TF-YS), 2) the regional groups from Latin-America (Young professionals COLABIOCLI), 3) thenational group (COREBIO) and, 4) the local group of Biochemistry fellows/residents of the city of Mar del Plata,
Argentina.
Therefore, on this occasion, they had the opportunity to share different perspectives of the profession in a local,
national, regional and international level.
Speakers of the Symposium were Manuela Garcia Arca and Marlene Zayat, who talked about the internship inclinical biochemistry, sharing their activities and explained how the system of internships works in Mar del Plata
city. After that, Sabrina Pradeda, president of COREBIO, explained the benefits of the internship training for the
profession and showed the results of a survey done to past interns with very positive results regarding theiracademic training. Immediately after, Rosario Benesperi from “Young professionals COLABIOCLI” presented the
Article continued on next page31

newly formed group and showed in detail all the activities for and by the young scientist in the last two years.
Santiago Fares Taie, chair of the IFCC TF-YS, talked about the IFCC Task Force activities and opportunities for networking, training and exchanging with colleagues from all around the globe.
In summary, the symposium was the perfect atmosphere to interact with young colleagues, exchanging ideas,
bringing new opportunities for training in laboratory medicine, opening doors to those interested in participating, and guiding other young scientist in the development of their career for patient care.
Hopefully, in Latin America, we can encourage other young scientist to replicate these important and useful activities in their countries, so that more colleagues can make use of these programs and opportunities available
in COLABIOCLI and IFCC for young scientists.
Group of Young professionals attending the Symposium on “Activities and Opportunities for Young Biochemists”,
held at CALILAB 2022, chaired by Santiago Fares-Taie, IFCC TF-YS, and co-chaired by Rosa Sierra-Amor, PhD, IFCCNC Member.

Group of Young professionals attending the Symposium on “Activities and Opportunities for Young Biochemists”, held at
CALILAB 2022, chaired by Santiago Fares-Taie, IFCC TF-YS, and co-chaired by Rosa Sierra-Amor, PhD, IFCC NC Member

32

IFCC FORUM for YOUNG SCIENTISTS – Rome (IT), 21st May, 2023
SAVE THE DATE!

Don't miss the IFCC FORUM for Young Scientists!
Join us in Rome on 21st May 2023
Â

FORUM online registrations will open soonÂBe ready to book your place at the FORUM

Young Scientists (YS) are the future of laboratory medicine and comprise the major workforce of laboratory professionals. Future leaders need to be trained and encouraged to succeed in their role, ideallywith the support of experienced leaders. To make this feasible, the IFCC Task Force for Young Scientists(TF-YS) invites you to register to the "IFCC Young Scientists FORUM”, where YS will have opportunities oftraining and improve communication and networking. The scientific program at the FORUM will provide
the young scientists an excellent opportunity for an open discussion platform about scientific and personal experiences, exchange of ideas among colleagues and best practices. Young Scientists will present anddiscuss their activities in laboratory medicine and benefit from career skills development.
The IFCC is pleased to offer up to 30 IFCC Travel Scholarships (sponsored by IFCC and Roche) to allow
Young Scientists (under 40 years), presenting an abstract, to attend the FORUM and the XXV IFCC WORLDLAB - IFCC-EFLM EUROMEDLAB Congress Rome 2023 (21 - 25 May 2023). Please refer to your National
Representative for any further information.

Â

The FORUM Scientific Program is in preparation

33

IFCC Professional Scientific Exchange Programme (PSEP):My experience in Fares Taie Biotecnología, Mar Del Plata, Argentina
by Ana Sofía Duarte Acuña
Guatemala, Central America
TF-YS COLABIOCLI

I had the opportunity to visit: Fares Taie Biotecnología at Mar delPlata Argentina, with an emphasis on Immunology and Autoimmunity, from September 16 to December 8, 2022, for 12 weeks.
Immunology and Autoimmunity oversee the study, diagnosis, and monitoring of the treatment of patients with diseases
caused by alterations in the immunological mechanisms, as wellas situations in which immunological manipulations are part of
the treatment and prevention.
The objectives of the exchange program were training in specifictechniques and methodologies with their respective interpretation and application to develop a high level of analysis and scientific skills of clinical diagnosis for the interpretation and application of the use of immunological and Autoimmunity tests.

Dr. Santiago Fares Taie,
Technical Director Fares Taie Biotecnología,
Dr. Ana Sofía Duarte Acuña

In Guatemala, finding laboratories with specialists in autoimmune diseases and immunology is challenging. For this reason,
in Fares Taie Biotecnología, I was able to learn the techniques,
methodologies, protocols, and processes, together with their interpretation and application, to contribute to the diagnosis andtreatment of autoimmune pathologies in my country.

Autoimmune pathologies are rising globally, and Guatemala is
not exempt from this. That is why highly trained professionals
are crucial for our patients’ care. Moreover, I want to be one of these trained professionals working and developing new strategies to address current and new health problems.
The techniques and tests I became familiar with for Immunology and Autoimmunity are:•Techniques: Indirect Immunofluorescence, Radial Immunodiffusion, FlowCytometry, ELISA, LIA, andChemiluminescence.

•

Test for: allergy studies, Autoimmune diseases (Collagenopathies, Celiac disease,Autoimmune Liver
Disease, Gastric pathologies, Vasculitis), Cystic Fibrosis, Lymphocyte subpopulations.

•

During my visit, I had the opportunity to participate in other activities such as:•

Rotation in the Endocrinology area, the application and clinical correlation of patient management
protocols are essential in an interdisciplinary way.
Article continued on next page34

•Rotation in the Coagulation area with the objective of knowing the management protocols for
antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and their implementation.

•

Immunology case, with a presentation and discussion of the topic “Clinical Utility of Antinuclear
Antibodies (ANA) and its relationship with ENA” with biochemical professionals and rotating residentsof the Fares Taie Biotechnology Laboratory.

•

Participation in the VIIIJornadas Gastroenterológicas del Atlántico “Enfermedadcelíaca y
trastornosrelacionados”; which took place on October 22, 2022, in the City of Mar del Plata,
Argentina, by the Mar del Plata Society of Gastroenterology and Coloproctology. The event allowed
the interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge about celiac disease between biochemists, doctors, andnutritionists.

•

CALILAB 2022, as Guatemalan delegate from the Asociación de Químicos Biólogos de Guatemala(AQBG) and President of the Confederación Latinoamericana de Química Clínica (COLABIOCLI) Young
Professionals Working Group (LATAM TF-YS), with the opportunity to support the Youth Forumand participate in academic enrichment in Immunology, Endocrinology, Hematology, and Quality
Management.

•

Organization of the 1st. Latin American Conference of Young Professionals of the Clinical Laboratory of
the TF-YS of COLABIOCLI and IFCC held from December 9 to 10, 2022, in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

This enriching experience would not have been possible without the support of Dr. Alba Marina Valdés de García(AQBG) and Dr. Santiago Fares Tai (Chair TF-YS IFCC) throughout the application to gain the IFCC PSEP.

Dr. Santiago Fares Taie (Chair TF-YS IFCC), Prof. Khosrow Adeli (IFCC President), Dr. Ana Sofía Duarte A. (TF-YS
COLABIOCLI), Dr. Álvaro Justiniano Grosz (COLABIOCLI President) and Dr. Fernando Altunez (ABU President)
Article continued on next page35

I want to thank sincerely to Dr. Hernán Fares Taie (General Director), Dr. Santiago Fares Taie (Technical Director),
Dr. Patricia Gentili (Immunology and Autoimmunity) and Dr. Romina Ranocchia (Immunology and Flow Cytometry) for opening the doors of their Laboratory, their area of expertise, training, and giving me a unique educational opportunity that I will never forget, which I will be able to bring to my country.
A special thanks to each of the people who are part of Fares Taie Biotecnología; they taught me somethingunique about teamwork and their willingness to teach.
Special thanks to Daiana Mayo, Clinical Laboratory Technician, who gave me her technical knowledge in immunology and Autoimmunity.

Approach to

Clinical Chemistry

Lorenzo Prencipe acquired his professionalism at the Clinical Biochemistry
Laboratory of the Maggiore Hospital of Milano-Niguarda, directed by
Prof. Giulio Vanzetti. Here he had the opportunity to develop analyticalmethodologies related to blood components, then adopted worldwide.
He has published over thirty works in intenational journals.
The dominant themes of his pubblications have been: development andimprovement of analytical methodologies, quality control, evaluation ofanalytical methods. The method for the determination of uric acid, today
globally accepted, was conceived and developed in collaboration with
Piero Fossati. The papers on uric acid, triglyceride, and creatinine methods
are cited in clinical chemistry authoritative texts.
The uric acid method has obtained the “Classical Citation” in theprestigious American journal Clinical CHemistry, while another one hadover 2400 bibliographical citations. One of this books, Equilibrio Acido Base:
Teoria e Pratica, has been translated into English, Spanish and Japanese.
He directed the Vimercate Hospital Laboratory and has taught at the
University of Milan and the University of Milan-Bicocca.

>

Quality laboratory testing starts with operator training.
This book can help with that.
You can buy it on https://amzn.to/2SRqtVM

Lorenzo Prencipe

Approach to

Clinical Chemistry

Finally, I would like to thank Prof. Khosrow Adeli (IFCC President) especially and each of the IFCC members fortheir commendable work in supporting young people for scientific and academic development; thank you forgiving me an opportunity of incalculable value.

Lorenzo Prencipe36

Candidates for Corporate and for Regional representatives members positions
within the EB
The IFCC Nominations Committee has completed its assessment of nominations and presents the received
candidacies for the election of the:Â IFCC Corporate Members' Representative to the IFCC Executive Board.

The candidate's full details including a personal statement are available by clicking this link.
The voting will be held electronically from February 1st to 28th, 2023.
Â IFCC Regional Federations' Representatives.

The candidates' full details including a personal statement are available by clicking this link.
The voting for Corporate and the Regional Federations' Representatives is held electronically from February
1st to 28th, 2023.
The Corporate and the Regional Federations' Representatives will commence their time in office on January
1st, 2024.

37

CONTRIBUTE TO IFCC eNews

Increased Bone Biomarker Monitoring Enables
Measurably Improved Care for Chronic Kidney Disease
Mineral Bone Disorder Patients
University Hospital Centre Zagreb and Polyclinic Avitum

From left to right: Draško Pavlović, Sanda Jelisavac Ćosić, Boris Kudumija

Article continued on next page38

Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a significant and debilitating disease in patients
undergoing hemodialysis. For patients undergoing hemodialysis, CKD-MBD occurs due to dysregulation of minerals (calcium and phosphate), enzymes (alkaline phosphatase), and hormones (parathyroid hormone (PTH) andcalcitriol) that are critical to bone health. Thus, close monitoring of biomarkers of bone health can enable early
detection and initiation of preventative therapies. Current guidelines such as Kidney Disease: Improving Global
Outcomes (KDIGO), recommend routine bone biomarker monitoring every three to six months in patients on
haemodialysis treatment.
Recognizing the opportunity to improve bone health monitoring in patients with CKD, an integrated clinical careteam from University Hospital Centre Zagreb developed a new best practice focused on early detection and intervention, if needed. The new protocols consisted of testing alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid every 4 to 5
weeks in all patients on calcimimetics and vitamin D (or vitamin D analog) treatment plans. They also perform
monthly PTH testing for all children on dialysis with CKD with MBD.
The outcomes of this initiative positively affected patient care. In patients eligible for enhanced monitoring,over 60% received accelerated intervention. Dr. Ninoslav Leko, Head of Nephrology GH Slavonski Brod/Prim. Dr.
Nephrologist, remarked, “More frequent monitoring of PTH contributes to better calcimimetic and vitamin D
analog titration, slowing down the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and prevention of calcium
bone loss. This increased information makes us more confident in providing better and more accurate therapy.”
The effects of this initiative have also been a significant cost saver for the institution, as earlier and more accurate treatment titrations achieved a remarkable 61% ($10,300/annum to $4,012/annum) cost reduction per
patient requiring bone-saving therapy.
For their success in measurably improving health outcomes for patients with CKD-MBD, the integrated clinical care team received recognition with achievement from the distinguished 2021 UNIVANTS of
Healthcare Excellence Award Program. Congratulations to the integrated clinical care team from University Hospital Centre Zagreb.
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:•

Chronic kidney disease - mineral bone disorder patients is a frequent and significant cause of morbidity
and mortality.

•

More frequent bone biomarker monitoring can enable early initiation of treatment, early assessment oftreatment efficacy, and mitigate disease sequelae.

•

Collaborative initiative and implementation of novel testing initiatives can significantly improve patientcare, enhance clinical decision-making and mitigate healthcare costs.

TO learn more about this clinical care initiative and/or to learn more about UNIVANTS, please visit:
www.UnivantsHCE.com.

39

Improving Cancer Patients Safety, Confidence and Clinical
Care Through Screening Healthcare Workers for
Neutralizing COVID-19 IgG Antibodies and Establishing a
COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma BankKing Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center

From left to right: Mohammad Owdeh, Asem Mansour, Maher Sughayer, Alaa Al Shoreman, Lina Souan, Hala Al Salahat

The COVID-19 pandemic has been attributed to over 6.6 million deaths and greater than 630 million infections.
While we are all vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, including death, no one is more vulnerable than immunocompromised patients, such as patients with cancer. These vulnerable populations are not only more vulnerable
to COVID-19, but also more likely to be exposed due to the nature and location of their treatments. Thus a very
real challenge exists, how immunocompromised patients with cancer continue to receive their life-saving treatments, without increased risk associated with COVID-19.
Article continued on next page40

Recognizing the increased risk to their patients, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) formed a multi-disciplinary
team to implement a comprehensive health care workers (HCW) COVID-19 screening initiative. This initiative
enabled an understanding of the protective immune status of its HCWs and offer evidence-based guidance to
HCWs to protect both the HCWs and their vulnerable patients. Using IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2
spike protein, the team was able to identify HCWs in need of additional vaccinations. Until a sufficient immune
response was elicitated, HCWs were required to provide COVID-19 PCR negative test results every 72 hours to beallowed to work. The team also established a COVID convalescent plasma (CCP) database and biobank to treat
COVID-19 patients.
Dr. Osama Abu Ata, Section Head of Infectious Diseases remarks on the importance of this initiative. Physicians“never want to compromise the health of [their] patients, and the scary thing about SARS-CoV-2 is that healthcare workers can unknowingly be infected. By knowing our respective antibody status, we can confidently andconsistently engage with our patients in safe and meaningful ways”. This strategy to protect HCWs and vulnerable patients was proved successful in that 5.3% of HCWs were found to lack a protective antibody response to
COVID-19. With this knowledge, mitigation acitivites enabled an estimated savings of JD 1,200 per day for every
cancer patient who does not contract COVID-19.
Due to the powerful and inspiring improvement to healthcare afforded by this clinical care initiative, King Hussein Cancer Center received 2021 UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence recognition of Acheivement.
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:•

Understanding and maintaining healthcare workers’ viral status is essential for infection control andprevention programs.

•

Consistent, data-driven vaccination programs for healthcare workers can substantially reduce the riskof vaccine-preventable disease in healthcare workers and reduce nosocomial transmission of vaccinepreventable disease to vulnerable patients.

•

Mitigating preventable transmission of infectious disease to patients can significantly reduce the burdenof care for health systems.

To learn more about the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award program, please visit:
www.UnivantsHCE.com.

41

Combating a Global Public Health Challenge through aHighly Governed Clinical Care Pathway: Leading Diabetic
Care Best Practice
Zulekha Hospital Dubai

Pictured (from left to right): Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Madgy Allam, Mariam Adel Labib Younan,
Eman Abdulla Yousef, Mohamed Abdelhamid

Diabetes affects an estimated at 450 million people globally, with experts expecting this burden to rise to 700
million people by 2045. When left uncontrolled, diabetes is associated with higher incidence of cardiovasculardiseases, neuropathy, nephropathy, blindness, foot damage (amputations), infections, and even depression.
Diabetes is also responsible for an estimated 4.2 million deaths/year, attributed to conditions such diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
Article continued on next page42

Globally, challenges exist to earlier identify and treat patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Thus, understandingthat recognition of poorly controlled diabetes is essential to improving patient outcomes, Zulekha Hospital
Dubai formed a multidisciplinary team to optimize their diabetic care. Their team consisted of representatives
from laboratory medicine, endocrinology, critical care, and diabetes education. The integrated clinical care teamdeveloped and implemented a standardized clinical care pathway, informed by evidence-based international
diabetic care guidelines. The team implemented their standardized diabetic care pathway for all patients visiting
the Diabetes Clinic of Zulekha Hospital Dubai beginning 1 Jan 2021.
Standardization of their diabetic care pathway substantially improved patient engagement, with a corresponding 11.5% reduction in overall HbA1c levels from baseline, suggesting overall that patients have better controlled
diabetes. The additional monitoring has also enabled increased early detection of complications, including an
8% improvement in detection of nephropathy (from 11% to 19%), 22% improvement of neuropathy identification (from 14% to 36%) and an 8% increase in detection of retinopathy (from 6% to 14%). Consequently, no
amputations related to diabetic complications were required within the first ten months post-implementation,
rates of obesity, dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis in diabetic patients decreased by more than 6%, 21% and 32%,
respectively.
Due in part to more controlled diabetes and earlier identified complication, rates of unplanned admissions to
the hospital for acute care decreased substantially. Prior to implementing the initiative, 4% of diabetic patientsrequired unplanned hospital admission due to moderate to severe hypoglycemia (and one case of DKA). In theten months post-implementation, no patients presented with the aforementioned acute needs. This reductionin acute disease not only improves diabetic care but also frees up valuable hospital resources for other patients.
Dr. Sharmila C. Jadhav noted, “Closely monitoring of diabetic patients through the Zulekha Hospital Diabetic
pathway implementation had a considerable impact on mitigating preventable adverse outcomes with less morbidity and mortality, resulting from missed early diagnosis. Collectively, this saves costs for the patient and theoverall health ecosystem including payers.”
In recognition of their impressive success in measurably improving health outcomes for diabetic patients, theintegrated clinical care team from Zulekha Hospital Dubai were awarded recognition of achievement from the2021 UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence Award program. This prestigious global recognition program recognizes
innovative, measurable improvements to healthcare to inform and inspire healthcare providers worldwide.
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:•

Highly governed, multi-disciplinary clinical care pathways can dramatically improve patient engagement
and clinician satisfaction while reducing patient morbidity.

•

Early detection of poorly controlled diabetes can enable effective therapies to mitigate downstream
diabetes complications.

•

Implementation of evidence-based care pathways to manage chronic conditions can reduce theincidence of unexpected acute episodes and subsequent hospitalizations, reducing the overall
healthcare costs

To learn more about this initiative and the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award program, please visit:
www.UnivantsHCE.com.

43

CLINICIANSPATIENTSADMINISTRATION

24.1%

50%

24%

in preoperative
diagnostic accuracy1

in AKI (acute kidney
injury) complications3

in hospital admissions
for patients who are notexperiencing a heart attack5

INCREASE

REDUCTION

11

3.9

in clinical satisfaction2

in number of patientswith controlled diabetes4%

INCREASE%

INCREASE

PAYORS

€in mitigated costs
and procedures 7

REDUCTION$

80K

INCREASE

of incremental
revenue over 3 years6

250K

530K

NZ$

per annum in mitigatedhealthcare costs8

ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

THROUGH MEASURABLY BETTERHEALTHCARE OUTCOMES
Learn more at UnivantsHCE.com
1. The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 2020. 2. St. Petersburg Hospital Number Two, 2020. 3. Ernst von Bergmann Hospital with the Dialysis Center
Potsdam and the Diaverum Kidney Care Center MVZ Potsdam Affiliated with Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 2019. 4. Hospital Universitari Sant Joan d’Alacant,2020. 5. Canterbury District Health Board, 2020. 6. Seirei Hamamatsu HP, 2020. 7. Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 2020. 8. Canterbury District Health Board, 2020.

© 2020 Abbott. All rights reserved. ADD-00073642 11/20.

44

NEWS FROM REGIONAL FEDERATIONS AND MEMBER SOCIETIESMetabolomics: revolutionizing chemical pathology
in Pakistan through ChemCon 2022
by Dr. Sibtain Ahmed
Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

Chemical Pathology residents with Dr. Sergio Bernardini

Prof. Khosrow Adeli, President IFCC, visiting the clinicalchemistry lab at Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

The 12th Annual Conference of Pakistan Society ofChemical Pathology (PSCP), ChemCon 2022, was organized by PSCP-Karachi Chapter under the auspices of International Federation of Clinical Chemistry& Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) from November 25th
to 26th in Karachi Pakistan. The conference was led
by the patrons; Dr. Adnan Mustafa Zuberi, Dr. Imran
Siddiqui and Dr. Aysha Habib Khan with Dr. Lena Jafri
and Dr. Hafsa Majid as the Organizing Committee andScientific Committee Chairs respectively. The conference was honoured by the presence of Dr. Khosrow
Adeli (President IFCC), Dr. Sergio Bernardini (Chair
IFCC Emerging Technologies Division Executive Committee), whereas Dr. Elie Fux, Prof. Corrado Di Natale
and Dr. David Friedecký participated online.
The first day of the congress featured a Workshop
on Metabolomics that highlighted the recent technological advancements in state-of-the art metabolic and profiling techniques and expert perspectives
on the applications of metabolomics were shared.
It was attended by Pathologists, research scientists,
postdoctoral fellows, and students from across thecountry. The evening was marked by the inaugural
event featuring keynote lecture by Dr. Khosrow Adeli,entitled as ‘IFCC: 70 Years of Global Leadership with
New Vision/Strategic Direction Post-pandemic’. Day
two comprised of keynote lectures from international speakers, scientific sessions on metabolomics
horizon scanning for Chemical Pathology in Pakistan,oral paper presentation by young scientists in Pakistan and an interactive discussion session ‘POWWOW-Taking Metabolomics from Bench to Bedside’.
The day concluded with the awards distribution and
ChemCon 2023 flag handover to the next congressorganizing committee.
Article continued on next page45

For the first time in the history of PSCP, a research award was announced, and applications were opened foryoung scientists. A special supplement of the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association featuring the conference abstracts was also published which can be accessed from: https://pscp.org.pk/publication/jpma-chemcon2022-abstract-book/).

Prof. Khosrow Adeli with PSCP members, visiting Aga Khan
University Hospital, Karachi

Prof. Khosrow Adeli with organizing committeeof ChemCon 2022 in Karachi, Pakistan

ChemCon 2022 - Organizing Committee

46

XXII Serbian Congress of Medical Biochemistry andLaboratory Medicine and
The 16th Belgrade Symposium for Balkan Region
by Snežana Jovičić
IFCC eNews Liaison Member
The Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia

Laboratory Medicine Management: Leadership Skills for Effective Laboratory
After the postponement of two years, caused by the global pandemic, on 12–14th September 2022, the Serbian Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia (SMBS) had the pleasure to organize the 22nd Serbian Congress of
Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine with international participation together with the 16th Belgrade
Symposium for Balkan Region. The meetings were organized together with the University of Belgrade – Facultyof Pharmacy, and under the auspices of IFCC, EFLM, Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation (BCLF), Ministry of
Education, Science, and Technological Development, and Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia.

At the Opening ceremony (L-R): Prof. Snežana Jovičić (Congress Technical Organizing Board Chair), Dr. Iva Perović
Blagojević (Congress Organizing Board Chair), Prof. Branislava Miljković (President of the Association of Pharmaceutical
Associations of Serbia), Prof. Zorica Šumarac (President of SMBS), Prof. Nada Majkić-Singh (Executive Director of the SMBS),
Prof. Vesna Spasojević Kalimanovska (Congress Scientific Board Chair), Prof. Snežana Savić (Vice Dean for Science andInternational Relations of the University of Belgarde, Faculty of Pharmacy), Dr. Wytze Oosterhuis,Prof. Evgenija Homšak, Prof. Mario Plebani, Dr. Gilbert Wieringa.
Article continued on next page47

We had the pleasure to welcome Prof. Mario Plebani, President-Elect of EFLM, who greeted the audience onbehalf of EFLM President and the Executive Board. His presence was enabled by the EFLM program “Invite an
EFLM Executive Board Representative at your National Congress!”. SMBS was very happy to host prof. Plebani
and is thankful to the EFLM for supporting our national congress in this way. Prof. Plebani opened the Congresswith the remarkable plenary lecture “Laboratory medicine in the era of COVID-19: lessons for the future”.
Exceptionally, since the global pandemic interfered and affected our profession in a particular way, the Scientific
Board decided to dedicate two plenary lectures to it. The second one, immediately following the lecture of prof.
Plebani, described the local experiences and it was practically the opening lecture of the Symposium for Balkan
Region. It was entitled “Laboratory management in the new normal”, presented by Prof. Dunja Rogić from the
University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia.
After the plenary lectures, the Award of the Foundation “Magistra Milica Marković” was presented. The Foundation recognizes and awards medical biochemists or laboratories for promoting the technological and organizational work principles of clinical laboratories, improving the quality of laboratory services, and promoting theprofession. This year’s laureate was the “Aqualab” laboratories.

Prof. Mario Plebani during the opening plenary lecture

Prof. Dunja Rogić during the plenary lecture

The 16th Belgrade Symposium for Balkan region drewa lot of attention from colleagues from the neighboring countries. This Symposium continued the fourteen
years long tradition of EFLM Symposiums for Balkan
Region. In 2019 it was renamed to Belgrade Symposium for Balkan Region, when the pandemic postponed
the consecutive one for two years. The first session
was dedicated to the professional challenges in theera of innovational technologies. The speakers in thissession were Gilbert Wieringa, Wytze Oosterhuis andSnežana Jovičić. In his talk entitled “Meeting the leadership challenge of disruptive innovation”, Gilbert
Wieringa indicated the emerging leadership challenges for specialists in laboratory medicine as the consequence of the 21st century artificial intelligence driven algorithms that are reducing the need for expert
human resource. Wytze Oosterhuis presented theadded value by interpretative commenting, as one of
the activities that can support physicians and help toimprove patient treatment outcomes, reflective testing, but also the challenges it is facing. Snežana Jovičićclosed the first session by presenting the results ofthe EFLM Working Group on Patient Focused Laboratory Medicine study on reliability and benchmarkingof smartphone applications that are using laboratory
medicine data.
The second session was dedicated to the challenges
in laboratory medicine management of effective laboratories. The Chair of the EFLM Profession Committee, prof. Evgenija Homšak, presented the possibilities
for professional development of laboratory medicine
Article continued on next page48

professionals in and through EFLM countries, describing the tools and opportunities available. The
current issues in accreditation in laboratories waspresented by Prof. Dunja Rogić, while Prof. Nataša
Bogavac-Stanojević (University of Belgrade – Facultyof Pharmacy), being the member of the EFLM Working Group Guidelines, talked about the importance oflaboratory guidelines for medical laboratory practicalwork. The session was closed by Prof. Katerina Tosheska Trajkovska (University of Skopje – Medical Faculty, North Macedonia) with her inspiring talk about
managing and leadership in medical laboratories.
One of the past laureates of “Professor Ivan Berkeš”
Foundation Award for the best studentof the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy,
Prof. Miron Sopić, receives the copy of the monographfrom Prof. Nada Majkić-Singh

The 22nd Serbian Congress of Medical Biochemistry
and Laboratory Medicine started with a session dedicated to the use of patient results in medical laboratories. This session, dealing with the current and verymuch discussed issues, started with the introductory
talk of Prof. Svetlana Ignjatović about the implementation of patient-based real time quality control. Dr.
Vera Lukić demonstrated how the moving average
procedure can be used as a continuous quality control in medical laboratories, while Prof. Neda Milinković presented the use of patient results for calculation of reference intervals.

The following session was dedicated to improving
children’s health through laboratory medicine. Thissession covered a wide range of particular issues andchallenges of medical biochemistry in pediatric medicine, from new biomarkers of acute kidney injury(presented by Prof. Dušan Paripović) and the diagnostic challenges in the delayed puberty (by Prof. Rade
Vuković), through the applications of new biomarkers
Discussions between sessions: Prof. Mario Plebani, Dr. Gilbertof sepsis in neonatology (by Dr. Ana Đorđević Vujičić)
Wieringa, Prof. Dunja Rogić, Dr. Wytze Oosetrhuis,
and the role of medical laboratory in the diagnosis
Prof. Evgenija Homšak (bottom-left corner, sitted)
and monitoring of co-morbidities in type 1 diabetes
melitus (by Dr. Dragana Bojanin), to the laboratory diagnosis of allergies in children (by Dr. Iva Perović Blagojević). The closing session of the second day dealt with another specific topic, the role of the clinical laboratory
in female reproductive health management. The particular issues, from the potential of use of biochemicalparameters in risk assessment of pregnancy complications (presented by Dr. Daniela Ardalić) and the diagnostic
accuracy of tests of ovarian reserve (by Prof. Aleksandra Stefanović), through the very controversial topic of therole of sexual steroids in women and men over 50 years of age (presented by the remarkable Prof. Svetlana Vujović), to the role of iron metabolism in pregnancy outcome (by Dr. Danica Ćujić), kept the audience’s attention
even in the late afternoon.
The closing day started with the discussion regarding the novel biomarkers in the era of personalized medicine. The lectures covered several fields of the current research in this domain, from the mighty of role of
Article continued on next page49

pharmacogenetics in precision medicine in oncology(presented by Dr. Milena Čavić) and the advanced lipid status biomarkers in colorectal cancer (by Prof. Aleksandra Zeljković), to the potential and perspectiveof galectins as biomarkers (by Dr. Žanka Bojić Trbojević) and the challenges in laboratory diagnostics ofthyroid disorders (by Prof. Bosa Mirjanić Azarić).
Traditionally, the last session was Forum of young researchers. Introduced three congress editions ago,
this section aspires to be an ideal place for young
scientists, laboratory professionals and students tointeract and share ideas. This time, the Forum wasdedicated to the opportunities and possibilities that
PhD studies enable in professional achievements. BePoster session discussions
fore presenting the results of the latest research of
PhD students at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy Department of Medical Biochemistry, theparticipants could learn about the expectations, possibilities, and potential for successful international careerdevelopment of PhDs in IVD industry from Dr. Gordana Dmitrašinović (Product Manager at Makler d.o.o) and Dr.
Tijana Krnjeta Janićijević (International Medical Affairs Manager at Roche Diagnostics International Ltd., Global
Medical and Scientific Affairs CPS).
Between the sessions the promotion of two monographs, recently published by the SMBS, took place. One was“Scientific Foundation “Professor Ivan Berkeš”, dedicated to the life and work of the esteemed professor Ivan
Berkeš, to the review of the previous scientific conferences organized to honor his legacy, also to the Foundation“Professor Ivan Berkeš”, and to the laureates of its annual award. All 48 laureates that received this award from1998 to this day were invited and they received their copy of the book. The other monograph presented was“Professional Activities of Serbian Laboratory Medicine Specialists in Balkan Region”, dedicated to the history ofBalkan Clinical Laboratory Federation and the role of SMBS as one of the founders and its spiritus movens. Bothbooks were authored by Prof. Nada Majkić Singh and Prof. Snežana Jovičić.
During these three days Belgrade hosted almost 300 participants from Serbia and neighboring countries (Bosnia
and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro). The Congress was held in the spirit of exchanging experience, vivid discussions during the lectures, but also at the poster session, showing how much the in-presence
meetings and events were missed during the previous pandemic years. We all hope that these days are behind us.

The audience during one of the session

50

The V Forum of Academic Units training professionals
in Biochemistry and equivalent degrees in Latin America and the Caribbean
Organized by the Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI)by María Cecilia López
Executive Committee Member of COLABIOCLI

With the participation of ten (10) member countries of the Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Panama, Uruguay, Venezuela, the “V FORUM OF UNITS” was held with great success. Academic Trainers of Biochemist Professionals andEquivalent Titles of Latin America and the Caribbean” held on November 24 and 25, 2022, in the city of Carlos
Paz, province of Córdoba, Argentina under the auspices of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), the Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), theUnified Confederation of Biochemistry of the Argentine Republic (CUBRA), the Federation of Biochemists of theProvince of Cordoba (FE.BI.CO).

President of COLABIOCLI Dr. Álvaro Justiniano Grosz congratulating
the brand-new president of the Network of Academic Units Training
People in Biochemistry and Equivalent Degrees in Latin America and the
Caribbean Magister Federico Giraudo (ECUAFYB-Argentina)

The activity proposed by the Academic,
Union and Management Commissionof COLABIOCLI, this important activity
was carried out on two consecutive
days. On the first day of the forum,
dissertations were carried out under
the theme of contributions on the results of the analysis of curricular profiles of careers in clinical analysis in Latin
America, by the Msc. Biochemist Cecilia
Brisson (AR); the results of the survey
carried out on behalf of COLABIOCLI“Questionnaire to census the curricularsituation of Biochemistry majors andequivalent titles in Latin America andthe Caribbean (LAC)” were presented
and finally activities were carried out
to harmonize the curricula in LAC, so
as to subsequently generate consensus
regarding the professional profiles tobe demanded by the current society ineach region, promoting the participation of representatives of the academic
units present.
Article continued on next page51

On the second day, work was done on the formation of the Network of Academic Units Training People
in Biochemistry and Equivalent Degrees in Latin America and the Caribbean, after reviewing the document
prepared in Venezuela in 2015 called “Declaration of Caracas”. The president of ECUAFYB (Coordinating Entityof Academic Units of Pharmacy and Biochemistry) of Argentina presented the work carried out by the entity
regarding the harmonization of the academic units of Argentina, work that is permanently carried out within thisentity national, inviting and encouraging the other member countries of COLABIOCLI to create or promote these
entities under the primary objective of strengthening the profession.
This activity, outlined as one of the main objectives of the COLABIOCLI Academic Union and Management
Commission, was developed with the committed participation of its coordinator Dr. Carlos Navarro and theteam that accompanies him, which has been of vital importance in the realization of one of the core missionsof COLABIOCLI in its relationship with academic entities, which represents the spirit of sustainability in the

President of COLABIOCLI Dr. Álvaro Justiniano Grosz accompanied by representatives of academic entities
from Latin America and the Caribbean
Article continued on next page52

profession as one of the fundamental pillars in the positioning of biochemistry and equivalent titles Latin
America and the Caribbean. The active participation of the President of COLABIOCLI Dr. Álvaro Justiniano Grosz,
who always encouraged the creation of the 1st Network of Academic Units, has had its creation as a finishing
touch, overseeing the presidency of the same in the president of ECUAFYB (Argentina).
The main objectives proposed by the network are:•

Unite efforts, resources and wills that promote the use of a wide possibility of generating greater
effectiveness in the efforts with national and international organizations that fulfill functions of scientific,
academic, technical and financial support for the benefit of the training of professionals.

•

Strengthen links of cooperation, solidarity for the fulfillment of intrinsic objectives and functions in theteaching, research, extension and service scenarios in favor of the quality of university education.

•

Harmonize study plans respecting the particularities of each region for professional training, where thetitles awarded by the academic units are recognized at the LAC level•

The Network is granted the following functions: with the aim of making concrete actions viable:•

Within 180 days, the formulation of a strategic plan•

Design of the organizational structure of the Network•

Design of sustainability models•

Guarantee the strategic alliance between academic entities in the activities that are developed in the
future.

This activity is framed in the Strategic Plan of COLABIOCLI, where one of its main pillars is to strengthen relations
with Universities and Institutions that train professionals linked to the Clinical Laboratory and other branches
that are an integral part of the trainingof these human resources.
It is important to highlight the realizationof such a long-awaited objective that has
been worked on since 2013 in the Forumsof Argentina in 2013, Colombia 2014 andalso based on the resolutions of the VII
Summit of the Americas in 2015. The
presence of the member countries of theentity, through its academic representatives, has legitimized the formation ofthis Network, giving it an inclusive character as a whole and also makes the proposal a fundamental tool in linking andstrengthening academic and union units
throughout the region.

Dr. María Cecilia López (AR) Member of the Executive Committee of
COLABIOCLI, President of COLABIOCLI Dr. Álvaro Justiniano Grosz (BO),Dr. Carlos Navarro, Head of the Academic, Union and Management
Commission of COLABIOCLIThis management of COLABIOCLI has
placed great emphasis on the effective
participation of the working groups inconjunction with the national entities,
closing thus a year of effective and committed management.

Article continued on next page53

Authorities of the Network of Academic Units Training People in Biochemistry and Equivalent Degrees
in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sitting from left to right: Vice President: Dr. Ricardo Velazco Vélez , Colombian Association of Professional Programs in
Bacteriology, Clinical Laboratory, Microbiology and Bioanalysis -APROBAMYB, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia;
President: Dr. Federico Giraudo, ECUAFYB; Catholic University of Cordoba, Argentina;
Secretary; Dr. Walter Montaño Pérez, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA) La Paz, Bolivia.
Standing from left to right Vowels: Dr. Norman Rojas Campos, University of Costa Rica;
Dr. Sandra Noemí Escobar, Higher Polytechnic School of Chimboronazo, Ecuador; Dr. Blanca Arteaga, Christian Universityof Bolivia, UCEBOL. Bolivian; Dr. Pamela Josefina Mancuello Bernal, National University of Asunción, Paraguay;
Dr. Patricia Esperón, Faculty of Chemistry-Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay.

54

COLABIOCLI carries out the “1st Latin American Conference of Young ClinicalLaboratory Professionals” in a very emotional framework
by Cristina Roda Cárdenas
COLABIOCLI Communications Manager

With the participation of 11 member countries of the Latin American Confederation Of
Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia Spain,
Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, the“1st Latin American Conference of Young
Professionals” was held with great success on
December 9 and 10, 2022, in the city of Cochabamba – Bolivia under the auspices of theInternational Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the Latin
American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI) and the Bolivian Society ofClinical Biochemistry.
The activity had two parts, one directed toacademic-scientific issues with the presentation of papers by the national representativesof the youth of the different member countries of COLABIOCLI that were addressed to
100 professionals from the Clinical Laboratory of Bolivia and the other part to activities
administrative offices of the COLABIOCLI
Young Professionals Working Group, wherestrategic planning and a schedule of activities
for the 2023 administration were worked out.
The presence of the IFCC Young Scientists
Task Force representative Dr. Santiago Fares
Taie and the President of the Latin American
entity Dr. Alvaro Justiniano Grosz were very
important for the meeting.

Official poster of the event

The objectives outlined in the 1st Latin American Conference of Young Professionals of theClinical Laboratory” were:
Article continued on next page55

GENERAL OBJECTIVE:•

Generate a space for discussion and meeting between the representatives of the Young Professionalsof the Clinical Laboratory of the Latin American countries that are members of the Latin American
Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), which allows to strengthen the ties ofbrotherhood of the young professionals of the sciences of laboratory of the region, expose their needs,
experiences, present conferences on current central issues of Laboratory Medicine and carry out
administrative meetings aimed at carrying out the strategic planning of the working group.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:•

Planning of the 2nd Latin American Conference of Young Clinical Laboratory Professionals•

Strategic Planning of the COLABIOCLI Young Professionals Working Group projected for 2023 - 2024.

•

Planning of the Congress of Young Scientists within the framework of the Latin American Congress of
COLABIOCLI, Colombia 2024•

Schedule of various activities Management 2023

This activity is framed in the COLABIOCLI Strategic Plan, where the third pillar is established “Emphasis on theparticipation of young professionals”
It is important to consider that the member countries of the federated entity helped to achieve the success of
this activity, ensuring the participation of their representatives, which leads to repositioning young professionals
in laboratory sciences in the academic context and leadership within their countries within national entities, inorder to link them more efficiently to the activities of the profession in an effective and committed manner.
Definitely, this management of COLABIOCLI has placed a lot of emphasis on the participation of young professionals in Biochemistry and equivalent titles in Latin America and the Caribbean, under the criteria of incorporating young professionals as collaborators in the activities carried out by national entities and the company itself.
COLABIOCLI since we must necessarily work on the new leaders who lead and strengthen the national entities.

Alvaro Justiniano Cortez (BO), National Representativeof young professionals of Bolivia

Santiago Fares Taie, IFCC Task Forcefor Young Scientists Chair
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Jorge Hernandez (MX), Alvaro Justiniano Cortez (BO), Maria del Rosario Benesperi (AR),Johanna Isabel Giménez Palacio (PY), Jhenny Arenas (BO), Santiago, Daniela Méndez (BO),Álvaro Justiniano Grosz (BO), Santiago Fares Taie (AR), Natalia Serrano Quezada (CH),
José Antonio Tesser Poloni (BR), Lizandra Morales (BO), Carlos Raúl Franceschi Rodríguez (PA)Elmer Pereira (BO), Jhenny Arenas (BO), Carlos Raúl Franceschi Rodríguez (PA), Alvaro Justiniano Cortez (BO),
Lizandra Morales (BO), María del Rosario Benesperi (AR), Álvaro Justiniano Grosz (BO), José Antonio Tesser Poloni (BR),Santiago Fares Taie (AR), Jorge Hernandez (MX)57

Changing of the guard: Prof. Katell Peoc’h, SFBC President(Nov 2022 - Nov 2025)
by Dr. Bernard Gouget
Chair IFCC C-MHBLM and TF History
SFBC International Committee

On November 16, 2022, Professor Katell PEOC’H was elected as the new President of the French Society of Clinical Biology (SFBC) for a three-year term. She is a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology full professor at the Facultyof Medicine, Paris Cité University, France. She is chairing the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department
at the Beaujon-Bichat Hospitals, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), one of the largest hospital complexes of the AP-HP.
Prof. Katell Peoc’h fulfills a tripartite responsibility: teaching medical students; directing a university hospital
department; and participating in research at the Inflammation research center, UMRs 1449, coordinated by Prof.
Renato Monteiro.
She also collaborates with the “Hemeand Iron in oxidative stress” and inflammation (HIROS) team, directed byLaurent Gouya and Hervé Puy. HIROS
brings together doctors and researchers
specializing in heme and iron metabolism and related pathologies.The HIROS
team is responsible for the Biochemistry & Metabolism platform (https://
cri1149.fr/en/equipes/gouya-puy/) andthe hepcidin assay by LCM/SMS mass
spectroscopy.
She is a member of the laboratory of excellence GR-Ex on red blood cells directed by Prof. Olivier Hermine.

Katell Peoc’H, SFBC President, Jean-Louis Beaudeux, Dean of the Facultyof Pharmacy Paris Cité, Laurence Pieroni, Editor in Chief ABC

Prof. Katell Peoc’h obtained her doctorate in Pharmacy (PhD) in cellular biology
in 2003 from the University of Paris Descartes. She served as an assistant professor in cellular biology (2004-2014) atthe Faculty of Pharmacy, University Paris
Descartes, and as an assistant professor
in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(2014-2020) at the faculty of medicine,
University Paris Diderot.
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Prof. K Peoc’h co-chaired the SFBC scientific committee from 2013 to 2022. She is a Corresponding Member of
the IFCC Committee on Molecular Diagnostic (C-MD).
She has published over 158 peer-reviewed papers. Her academic interests include heme ad iron metabolism andpathophysiology, digestive diseases, and neurological diseases. She was awarded by the National Academy ofMedicine with the “The Maurice Louis Girard Award (2008)”. She received the “SFBC Young Scientist Award in2004” and, in the same year, the “Internship Award” from the National Academy of Pharmacy.
Among the first actions as President, she will propose to update the SFBC statutes to federate within the SFBC
all the expertise in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and to strengthen the links with the IVD, MD,
IoT companies.SFBC will continue to play a pivotal role with the French institutional bodies and national healthagencies and will reinforce its presence at European and international levels.
Prof. Katell Peoc’h will encourage andsupport the culture of innovation, thequality of the service provided, and theadded value of lab medicine in publichealth. Among the scientific, educational, and communication strategies, shewill integrate disruptive technologies
into the SFBC’s functional units, createa winning external communication strategy via social networks, and establish
new partnerships with other medicallaboratory groups and medical societies.
SFBC has initiated a network of Frenchspeaking countries: this cooperation will
be strengthened on the basis of the complementarity of expertise to ensure thecontinuous advancement of excellencein laboratory medicine and contribute tomeeting health challenges. SFBC strongly encourages Young Scientists; an SFBC
Young Scientist prize is regularly awarded
and the number of scholarships/grants toattend scientific events will be increased.

Celebrating the SFBC Presidential election at “La Coupole”
L to R : Delphine Collin-Chavagnac, Laurence Mouly, Vincent Sapin,
Bernard Gouget, Marie-Francoise Gaudeau Toussaint,
Carole Poupon, Marie-Hélène Tournoys, Bruno Baudin,
Anne Vassault, Cathal Dolan, Katell Peoc’h

SFBC will set up a new website, which
will be an interface platform for medical
biologists in order to improve the SFBC’svisibility and to better serve the membership. The Annales de Biologie Clinique will become the leading laboratory
medicine journal for the French-speaking world with a particular educationaland scientific focus on new technologies, innovative research areas, and clinical studies.

59

JIB Paris 2022: an iconic Congress in the iconic City of Lights
by Bernard Gouget
co-Chair IFCC TF History, Chair IFCC CMHBLM
Jean-Marc Giannoli
LABAC President, IFCC/EFLM affiliate member
Francois BlanchecottePresident JIB Paris 2022
The history of IFCC started with the Commission on Clinical Chemistry after the initiative of Earl J. King (UK),
Warren Sperry (US) and Paul Fleury (FR), who were colleagues at the International Union of Pure and Applied
Chemistry (IUPAC). On July 24th 1952, the International Association of Clinical Biochemists was founded during the International Congress of Biochemistry in Paris at the Sorbonne. The name of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) was established on 25 September 1954 in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1997,
the term Laboratory Medicine was added to the Federation name. IFCC also has French roots; two renowned
biochemists were elected presidents, Jean-Emile Courtois (FR) from 1963 to 1967 and Gérard Siest (FR) from1991 to 1996. In addition to that, Bernard Gouget was elected as EB member and later as treasurer from2009 to 2014; Philippe Gillery has chaired the IFCC-SD from 2017 to 2022. For IFCC, it has been an incredible
70 years since then and, its founding mission: to advance excellence in laboratory medicine and apply innovations to everyday practice for better health care worldwide and, contributing to the training of excellent
specialists in Lab medicine is still carried on.

Opening ceremony: Khosrow Adeli, Nader Rifai, Bernard Gouget, Tomris Ozben, Tony Badrick

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(Back): Jean Marc Giannoli, LABAC President,
Francois Blanchecotte, JIB President,(Front): Nader Rifai, Chair IFCC-EMD,
Christian Haddad, AFCB President

To celebrate the 70th IFCC anniversary, Jean-Marc Giannoli, LABAC President with Bernard Gouget, EFLM
LABAC representative and François Blanchecotte, JIB
President, invited Professors KoshrowAdeli (CA), IFCC
President and Prof. Tomris Ozben (TR), EFLM President-IFCC President elect, to the 65th edition of theInnovation Days in Biology (JIB-Paris 2022). At thismeeting, Pr Nader Rifai, Harvard Medical School &Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA. (USA)-Chair
IFCC-EMD together with Pr Tony Badrick, Queenland
University and Royal College of Pathologist of Australasia (AU), eminent scientists and faithful friendsof LABAC conferences spoke friendly at the inaugural session. JIB-Paris 2022 is the most influential congress in the field of lab medicine in France. It was theright place to discuss professional issues, health careand technological innovations with colleagues from
Europe, the Mediterranean countries and North Africa, as well as from other parts of the world.

Beginning December 2022, just before the JIB congress, three highly contagious respiratory viruses were swarming in France, as in others countries, sparking talk of masks again. Experts were renewing to advice wearing
high-quality medical mask in crowded public spaces. For the past three years, the viral enemy was clear: thecoronavirus. Now, there were additional threats: influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, widely known as RSV.
As the country headed into its third pandemic winter, Covid-19 cases were rising, the 2022-23 flu season wasshaping up to be the worst in a decade. The need to be vaccinated against the flu and Covid was reminded as theindicators continue to point upwards as the holidays approach. This ninth wave of the epidemic is largely due
to the new BQ.1.1 subvariant. More contagious and possibly more resistant to the vaccine; however, it would
not be more dangerous than its parental BA.5, currently dominant. Still, vaccines remain a significant tool in
the efforts to prevent severe illness and death. In this context, and with a general strike of general practitioners
and private medical biologists due to controversies with the national health insurance, the JIB-Paris 2022 wasorganized under the high patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Research, the Ministry of Healthand Prevention and the IFCC-EFLM auspices.
At the opening, Francois Blanchecotte, JIB President, emphasized that the last few years have been of upheaval
for French medical biologists. Few sectors have experienced such profound changes in a short time, under the
successive effect of restructuring the health crisis. We can say that there is a new landscape of medical biology inFrance with public networks, territorial hospital groups and private groups with a strong structure and a level ofequipment like the technical platforms never reached before, in particularly PCR. The JIB 2022, with conferences, workshops, meetings and exhibition, has grown internationally, and would have not been possible without
LABAC, the contribution of IFCC/EFLM French and European people, of several scientific and medical societies
and institutions that are always advocating for the contribution of France to the advancement of lab medicine
at the international level. Many institutions were represented and/or participated at the scientific program: Institut Pasteur, National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), Agency of biomedicine(ABM), French blood establishments (EFS), big medical laboratory groups as Biogroup, Cerba, Eurofins and Unilabs, the IVD companies and as usual the active participation of the French-speaking countries from IFCC-AFCB.
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Professor Khosrow Adeli, IFCC President emphasized the potential of laboratory medicine in healthcare at the
opening ceremony. In the coming years, IFCC will strengthen its leadership position by implementing innovative
scientific and electronic communication strategies, encouraging and supporting a culture of innovation, developing an international IFCC external quality assurance program and innovative quality improvement strategies,
working with member countries around the world to advance programs such as global newborn screening incollaboration with WHO, the Gates Foundation, and IVD industry. His plenary lecture was dedicated to “The Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals” (CALIPER) which is a comprehensive data base ofage and sex-specific reference intervals for over 200 tests in heath and disease. It is a nation-wide health initiative to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of children and adolescents with medical concern. His presentation
has attracted considerable public attention at a time when pediatric services in France are overloaded due to theearly annual epidemic of bronchiolitis and the identification of co-infected cases of RSV and SARSCov-2 in young
children, leading to hospitalization in critical care.
Prof. Tomris Ozben recalled that EFLM, formed in 2007, is the largest region of the IFCC with 41 countries.
EFLM connects National Societies of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine and creates a platform for all
European “Specialists in Laboratory Medicine”. The European federation offers a wide range of concrete opportunities of collaborations with IVD companies for the advancement of Laboratory Medicine. The most recent

JIB Paris 2022: a group of participants

Article continued on next page62

and relevant EFLM projects were presented as the EFLM-TF Green labs that was presented in a special JIB plenary session. The EFLM-TF European lab affairs aimed to guide the transition to the IVDR at a strategic level bycreating a governance structure and by being “at the table” implicated in future EC regulations, meetings andconsultations. A session was organized with Prof. Elizabeth MacIntyre, CHU Necker AP-HP, IVDR Task Force chair
and President-elect Biomedical Alliance in Europe, this group has strong relationships with EFLM. The EFLM
President encouraged the French colleagues to join the EFLM academy that is providing free access to EFLM
courses, webinars, free on-line subscription to selected scientific journals as CCLM, and presented the sectionsof the EFLM syllabus. She stimulated the young scientists (YS) to join the TF-YS, to apply for bursaries, awards,
and to benefit of LabX exchange program working with mentors. At the end of the presentation, she invited JIB
participants to attend the WorldLab-EuroMedlab Roma 2023 congress next May.
In between a press conference, the opening of the IVD exhibition with coffee break allowed to rediscover thepremises of the Palais des Congres before joining the LABAC Conference. Prof. Tony Badrick described the development of quality control in clinical chemistry. He focused on the fundamental assumptions made in creating
models that are routinely used. The basis of a QC strategy is an understanding of the errors that can arise, thematerial used to identify an error that has occurred, an algorithm to flag when one of these errors is detected, a process to follow is to correct the error
and amend any compromised patient results.
Generally, two main strategies have been used
in QC over the last forty years, each differingin the material used as sample. Conventional
QC uses a sample that substitutes a patient,whereas patient-based QC uses patient results straight. Both systems have advantages
and disadvantages. In his lecture, he exploredthese differences to better understand Quality
Control.
Jean-Marc Giannoli, chair LABAC internationalsession, introduced Prof. Nader Rifai who gavea presentation on the evolution of the journal
Clinical Chemistry and its potential future direction. Prof. Nader Rifai was Editor-in-Chiefof Clinical Chemistry until the end of 2022, theFounder of Clinical Chemistry Trainee Council,
Senior Editor of Tietz´s Textbook of Laboratory
Medicine and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Learning Lab. In the past decade, his main researchinterest shifted from biomarker research todissemination of scientific information and particularly E-learning.

Labac Group at the Drouant restaurant where the Goncourt
academicians announce the Prix GONCOURT,
the most famous literary award in France

Reading is the second most ancient media thatenables human to advance civilization and science. Clinical Chemistry is a leading journal in
the field of laboratory medicine. Over the past
15 years, the journal has undergone a transformation to better serve the scientific community
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and the field of laboratory medicine. Therefore, the journal focused on articles that dealt with novel technologies, large randomized clinical trials and population studies. Due to the evolution of knowledge and technological innovations, nowadays, the scientific content of journals and reading tools has changed drastically. Journals
don’t simply disseminate new knowledge about lab medicine practice, they also define the scope of the field andits concerns demonstrating the changing ways in which lab medicine knowledge is produced. Simultaneously,
the editors work to preserve the reputation, financial stability, and editorial independence and integrity of thejournal in a constantly changing publishing environment, among an avalanche of newly generated lab medical
information.
The Covid crisis has challenged every journal including Clinical Chemistry for the need of a faster turn-aroundtime for publication and in changing philosophical thinking about publishing incremental knowledge or awaiting
the definitive study. In addition, journals in general had to face daunting logistical problems as a result of disruption in global workflow and supply chain issues. To remain the leader, it is necessary to reinforce the attractiveness of the publication and the positive impact of the journal for authors. It should meet their expectations
by offering them the opportunity to learn and publish on current topics such as: liquid biopsy, cfDNA in prenatal
diagnosis, NGS-WGS-WES, droplet digital PCR, tandem MS in newborn screening, clinical mass spectrometry,and harmonization studies. Other topics most likely to see emphasized in the coming years include multi-omics,
DTC genetic testing, genetic modification, molecular infectious disease testing, transgender and race issues, informatics, machine learning and other AI applications.
Dissemination of information is a vital role for a journal. A successful journal must make the efforts to reach out
to readers and deliver information in a way they can use it best. Furthermore, because of the diverse demographics of the parent society, AACC, the editors felt that a strong education program is needed to better serve
our members. Thus, the editorial board of Clinical Chemistry has developed a panel of multilingual educational
programs using modern means of communication (podcasts, audio summary, social networks) for increased distribution in an open source. Examples include Q&A articles, journal club, clinical case studies, clinical vignettes,
and Clinical Chemistry trainee council (CCTC). The newest program is the Learning Lab for lab medicine, based on
the concept of adaptive learning, the closest to personalized education (https://area9lyceum.com/laboratory­
medicine/). Adaptive learning is an ingenious way to communicate information. Through sophisticated computer algorithms, the platform interacts with the learner and identifies the areas in which they are not proficient. It
then provides targeted learning materials to remedy the deficiency.
As demand for more open access contents increases, journals will be under increasing pressure to find the rightbalance; it is a challenge that will remain with us for a while. Scientific journals need to maximize their presence
and build their reputation as well as to increased impact for authors and submissions. Readers now expect amore innovative and interactive communication platform that strengthens communication among the membersof our community. Attempting to predict the future requires an understanding of the past and the present. Navigating many obstacles, Clinical Chemistry persists in adapting to changing environments and in embracing newopportunities. Prospects for journals in the future depend on how, and how well, specialists in lab medicine value them. Their geographical origins as well as their professional affiliations have to be taken into account when
the journal has a worldwide readership.
After those brilliant lectures, the JIB delegates had several choices to enrich their knowledge and to fulfill theirpersonal goals by participating in workshops, industrial sessions, and visiting the exhibition. Several thematicroutes were offered during the two days of the congress, being around pathways on prevention, diagnosis, clinic, research and feedback from international experiences. Prevention is on everybody’s mind, and it was a key
topic of the congress. Prevention is better than cure. Screening, vaccines, controls, examinations according toforeseeable risks are in developed countries an arsenal of essential measures. It was possible to take stock of
the current state of the national sexual health strategy with non-prescription HIV testing in all medical biology
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laboratories, which should facilitate the testing of the most exposed people. Community pharmacists constitutea local territorial network for excellence the pharmacy being a place of prevention and pharmacists showed theirefficiency in screening for Covid and they are ready to screen for colorectal cancer, bacterial angina or urinary
tract infections. These new duties are part of a more accessible and efficient health system. Collaborations between medical biologists and pharmacists need to be redefined and strengthened.
Alzheimer’s disease, the new hematopoietic stem cell transplants, and diagnosis of tuberculosis were part of the« diagnostic pathway ». Prof. Florence Doucet-Populaire recalled that in France there are 5,000 declared casesof tuberculosis. The development of new techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows earlier
detection and identification of both mycobacteria and anti-tuberculosis drug resistance genes, facilitating rapid
adapted patient care. In the section “clinical pathway”, Professor Gilles Paintaud enlightened us on the therapeutic monitoring of monoclonal antibodies. The fight against cancer, the genomics plan, the revision of the
ethics law, genomics and AI were at the heart of the research pathway. Under the friendly eye of Dr. ChristianHaddad, AFCB President, Pr. L Chabraoui, President SMCC (MO) spoke about lysosomal storage diseases from
pathophysiology to therapy, finally Prof. Manelle Chaabane President STBC (TU) led a nice session on zoonoses
in Maghreb countries.
EuroMedlab Paris 2015, also held in ‘The City of Light’ will be remembered as one of the most productive andwell attended IFCC events with world-class speakers, creative experiences, and elevated networking. We werevery happy to welcome again IFCC / EFLM leaders and lab medicine community from the French speaking countries of the Arabic and African IFCC regional federations in our attractive capital to better understand somecurrent and future issues in Lab Medicine, having cutting edge insights and to benefit of a unique in depth andbreadth of expertise and innovation, delivering better patient outcomes. JIB 2022 encountered a great success,all the things we expected from an international JIB congress. Thank you all for being present!

Labac Group at the Drouant restaurant where the Goncourt academicians announce
the Prix Goncourt, the most famous literary award in France65Serbian response to a Western Balkan refugee crisisby Sanja Stankovic
Director of Center for Medical Biochemistry
University Clinical Center of Belgrade, Serbia
Chair of Serbian Committee for Biochemistryin Republic of Serbia Ministry of Health
IFCC and EFLM National representative of Serbian Society
for Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Science (SCLM)~ Presented at the JIB round table “Integrating lab medicine technologies and mobile
health services for asylum seekers and refugees” (65th Edition) 02/12/22,
hosted by Bernard Gouget, Chair IFCC-C MHBLM, Jean-Marc Giannoli, President Labac,
IFCC affiliate member and François Blanchecotte, President JIB 2022 ~Migrations are global reality. They represent a significant, complex and growing phenomenon. According
to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide rose to 103 million people; 53.2 million
are internally displaced, 32.5 million are refugees,
and 4.9 million are asylum seekers. Refugees and migrants remain among the most vulnerable membersof society. They have health problems like the general
population, affected by their geographic origin, living
conditions, their physical and psychological conditions. Risks to the health of migrants arise at every
stage along their journeys, from before the migration
process starts, during travel and at transit and destination points. Health issues will manifest at different
stages and show different progression over time. Infectious diseases and injuries are treated early, until
new diseases as non-communicable and occupational
diseases increase over time; and mental health problems emerge and resurface at time intervals.
In accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, health and sustainable development
are inextricably linked. The need to address the healthof migrant populations was highlighted by the 2016
United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants,
including appropriate health care in arrival, transit

and destination countries for humanitarian and publichealth reasons. In 2020 WHO established the Healthand Migration Programme to provide global leadership in health and migration issues in the context ofWHO’s own Global action plan: promoting the healthof refugees and migrants 2019–23. In the co-creationand implementation of the Roadmap for health andwell/being in the Western Balkan 2021–2025): European Programme of Work (2020–2025) – “United
Action for Better Health”, WHO/Europe reaffirms
its commitment to supporting the Western Balkan
in leaving no one behind and strengthening the leadership of health authorities in the Region, presenting
a cornerstone for health progress over the next five
years in the Western Balkan (right to universal accessto quality care, effective protection against healthemergencies, appropriate public policies). And when
it seemed that we had made a big breakthrough in thisfield in Western Balkan, we were faced with pandemic that threatened to jeopardize already achieved results. COVID-19 has posed additional challenges bothin terms of increased risk of infection and death experienced by refugees and migrants and has highlighted existing inequities in access to and utilization ofhealth services. They have also suffered the negative
economic impact of lockdown and travel restrictions.
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Since the beginning of the migrant crisis in 2015 until
today, Serbia has been an important link in the process of reception and accommodation of refugees,
migrants and asylum seekers on the Western Balkanroute to the European Union. Over one million people
have passed through Serbia since than.
According the UNHCR’s data, between January and
September 2022, Serbia is facing with increase of 97%
compared with the period January-September 2021.
The average number of asylum-seekers, migrants andrefugees accommodated daily is about 4000 people,
with the biggest groups coming from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. However, this population is not staticand exit and entry numbers suggest a significant fluctuation in the migrant population. Some 135 unaccompanied and separated children were present in
Serbia as of end September 2022.
The refugee and migration crisis along the Western
Balkans route has exerted a particularly high pressure on Serbia and one of the main challenges for the
Serbian migration management system has been toprovide adequate health care for all migrants and refugees in Serbia. The Republic of Serbia, with significant assistance from international partners, managed
this crisis using the considerable experience in particular regarding setting the legal and regulative conditions for protection of human rights related to thehealth care. Public health care institutions in Serbia
are meant to provide health care for all migrants andasylum seekers (in compliance with the Law on HealthCare), in the same way as for Serbian citizens. The
Serbian health system has tried to cover most healthcare needs. During 2018, through the project “EU
Support to Serbia in Migration Management” TF-MADAD/2017/T04.86, funds were provided to reimburse
healthcare costs and the full scope of treatment provided by the Serbian public health care institutions to
the migrant population.
All migrants and refugees housed in transit, reception
or asylum centres receive medical care within thesecentres by medical teams. A system of monitoring in
the reception centres has been carried out in order tocoordinate activities on the implementation of effective health control measures among the migrant population, monitor disease trends and better estimate

the impact on the Serbian public health care system.
In addition to the health services provided at the centre, patients are also treated in primary, secondary
and tertiary health facilities. The Serbian public healthcare system provided health care to migrants at all
three levels (primary, secondary and tertiary), namely: in 62 health institutions, out of which: 9 general
hospitals, 17 health centres, 4 clinical hospital centres, 3 specialist hospitals, 3 clinical centres, 12 tertiary level institutions, 12 public health institutes, the“Torlak” Institute of Virology and Serums in Belgrade
and the Institute for Biocide and Medical Ecology.
The most commonly provided services were curative
examinations (93%), preventive examinations (3%),
medical transport (1%), laboratory services (2%), etc.
In accordance with needs, refugees were referred todiagnostic procedures and further treatment in orderto receive a higher level of health care in competentinstitutions.
Serbia has a solid surveillance system that records
health-care services provided within the state healthcare system to refugees and migrants and registers
treated conditions. According to data of Institute for
Public Health of Serbia “Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut”
for 2021 from around 63 000 cases, the most commonly treated health conditions were respiratory (11725; 18.7% of all registered conditions) and gastrointestinal (2885; 4.6%) diseases and injuries (7281;
11.6%); other conditions related to journeys in harshand dangerous circumstances were body lice (3782;6%), scabies (2432; 3.9%) and conditions associatedwith external temperature (869; 1.4%) or animal bites(364; 0.6%). Mental health distress and disorders also
made up a significant share of conditions treated(1293; 2.1%).
Health assessment protocol of migrants and refugees includes laboratory diagnostic if necessary. The
most frequently requested laboratory tests include:complete blood cell count, urinalysis, routine clinicalchemistry tests, but also more specialized tests in accordance with doctor’s request.
The MIPEX (Migrant Integration Policy Index), as aunique tool which measures policies to integratemigrants in countries across six continents is 50 for
Serbia, Placing it in 24th place out of 56 participating
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countries. In close partnership and coordination with
the Ministry of Interior of Serbia and Commissariat
for Refugees, International Organization for Migration
Serbia has supported Government efforts in managing migration challenges. Serbia has proven its readiness and ability to address these challenges in a comprehensive and holistic manner, respecting European
standards.
Serbia was one of eight European countries who implemented the electronic Personal Health Record(ePHR) as health information system that efficiently
collect health-related data to better address migrant
health issues. Serbia was one of 24 European country
who participated in Joint Action Health Equity Europe (JAHEE) (2018-2021) whose objective was tocontribute to achieve greater equity in health outcomes across all groups in society in all participating
countries and in Europe at large and to reduce theinter-country heterogeneity in tackling health inequalities, including a specific focus on migrants andvulnerable groups. Serbia became the first European
country to vaccinate against COVID-19 people livingin its refugee camps and asylum centres, it was reallyan important sign of support that Serbia provides torefugees, and it is a very good example of inclusion of
refugees in Serbian society.

to establish mobile laboratories in bigger camps. We
are also witnessing improving healthcare accessibility through point-of-care (POC) technologies. In thecamp, POCT could be a valid alternative to laboratory hospital-based testing. It is easy to use and canbe done rapidly by personnel who are not trainedin clinical laboratory medicine field. With increasing
technological and analytical possibilities, an increasing number of analyses can now be carried out on
POC instruments. But it must be performed in a good
way to assure quality in all aspects in the different
phases of the total testing process, considering that
the POCT is carried out by different users, in remoteareas, with personal with little knowledge about laboratory. Also, connectivity is very important. It must
be clearly defined what to test in the camp by POCTand what in the central lab? If samples are collectedin the camp and transported to central hospital labs,
special attention must be focused on for mitigating
preanalytical errors. During the presentation, the procedures, steps, risks, and requirements for collecting
lab specimens were presented. The preanalytical aspects of sample transportation was emphasized, withspecial focus on critical phases of sample’s journey,
monitoring of sample integrity parameters and temperature surveillance, shipping specimens by drones(advantages and unresolved issues), etc.

Laboratory diagnostics is very important part of migrants’ and refugee’s healthcare and play a majorrole in better health outcomes and positively affecttheir quality of life. Laboratory services are integral
part of the migration health assessment process anddiffer in scope according to the receiving country protocol. The dilemma we face is whether laboratories
should be in the camp. Today, we have an opportunity

As the laboratory profession, we must force integration of lab medicine technologies and mobile healthservices for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers,
supporting the world that recognizes their needs, doour best to find solutions to the health problems they
are facing until seeking a better life for themselves
and their families, contributing in the fight to leave
no one behind.

68

Kosovo – Spotlight on migrants and migration challenges
by Dr. Gramos Begolli
Clinic of Medical Biochemistry
University Clinical Center of Kosova
IFCC National representative
Kosova Association of Clinical Chemistry (KACC)~ Presented at the JIB round table “Integrating lab medicine technologies and mobile
health services for asylum seekers and refugees” (65th Edition) 02/12/22,
hosted by Bernard Gouget, Chair IFCC-C MHBLM, Jean-Marc Giannoli, President Labac,
IFCC affiliate member and François Blanchecotte, President JIB 2022 ~The Western Balkans are at the heart of Europe, geographically surrounded by EU member states. The
Western Balkan route is one of the main migratory
paths into Europe. The region is a transit hub and key
corridor for migrants heading for the EU, especiallyfrom the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The Republicof Kosovo which declared independence in 2008 andis recognised by a majority of UN member state, hasbeen affected by migratory movements in several
stages throughout history. Kosovo, is a small and developing country. In 2022 estimation, its populationwas ~1.95 million.
Migration is one of the most significant aspects of globalization, the reasons for migration are diverse. For
some countries, their people migrate for economic, political, trade, or cultural reasons, while for other countries the high rate of migration is caused by long-term
conflict. Although economic growth of Kosovo overthe last decade was the highest among World Bank
Group member countries, it is still insuficient to provide stable quality jobs and some kosovars are seeking
employment in the surounding countries as Germany,
Slovenia, and Croatia. By 2019, it was estimated that
1.96% of Kosovars lived abroad.

In this context, the Republic of Kosovo, situated in
the middle of the Western Balkan migratory route,is one of the routes used as transit stop for migrants
and refugees seeking passage to Western Europe. The
strengthening of cross-border cooperation between
the countries of the region, as well as cooperation
with countries of origin, transit and destination isof particular importance and the exchange of experiences and information among relevant institutions
and mechanisms is of key importance. Based on the
UNHCR report for the period January to September
2022, 674 migrants arrived in Kosovo, which is 47%
less than the same period last year. Since 2020, threecenters for asylum seekers have been operating: one
in Magure, located 20 km from Prishtina, the secondin Vranidoll 10 km from Prishtina and the third is theBelvedere Center, located in Mitrovica 40 km fromthe capital Prishtina. This year, the Kosovar government agreed to take in a group of Afghan refugees
housed in the US military camp at Bondstell. Migrants
have free access to all infrastructure, including basic
health services.
The competent authorities have developed a specific and comprehensive strategy for the detention of
migrants. Due to the low number of refugees andArticle continued on next page69

asylum seekers in Kosovo, all health care services areoffered in public health institutions as well as for thegeneral population, including laboratory services.
Charitable associations such as Jesuit Refuge Service(JRS) are present in the centres, supporting asylum
seekers in their daily challenges, analyzing needs andfinding solutions with them for each asylum seeker.
Newly arrived non-citizens can have access to medical
examinations as much as possible, which is crucial toprevent the spread of diseases, including COVID-19,
as well as to protect people in need of psychologicalsupport.
The medical laboratories are present in the public sector within the university hospital, the 7 regional hospitals and in the family medicine centers as well as in
the private sector, hospitals and laboratories. Family
medicine centers in Kosovo have well-equipped laboratories for general biochemistry and hematology;
microbiology is performed in specialized labs. Among
their functions, they must offer their services, in addition to services for the population, to the camps for
asylum seekers in their region. If investigations arenecessary, migrants are referred to general hospitals
or to the teaching hospital of Kosovo. If the numberof refugees and asylum seekers increase, the government will have to create specific health centers for
migrants in order to better take care of the pathologies specific to their situation.
Another shortcoming of the health care system, theRepublic of Kosovo faces so-called “brain drain”. Unstable economy forces the elite graduates to migrate
to other contries in pursuit of better salary and opportunities The migration of healthcare workers fromdeveloping countries to more economically developed countries is a long-standing and ongoing trend,

particularly to Germany. This has been emphasized asa concern at the level of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, since medical personnel is leaving
the country for employment purposes. Loss of medical qualified staff has a negatively impact on healthcare system. After the pandemic, almost a quarter ofthe health professionals in Kosovo reported their increased intention to migrate.
Kosovo’s healthcare system already lacks resources
and healthcare specialists, such as anesthesiologists
as well as for other medical specialties, which limits
the plurality of healthcare services available and furthermore an increase in expenses through the use of
external service providers.
Kosovo has consistently shown its remarkable capacity for growth throughout its history. The Kosovo
health system includes a primary, secondary and tertiary referral system, the implementation of which isessential to solve the health problems of citizens aswell as to provide safe and quality health services,
based on the principles of family medicine with theultimate goal of promoting, preserving and improving
health for all. The healthcare system is improving but
still faces significant challenges. Kosovo still has a lotof obstacles to overcome before it can fully develop,
not the least of which is migration. Further efforts areneeded to focus on improving the quality of services
in order to have public confidence in a higher quality
care system and a better managed system. In additionof these measures, it is important to include a number of activities to raise public awareness of healthissues and help people adopt healthier lifestyles, witha view to prevent and manage certain non-communicable diseases in the long term.

View from the Lab medicine department within
University Clinical Center of Kosova where the green color
is dominating as a symbol of prosperity, freshness,and progress!

70Integrating lab medicine technologies and mobile healthservices for asylum seekers and refugees- Israel point of view by Dr. Marielle Kaplan
Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
IFCC National representative
for the Israel Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences~ Presented at the JIB round table “Integrating lab medicine technologies and mobile
health services for asylum seekers and refugees” (65th Edition) 02/12/22,
hosted by Bernard Gouget, Chair IFCC-C MHBLM, Jean-Marc Giannoli, President Labac,
IFCC affiliate member and François Blanchecotte, President JIB 2022 ~In Israel, in 2022, there are 25,000 adults asylum
seekers that arrive in the country around 2006-2007:
20,500 from Eritrea; 4,000 from Soudan; 500 fromthe Democratic republic of Congo. Although they
have not been recognized as refugees by the country,
their living in Israel is regulated under a government
policy of temporary protection and the State of Israel
recognizes the danger to their lives if they return totheir countries of origin. UNHCR’s policy is that children should never be held in immigration detention.
This can never be considered to be in the child’s bestinterest, which must be a primary consideration under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Indeed,unaccompanied children in Israel are exempt by law
from both detention and mandatory residence facilities. Following their identification, unaccompanied
children are to be released from detention and either
accommodated in residential schools under the supervision of the Ministry of Education or to reside in
the community with a guardian. There are 8,000 minors asylum seekers growing up in Israel, a substantial
number was born in Israel and are integrated in public schools around the country. Most of the Asylum
seekers population resides in South Tel Aviv, around
80% of the all population. This population has moved
from being a mobile population to be a sedentary

population, therefore a substantial number of the
population is able to work, thus allowing for a better
integration of the population to receive basic services
such as health and education.
The Department of Migrants & Refugees defends theright to health of people living in Israel without civil status & access to healthcare. It seeks to change
public perception of challenges of migration & State’s
responsibility for health of all. Around 40% of adults
have contracted private health insurance coverage.
However, there was a need to build a healthcare system for asylum seekers that do not have health insurance coverage. Since 2008, the Israel medical association in collaboration with the ministry of health isoperating a clinic in South Tel Aviv, for all asylum seekers that do not have a health insurance. Moreover,the emergency room in the Tel Aviv medical center, as
well as in all public hospitals in the country, provides
medical care for all patients with urgent and emergent conditions, regardless of health insurance status.
In Israel all citizens received a national health carecoverage. Despite not being covered by the National health coverage, migrant asylum seekers have theopportunity to insure their children to a program thatprovides health services equivalent to those of Israeli
Article continued on next page71

children (partially paid by parents and partially by the
Israeli Ministry of Health). Therefore, a substantial
part of the minor population, 72%, have health insurance coverage. In the first years, morbidity was characterized by various infectious diseases, HIV, hepatitis. Today morbidities are more general and chronic
like the rest of the population in the country, since
this is not a mobile population anymore. A sign of thischange in morbidities is the fact that we are seeing
more and more studies on chronic morbidities in thispopulation, such as: Elkon-Tamir E, et al. Type 1 diabetes outcomes of children born in Israel of Eritrean
asylum. Acta Diabetol. 2021 Feb;58(2):145-152. Mental health issues in asylum seekers population are avery crucial issue, since precarity, instability and lackof control of their future are relevant issues that they
are dealing with. Migration is a process accompanied
by significant socio-psychological pressures that affect migrants’ mental state. Compared to local populations, migrants, including asylum seekers and work
migrants, are at increased risk of physical and mental
health issues. Therefore,the Israeli Ministry of Healthhas opened a free clinic for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders [PTSDs] for asylum seekers.

healthcare issues therefore allowing the refugee
population to cooperate with the healthcare
institutions without fear.
•

Mobile devices for Laboratory services:
Obviously, to give the first line of treatment on
the field, there is a need to use point of care
(POC) or mobile device without need for waterof physic connection Lightweight, portableand easy to use blood analyzer that provides
diagnostic information when and where it’sneeded. A relevant example of new technology
is the use of CBC analyzers based on Artificial
intelligence, such as the OLO-SIGHT system thatis able to provide a CBC panel result from a few
drops of blood by using a technology of picture
analysis and artificial intelligence decoding toprovide fast and accurate results. As previously
mentioned, these devices should be connected
to an integrated LIS system and able the release
the tests results to a common system in order toupdate the patient medical file. The challenge
in order to use this kind of device is the usual
expensive cost/test, substantially higher thantests performed in a Clinical Laboratories.

Since the population of asylum seekers and refugees
around the world is still mainly a mobile population,
there are specific and cardinal issues to address togive proper healthcare services to this population:•

Data Management issues: There is a major
need for building of a United Medical File forthese patients that will include medical history
across the different system. For this purpose,
we must build a system to provide all the
relevant population with an identity number
for the purpose of patient records. This issue
is relevant also when people are moving fromcountry to country. Lack of unified medical
file records is harming the healthcare of theasylum seekers, since the medical history andspecifically laboratory results history are crucial
for a proper medical care.The requirement
for an ID Number could have some negative
impacts for the cooperation of the patientsfearing that the records could allow the country
institutions to initiate deportation. The challenge
is to disconnect the political issues from the

OLO-SIGHT Device

Refugees and asylum seekers can have complex healthneeds; Holistic and person-centered care is essential
to support resilience and help them adapt to life in Israel. Data Management integrated system is crucial
for a proper healthcare system for a mobile population such as refugees/asylum seekers. Therefore,
there is a need for building a united Medical File thatwill integrate the patient medical history across thedifferent systems and the different countries. POC ormobile devices are important for laboratory testing of
Article continued on next page72

the population when needed to be performed on the field or in the encountering point with the refugees/asylum seekers population. However, the coverage of the costs of the services remains an issue to be addressed by
the relevant countries as well as by relevant international bodies. Hosting countries should act to transfer asylum
seekers from a mobile population to a sedentary population, when possible. It allows the relevant population to
be able to work and invest in health insurance coverage and the hosting countries should concentrate efforts on
healthcare insurance coverage of children residing and growing up in the hosting country.

L-R: Camelia Grigore, Marielle Kaplan, Sanja Stankovic, Mariam Klouche, Myrna Haddad Germanos,
Bernard Gouget, Gramos Begolli

Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel

73

Paris-Italy JIB 2022:
Leading AI innovation in genomics
by Bernard Gouget
IFCC C-MHBLMJIB International Scientific program coordinator
Guillaume Grzych and Jean-David Pekar, Chu Lille
Co-chairs of the session

It’s always important to learn to innovate in a disruptive and an Artificial Intelligence digital world for the
specialists in lab medicine who want to build their capabilities to innovate, and translate these skills into acompetitive advantage for their organization.
As a group, Dr. Francois Blanchecotte, JIB 2022 President, Jean-Marc Giannoli, Labac President-IFCC affiliate member and, within the framework of the international scientific committee of the Days of Innovationin Medical Biology (JIB 2022) with Dr. Marino Corrado(Salermo Italy), referent of international relations of
the national Council of the Ordi Nazionale Biologi, Italy and V. Presidente ECBA (European Countries Biologist Associations), the IFCC–C-MBLM and Dr. Alexander Haliassos, President Greek Society of Clinical
Chemistry-Clinical Biochemistry ( GSCC-CB) and IFCC
Treasurer, we invited Dr. Sara Botti, specialist biologist
SMEL, Group of Integrative Biology, Parco Tecnologico
Padano (PTP) to lecture about the potential of AI in
healthcare and how to use this technology in genomics in the Age of Disruption. This Science Park is a
non-profit consortium company established in 2018as a spin-off of the activities of PTP. The session benefited from the presence and authority of Prof K Adeli,
IFCC President, who has made AI applications in laboratory medicine a key point of his strategic plan.
Precision medicine and genomics are inextricably
linked. Precision medicine is an emerging approachfor disease treatment and prevention that takes into
account individual variability among genes, environment, and lifestyle in each person. This approach
will allow clinicians, specialists in Lab Medicine andresearchers to predict more accurately which treatment and prevention strategies will work for a particular disease and in which group of people, whichis in contrast to a one-size-fits-all approach. Genomic
medicine is a relatively new medical specialty that focuses on using genetic information about an individual in treatment for diagnostic or therapeutic purposesin association with health outcomes and policy implications. Precision and genomic medicine combinedwith AI have the potential to improve patient healthcare. AI provides insights through advanced computation and inference, enabling the system to sense andlearn while enhancing physician decision making.
Biotechnologies have advanced tremendously in thelast decades. We have recently witnessed a technological revolution that has led to the development ofadvanced systems in the analysis of DNA and RNA sequences, metabolites and proteins with the generation of a large amount of data (Big Data). Such AI techniques as machine learning and deep learning offer
great potential to improve genomic medicine thanks
to computational tools that handle, extract, interpret,
process and integrate big datasets. AI based technologies have enhanced the clinical application of genomics thanks to algorithms for better identification ofgenetic variants (e.g. somatic and copy-number variants) or tools for extracting phenotype data (e.g.
deep-learning driven facial images analysis) to help
the diagnosis of genetic diseases. Moreover, AI based
technologies have developed tools to predict the effect of mutations and their impact on the proteinsstructure or gene expression. Machine learning or
deep learning can be successfully used for intelligent
Article continued on next page74

imaging analysis to improve diagnosis or
prognosis in cancer diseases. AlphaFold and
RoseTTAFold, two recent AI systems developed to predict the protein’s 3D structurefrom its amino acids sequences, have allowed to obtain an innovative vaccine for
COVID19. Application of AI presents a significant opportunity to resolve the complexity
encoded in our genomes for health benefit,
broadening applications from research tothe clinic.

Sara Botti, Jean-David Pekar, Guillaume Grzych, Koshrow Adeli

A significant amount of investment in being
poured into growing AI for healthcare. To
make the most of this investment, it is crucial for AI to be channeled effectively to address the most pressing problems together
with those where AI is most likely to add
value. This effort requires close collaboration between AI practitioners and genomics
domain experts to identify the most appropriate questions in order to address, anddetermine which machine learning should
be approached to apply, and to recognize
limitations in datasets, methods, and current knowledge. However, AI alone will notadvance genomic medicine. It certainly cannot do so without the necessary oversight,
safeguards, validation, robust ethical appraisals, and public engagement.

75

12th Scientific Conference of the Palestinian
Medical Technology Association (PMTA)
by Dr. Osama Najjar
President of Arab Federation of Clinical Biology (AFCB)
President of Palestinian Medical Technology Association (PMTA)
Palestine
Ramallah - The Palestinian Medical Technology Association(PMTA), held the twelfth scientific conference in Ramallah, withthe participation of more than 800 members of the Syndicate’s
General Assembly from all governorates of the country, under
the slogan of “continuous education and its role in advancing
professions”.
The need to follow up scientific developments in the field of
medical examinations at the level of governmental, private andprivate sectors, and work to focus efforts in training laboratory
technical cadres through a commitment to continuous education, due to its pivotal role in the processes of diagnosing diseases, which would guide the doctor in choosing the appropriate treatment for the patient.

Dr. Osama Najjar

On his part, Dr. Osama Najjar, President of the Palestinian Medical Technology Association (PMTA), referred to the need ofcontinuous education as a consistent approach of the PMTA
constants, through which it aims to keep track of scientific developments and train laboratory technical professionals, which
form the basis of the laboratory medicine profession in Palestine and the basis of developing the Palestinian health sector.

The Lectures PROGRAMME was very impressive:•

Dr. Osama Najjar– Laboratory Medicine in Palestine Reality and Challenges•

Dr. Robin Abo-Ghazala–Antibody Testing for Viral Infection•

Dr. Mahmoud Ruzeyqat–Clinical Bioinformatics and Genomes

76

IFCC'S CALENDAR OF CONGRESSES, CONFERENCES & EVENTS
Calendar of IFCC Congresses/Conferences
and Regional Federations' Congresses
Feb 15, 2023

IFCC

Metabolomics: Promises and ClinicalTranslation Challenges

Live webinar

Mar 02, 2023

IFCC

High sensitivity troponin point ofcare assays

Live webinar

Mar 6 - 10, 2023

IFCC

IFCC-WG-FC Winterschool of Cell
Analysis in Immunology

Geneva, CH

Mar 9 - 10, 2023

IFCC

IFCC - C-POCT Symposium: "Point-OfCare Testing: Bridging the Disparity
Gap in Healthcare"

Pakistan

Mar 15, 2023

IFCC

Recent updates on SARS-CoV-2
biology and diagnostics

Live webinar

Mar 22, 2023

IFCC

Nitrous oxide abuse: clinicalconsequences and biological markers
relatedLive webinar

Mar 29, 2023

IFCC

Laboratory Medicine
and its challenges

Live webinar

May 20 - 21,
2023

IFCC

Point-of-Care Testing: Home, Hospitaland Beyond - Satellite Meeting

Rome, ITXVI ICPLM - International Congressof Pediatric Laboratory Medicine Satellite Meeting

Rome, ITMay 20, 2023

Calendar continued on next page

77

IFCC

Clinical Mass Spectrometry:
Validation and Accreditation of
IVD and Laboratory Developed
Test (LDT) in the new "Regulation
EU 2017/746" ERA - Point-of-CareTesting: Home, Hospital and Beyond Satellite Meeting

Rome, ITIFCCThe Road to Measurably Better
Healthcare Performance: Integrated
Clinical Care Workshop to Maximize
Key Performance Indicators forPatients, Payors, Clinicians and
Health Systems - Satellite Meeting

Rome, ITIFCC FORUM for Young Scientists

Rome, ITMay 21 - 25,
2023

XXV IFCC - EFLM WorldLab
EuroMedLab - Rome 2023

Rome, ITMay 26 - 30,
2024

XXVI IFCC WORLDLAB - Dubai 2024

Dubai, UAE

XXVI COLABIOCLI 2024

Cartagena, CO

May 20 - 21,2023

May 21, 2023

May 21, 2023

Jun 28 - Aug 31,
2024

IFCC Task Force
Young Scientists
FORUM
Italy, Rome - May 21st,2023

Calendar continued on next page78

Oct 31 - Nov 3,
2024

APFCB 2024 Sydney

Sidney, AU

XXVI IFCC-EFLM EUROMEDLAB 2025

Brussels, BE

May 18 - 22,
2025

IFCC - EFLM

2026
Date TBAIFCC

XXVII IFCC WORLDLAB 2026

Venue
to be selected

2027
Date TBAIFCC

XXVII IFCC-EFLM EUROMEDLAB 2027

Venue
to be selected

2028
Date TBAIFCC

XXVIII IFCC WORLDLAB 2028

Venue
to be selected

2029
Date TBAIFCC

XXVIII IFCC-EFLM EUROMEDLAB
2029

Venue
to be selected

2030
Date TBA

IFCC

XXIX IFCC WORLDLAB 2030

Venue
to be selected

79

Other events with IFCC auspices
5th International program in control
of analytical quality in the clinical laboratory

Quality
Academics,
online event

Jan 1 - Jul 31,
2023

Inter-QC Topics

Quality
Academics,
online event

Feb 15 - 18,
2023

2nd International Laboratory Diagnostics Congress

Online event,
Tehran, IR

Feb 19, 2023

8th International Conference of Chemical Pathology Department(CHEMPATH 2023)

Alexandria, EG

Mar 2 - 3,
2023

International Conference on Immunoassay

Snibe,
Kuala Lumpur,MY

Mar 4 - 18,
2023

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

Pre-Congress
Courses,
Online event,
Veracruz, MX

Mar 7 - 10,
2023

CIM2023 - International Metrology Congress

Lyon, FRMar 9 - 10,2023

BIOMEDJ 2023

Paris, FR

Mar 10,2023

International Conference on Immunoassay

Snibe, Milan, IT

Mar 16 - 19,2023

23èmes Journées Marocaines de Biologie Clinique

Marrakech, MA

Mar 24 - 26,
2023

XXIV Congreso Nacional Para el Análisis de la Garantía de la
Calidad en el Laboratorio Clínico y Expoquim Puerto Vallarta 2023.
CONAQUIC.

Hybrid Event,Puebla, MX

Aug 1, 2022 Apr 30, 2023

80

Mar 30 - 31,
2023

XX Meeting of the SEQCML Scientific Committee

Madrid, SP

Apr 5 - 7,
2023

VIII.Türkiye in vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Symposium"Preclinical Modelling"

Izmir, TR

Apr 26 - 28,
2023

II Peruvian International Congress of Clinical Pathology andLaboratory Medicine and the IX Peruvian Congress of Clinical
Pathology “Dr. Oswaldo Hercelles”

La Libertad,
Trujillo, Peru

Apr 28 - 30,
2023

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

Veracruz, MX

May 04,2023

11th European Symposium of Clinical Laboratory and In Vitro
Diagnostic Industry: “THE LABORATORY OF HAEMATOLOGY:
A 360° VISION”

Barcelona, ES

May 11 - 13,
2023

XIV Congreso Uruguayo de Bioquímica Clínica

Montevideo, UY

May 16 - 19,2023

The 14th International & 20th National Congress on Quality
Improvement in Clinical Laboratories

Tehran, IR

Oct 12 - 13,2023

5th Symposium – Cutting Edge of Laboratory Medicine
in Europe – CELME 2023

Prague, CZ

Jun 20 - 21,2024

9th International Symposium on Critical Care Testing
and Blood Gases

Saint-Malo, FR

81

IFCC Executive Board 2023

Khosrow
ADELI
President

TomrisOZBEN
President-electDavid
KINNIBURGH
SecretaryAlexander
HALIASSOS
Treasurer

Joseph PASSARELLI
Corporate
Representative

Regional Representatives

To be elected

AB OKESINA
AfricanFederation ofClinical Chemistry(AFCC)

A. HEDHILI
Arab
Federation ofClinical Biology(AFCB)

S. SETHI
Asia-Pacific Fed
for Clin Biochem
and Lab Med(APFCB)

European Fed ofClin Chem andLab Medicine(EFLM)

A.M. LENA
Latin-American
Confederation ofClin Biochemistry(COLABIOCLI)S. HILL
North American
Fed of Clin Chemand Lab Med(NAFCC)IFCC Divisions and C-CC Chairs

C. COBBAERT (NL)
Scientific Division
Chair

N. RIFAI (US)
Education andManagement
Division Chair

T. PILLAY (ZA)
Communications
and Publications
Division Chair

S. BERNARDINI (IT)
Emerging
Technologies
Division Chair

P. LAITINEN (FI)Congresses andConferences
Committee Chair

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

IFCC MEMBERSHIP
Full Members
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Regional Federations
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and Laboratory Medicine (APFCB)
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and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)
Latin America Confederationof Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI)North American Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine (NAFCC)

Corporate Members

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, SAS
Diagnostica Stago
DiaSorin
DiaSys Diagnostic Systems GmbHET Healthcare Inc.
Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation
Fujirebio Europe
GenScript Biotech Corporation
Gentian, AS
Helena Biosciencies Europe
Hemas Hospitals (PVT) Ltd.
HyTest, Ltd.
Immunodiagnostic Systems - IDS
Instrumentation Laboratory
iSENS, Inc.
Jangsu BioPerfectus Co., Ltd.
Labtronic
LumiraDx
Maccura Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
MedicalSystem Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Medix Biochemica
Megalab, JSC
A. Menarini Diagnostics
Mindray - Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical
Nittobo Medical Co., LTD.
Nova Biomedical Corporation
Oneworld Accuracy Collaboration
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.
PerkinElmer
PHC Europe B.V.
Quality Academics S.C.
Radiometer Medical ApS
Randox Laboratories, Ltd.
Roche Diagnostics
Sansure Biotech Inc.
Sebia S.A.
Sekisui Diagnostics Ltd.
Sentinel CH SpA
Shanghai Kehua Bio-Engineering Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Zhicheng Biol. Tech. Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen YHLO Biotech Co., Ltd
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
Snibe Co., Ltd.
Synlab
Sysmex Europe, GmbHTechnogenetics
Thermo Fisher ScientificTosoh Corporation
Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff
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 Safety
France: French National Network of Accredited Laboratories of Medical 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.)
National Federation of Professional Colleges of Clinical Chemistry, AC (FENACQC)
Nepal: Nepalese Association for Clinical Chemistry (NACC)
Philippines: Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories (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)
Asociación Española de Biopatología Médica - Medicina de Laboratorio (AEBM-ML)
Asociación Española de Farmacéuticos Analistas (AEFA)
Sri Lanka: College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka (CCPSL)
Turkey: Society of Clinical Biochemistry Specialists (KBUD)
Ukraine: Association for Quality Assurance of Laboratory Medicine (AQALM)
United Arab Emirates: Genetic Diseases Association (UAEGDA)

Publisher
Communications and Publications
Division (CPD) of the IFCCThe Communications and Publications Divisionpublishes ten editions of the e-News per year,
including two double issues.

EditorKatherina Psarra, MSc, PhD
Department of Immunology - Histocompatibility
Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
E-mail: enews@ifcc.org

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