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° 6 – June 2023

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

4

 THE VOICE OF IFCC
 The IFCC-EFLM WorldLab/EuroMedLab Roma 2023:
an amazing congress in the amazing city of Rome5

 16th International Congress in Paediatric Laboratory Medicine– Rome 2023

12

 Global MedLab Week 2023

14

 Visiting Lecturer Programme (VLP) report:@36th National Days of Clinical Biology (JNBC 2023)
organized by the Société Tunisienne de Biologie Clinique (STBC)
Djerba, Tunisia – 4-6 May 2023

24

 Visiting Lecturer Programme (VLP) report
Symposium: Point-of-Care Testing: Bridging the disparity Gap in Healthcare
IFCC in collaboration with Pakistan Society of Chemical Pathologists
Shifa International Hospital Islamabad – 9-10 March, 2023

25

 IFCC: THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS
 The Second IFCC Young Scientists’ Forum– IFCC WorldLab/EuroMedLab 2023 - Rome

35

 Professional scientific Exchange Program (PSEP):My Experience at Laboratory of Tor Vergata Hospital
Rome, Italy, 2023

41

 CONTRIBUTE TO IFCC eNews
 Join the Executive Leadership Exchange
for Global Healthcare Excellence44

 The American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)
and its contribution to science46

 NEWS FROM REGIONAL FEDERATIONS AND MEMBER SOCIETIES News from the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC):
the 2022 JSCC Technology Award

49

 IFCC'S CALENDAR OF CONGRESSES, CONFERENCES & EVENTS IFCC and Regional Federation events50

 Corporate Member events with IFCC auspices51

 Other events with IFCC auspices

52

EDITORIAL
Message from the eNews Editor
by Katherina Psarra
eNews Editor
Dear colleagues,
The successful atmosphere of the EuroMedLab/WorldLab 2023 is still
lingering with us. I am thinking of the antithesis between the wonderfulancient masterpieces of Rome and the really modern congress centre
and its surroundings, we kept moving between the past and the presentfuture. The future prevailed in the interesting presentations, full of
innovations, and especially in the immense exhibition of this meeting,which was a suscessful congress in all respects.
In this issue of the eNews, you will find a lot about the congress andthe satellite meetings. Starting with the Congress President, Prof. Sergio
Bernardini, all the contributors in this issue write with great enthusiasm
about their experience. I can assure you that they don’t exaggerate atall. It is true. Everything was wonderful and, most of all, the attendees
were wonderful people – full of life, full of energy!
In this issue there are fewer contributions from the IFCC national societies (perhaps everybody’s thoughts are still in Rome). However, we
Katherina Psarra, MSc, PhD
have a really interesting article by Dr. Luis Figueroa Montes, the President of the Peruvian Society, about The American horseshoe crab, an article that combines laboratory scienceand environmental issues. Aren’t you intrigued by this enigmatic title? And the Japanese Society offers its always
frequent contribution to the eNews.
Go through this issue, dear friends, to keep the Rome atmosphere alive, but don’t forget your contributions forthe next issue. We are still missing updates from the divisions, the committees, the Working Groups, the Task
Forces' meeting reports.
This issue is the last one published by Insoft Digital Canada, with great work throughout from their team, lead byVictor and Bogdan, who have facilitated our regular IFCC eNews issues for many years. Thank you very much to
you all! We wish you all the best. Keep up the good work!
Katherina

4THE VOICE OF IFCC
The IFCC-EFLM WorldLab/EuroMedLab Roma 2023:
an amazing congress in the amazing city of Romeby Prof. Sergio Bernardini
Rome 2023 Congress President

Opening ceremony

The WorldLab/EuroMedLab Roma 2023, the 25th IFCC-EFLM Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory
Medicine, together with the National Congress of the Italian Society of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory
Medicine that was held in Rome, from 21 to 25th May 2023, has been a great success!
Rome, the well-known city for its Art and Culture, hosted more than 11.500 people at the new Convention
Center “The Cloud”, the stylish and futuristic Convention Center.
Additionally, two thousand people followed the Congress by streaming.
One hundred and ten IVD Companies participated and gave life to a dynamic exhibition floor showcasing therecent novel technologies and practical solutions for Laboratory Medicine.
Thanks to the Scientific Congress Committee work, distinguished international speakers and key opinion
leaders delivered their presentations about health care, recent diagnostic technologies, scientific advances, andchallenges along 5 plenary lectures, 32 accredited symposia, 10 lunch workshops, 14 educational workshops.
Article continued on next page5

Satellite meetings were also planned and included a conference on Clinical Mass Spectrometry, one on Point-ofCare Testing and the 16th International Congress of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine.
An extraordinary number of posters (2140) were shown electronically throughout the whole conference.
Moreover, at Rome 2023 Congress there have been two important innovations: first the Congress was accreditedby the EFLM CPECS®, a quality assurance mechanism to provide Continuing Professional Development forparticipants. Second, the Congress has been transmitted by streaming worldwide with free access for mid-low
income Countries and all the Congress sessions will be published on the website.

L-R: Prof. Bernardini, Congress President; Prof. Adeli, IFCC President; Prof. Ozben, EFLM President andDr. Trenti, SIBioC President, welcoming the delegates duting the Opening Ceremony
Article continued on next page

6

The crowded rooms during the sessions

It should be pointed out that the Congress Organizing Committee strictly followed the Med-Tech Ethical Coderules.
The intent of the Opening Ceremony was focused on Humanity and in particular one minute of stand-up silence
was dedicated to the victims of Covid-19 after the lecture of a touching poetry by Sonia Giovannetti written
during the Pandemic:“In uncertain days like these,at the sight of a faceless enemy,even silence is propicious and words flock onto the blank canvas.
I unravel the memories one by one
I look at the fogged glass
I add some wood to the fireand, outside, a blade of grass grows.
Already, a new summer approaches,
even the nests are safeguarding their mirage
looking for the path of the rivers.
Our hands are full of expectations
and there’s something light inside of us
just like a hug which,
Article continued on next page7

in all this misery, will warm up our face.
A light on at the end of the rail
leaks into this tarnished time.
Along the riverbank
the embankment will become mouth.
It will be easy to believe,
we will stay awake, for no life is mute to itself.”“Mirage” from “Pharmacon”
The famous poetry “No man is an Island” by John Donne, introduced the Opening Lecture of Prof Robert Enright,
Full Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison titled “Forgiveness for Individuals,
Family and Community Well Being”.
This is why we know there is not Peace without forgiveness and Scientists must be the witnesses of Peace.
Then, during the Opening Ceremony, the 2023 IFCC and the EFLM awarded were announced.
IFCC Henry Wishinsky Award for Distinguished International Services - Sponsored by Siemens
to Dr. Robert H. CHRISTENSON;
IFCC Award for Distinguished Contributions in Education - Sponsored by Abbott Laboratories
to Dr. David S. HAGE;
IFCC Robert Schaffer Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Development of Standards for Usein Laboratory Medicine - co-sponsored by NIST and CLSI to Dr. Anne J. VASSAULT;IFCC Young Investigator Award - Sponsored by Snibe to Dr. Joe M. EL-KHOURY.
EFLM Award for Scientific Achievements in Laboratory Medicine - Sponsored by Roche to Giuseppe LIPPI;EFLM Award for Achievements in Advancing Laboratory Medicine in Europe - Sponsored by Roche
to Abdurrahman COSKUN;EFLM Award for Excellence in Outcomes Research in Laboratory Medicine - Sponsored by Abbott Diagnostics
to Jain SHRUTI & co-authors;
EFLM Award for Excellence in Performance Specifications Research - Sponsored by Abbott Diagnostics
to Fernando MARQUES GARCIA & co-authors;
EFLM Cardiac Marker Award - Sponsored by HyTest to Rami AALTO & co-authors;
EFLM Academy Award 2021 to Evgenija HOMŠAK;EFLM Academy Award 2022 to Sedef YENICE.
Such a high level of attendance at the WorldLab/EuroMedLab Congress in Rome is a testament to the value andimportance of the IFCC Congresses. The significant number of attendees, both in person and online, indicatesa strong interest in the topics and discussions presented at the Rome Congress. This success opens the way for
future IFCC Congresses to continue growing and achieving even greater success.
Thanks to the COC (Congress Organizing Committee), to the SPC (Scientific Programme Committee) and MZEvents (Organizing secretariat) for their tremendous effort that made possible this successful Congress.

8

The La Nuvola Congress Venue

Article continued on next page9

Congress Welcome

The IFCC and IFCC Roche Scholarships recipients, with the IFCC President and other IFCC Officers

Article continued on next page

10

The Second Edition of the IFCC Forum for YS

Closing Ceremony (L-R): Prof. Bernardini, Congress President; Prof. Ozben, EFLM President; Dr. Haliassos, IFCC TReasurer;
Prof. Adeli, IFCC President; Representative of the United Emirates Embassy in Rome; Dr. Trenti, SIBioC President;
HE Dr. Fatma Matar, Founder and Chair UAE Genetic Disease Association; Dr. Borai (hidden) Saudi Arabia National
Representative; Prof. Hedhili, Arab Federation of Clinical Biology EB

1116th International Congress in Paediatric Laboratory Medicine – Rome 2023
by Dr. Tim Lang
Congress Chair
Chair, IFCC C-ETPLM

La Nuvola, the "Cloud" congress center

The 16th International Congress in Paediatric Laboratory Medicine Satellite meeting was successfully held on
Saturday 20th May in the Rome Convention Centre “The Cloud”. It was attended in person and virtually by scientists, clinicians including a large contingent of local paediatricians in training and corporate members. The
Congress is a unique IFCC event that brought together clinical and laboratory practitioners who have an interestin paediatric laboratory medicine and provided important networking opportunities and a forum for discussion.
The Congress began with the opening plenary delivered by Prof. Carlo Caffarelli, a Paediatrician from Parma,
Italy, describing the impact of COVID-19 on Italian children from the initial outbreaks observed in Northern Italy,
through the following 2 years and other related social and health impacts.
Article continued on next page

12

The first symposium, prepared in collaboration with the International Society for Neonatal Screening, focusedon the implementation of emerging technologies in supporting newborn blood spot screening. Speakers fromthe Netherlands and Italy described the progression from specific analyte identification to metabolomics to proteomics to genomics and how these techniques would support short- and long-term follow-up.
The second symposium focused on the use of biomarkers in renal and cardiac disease. Prof. Adeli, the current
IFCC President, delivered the first presentation describing the benefits of high sensitivity troponin and NT-proBNP when investigating different cardiac presentations. This was then followed by Dr. Papassotiriou, Athens,
Greece, presenting data on the use of cardiac and renal biomarkers to assess the toxicity of chemotherapy. In
the final presentation Dr. Marzuillo, a Pediatrician from Naples, Italy, described the use of established and novel
biomarkers to assess acute kidney injury.

ICPLM speakers and organizers: Dr. Tran Thi Chi Mai (Vietnam), Dr. Tim Lang (UK), Dr. Tze Ping Loh (Hong Kong), Dr. Jolandade Rijke (the Netherlands), Dr. Lianna Kyriakopoulou (Canada), Dr. Ronda Greaves (Australia), Dr. Klaus Kohse (Germany)
Article continued on next page

13

The last symposium of the day brought together examples of algorithms in paediatric laboratory medicine. Dr.
Zierk, the current chair of the TF-GRID described the current approaches used to prepare reference ranges using
real-world data. This was followed by Prof. Martin Stocker, a Consultant Neonatalogist from Switzerland who
discussed what were the best current markers for neonatal sepsis and how they could be used in the developingworld. Finally, Dr. Fawkner-Corbett from Oxford described the use of AI in predicting which were the best tests
to decide whether a child with suspected appendicitis needed urgent review and those that could be managed
conservatively.
Concluding the Congress with the closing plenary Dr. Mai from Vietnam described her own experiences in establishing a GCMS service to introduce newborn screening for a number of inherited metabolic conditions.
Introducing this service, she faced many challenges which her team overcame resulting in a fully accredited
service with support from her regional IFCC federation the Asia-Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry andLaboratory Medicine (APFCB).
The Organising Committee would like to thank the support of the IFCC, Congress Organisers MZ Events and theGerman Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL) for their sponsorship of the event. We
look forward to presenting another exciting ICPLM programme in Dubai next year.

Global MedLab Week 2023
by Dr. BQF. María Pasquel Moxley
Member, C-PR/CPD-IFCC
Member, WG-IANT/RIA/CPD-IFCC
Member, eJournal/CPD-IFCC
Champion, Ecuador GMLW-IFCC

María Pasquel MoxleyThis is about the laboratory medicine professionals' world week, this important week which was instituted by
the president of the IFCC, Prof. Khosrow Adeli, during the EuroMedLab held in Munich, from April 10 to 14, 2022.
The reason for this commemoration is to highlight the vital role of the clinical laboratory professional in thehealth and care of the patient.
We wish to maintain and remember forever the leading, important and valuable role, the clinical laboratory
professional played worldwide during the pandemic.
Article continued on next page

14

The Communications and Publications Division (CPD), Chair Prof. Tahir Pillay, has among its committees the IFCC
Public Relations Committee (C-PR), responsible for carrying out this week of the GMLW, which this year took
place from April 23 to 29.
The GMLW 2023 was successful thanks to the collaboration of professionals from the 96 countries, part of the
IFCC, within the 6 large federations that make it up: African Federation of Clinical Chemistry (AFCC), Arab Federation of Clinical Biology (AFCB), Asia Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (APFCB), Latin American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), North American Federation of Clinical
Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (NAFCC).
C-PR received the support of different IFCC Committees, Groups and Task Forces, to organize the GMLW 2023,
for example the Task Force of IFCC Young Scientists (TF-YS), Chair Lic. Santiago Fares Taie from Argentina , promoted the making of the video “LiveMyLab”.
The Ibero-American Working Group on Nomenclature and Translation (WG-IANT), Chair Dr. Raúl Girardi, from
Argentina, held WhatsApp groups meetings between the member responsible for the C-PR, Dr. Maria Pasquel
Moxley, the National Representative and the champions of each country to have direct communication of theideas developed about this week, thus dozens of videos and podcasts were made. With this material the activities carried out by the clinical laboratory professionals were made known to the general public.
The Chair of the Internet and Digital Communications Committee (C-IDC), Dr. Eduardo Freggiaro from Argentina,
was very helpful and collaborative in this digital communication. COLABIOCLI, whose president is Dr. Álvaro Justiniano Grosz from Bolivia, presented 24 videos and 2 podcasts, being the federation that contributed the most,and Bolivia the country with the biggest number of videos.
Several countries developed press releases, scientific activities, activities between scientific societies and thefamilies of their members to publicize the profession of the clinical laboratory professional. A great activity was
also promoted on social networks sharing photos, logos of the week and videos made by different professionals
in their laboratories.
The videos that were delivered to IFCC were of excellent quality that, together with the audios received, weremade into podcasts. This material was edited by 2 companies contracted by IFCC, leaving material of excellent
content and quality that was shared worldwide with big success.
IFCC wants this activity to be more relevant every year, because the work carried out by the medical professionalin the laboratory is the basis for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of the disease. The clinical laboratory
professionals are the health team who interacts the least with the patient, however, the clinicians base 70% of
their decisions on the results of the clinical laboratory.
Τechnology 4.0, which is a trend no longer of the future but of the present and which does not only apply to industry, but is also entering clinical laboratories every day, offers many advantages and safety for patient results,
but it further distances the interpersonal communication between the laboratory professional and the patient.
Τhis week tries to publicize this activity and the importance of the clinical laboratory professional, regardless ofthe complexity of the laboratory in which they work. Εach patient sample represents the possibility of generating information that impacts medical decisions and the patient’s health, for this reason the medical professionalin the laboratory puts all his attention, responsibility and professionalism into his work.
Those who collaborated in this GMLW 2023 activity with IFCC with videos and podcasts received a certificate ofparticipation in recognition of their time, effort and cooperation, these certificates were signed by IFCC President, Prof. Khosrow Adeli and Prof. Rajiv Erasmus, Chair of the C-PR.
Article continued on next page

15

IFCC is very appreciative of all the cooperation given to GMLW 2023, which was also visualized in the increased
activity on IFCC’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and podcasts on Spotify.
All the activities of this week were in collaboration with the IFCC. A very important support was received by the
IFCC office and especially by Ms. Silvia Colli-Lanzi.
It is hoped that each year this celebration of the Laboratory Professional will be even more successful thanks toeveryone’s support, a week that is already beginning to be prepared for the following year with a very significant
title proposed by the Chair of C-PR, Prof Rajiv Erasmus, during the last committee meeting held on May 22 of thisyear at the successful EuroMedlab-Worldlab congress in Rome 2023 and the title for the next GLOBAL MEDLABWEEK 2024 could be “LABS SAVE LIFES”
You can continue sharing this important GMLW information from the following link:
https://ifcc.org/ifcc-communications-publications-division-cpd/cpd-committees/public-relations-c-pr/happylaboratory-professionals-week-2023/.

IFCC President, Prof. Khosrow Adeli, institutes the Global MedLab Week
in Munich - April 11, 2022, during the Euromedlab

Article continued on next page16

Link GMLW 2023:
Welcome – Global Med Lab Week 2023 – IFCC – Let´s Celebrate Med Lab Professionals around the World

Link: Share your STORY – Welcome – Global Med Lab Week 2023 – IFCC
Article continued on next page17

Link: Share your HEART – Welcome – Global Med Lab Week 2023 – IFCC

Link: Welcome – Global Med Lab Week 2023 – IFCC – Let´s Celebrate Med Lab Professionals around the World
Article continued on next page18

Part of the report of the company that managed the IFCC social networks in the GMLW 2023 compared to 2022.

1.300% increase in Instagram and 368,7 % increase in Facebook compared to 2022

606.7% increase in visits on Facebook and 88.7% on Instagram
Article continued on next page19

Total number of posts on social networks.

Videos LiveMyLab:
Welcome – Global Med Lab Week 2023 – IFCC – Let´s Celebrate Med Lab Professionals around the World
Article continued on next page

20

IFCC Podcast:
Welcome – Global Med Lab Week 2023 – IFCC – Let´s Celebrate Med Lab Professionals around the WorldIFCC Public Relations Committee during the meeting on May 22 held in Rome during the Euromedlab- Worldlab
2023: (L-R) Advisor Dr. Endang Hoyaranda (APFCB); member Dr. BQF. María Pasquel Moxley (Ec); Corr. Member
Dr. Enrique Rodríguez Borja (Es); C-PR Chair, Prof. Rajiv Erasmus: IFCC President Prof. Khosrow Adeli; member
Dr. Peter Vervaat (Au), member Dr. María Eugenia Schroeder-Castagno.
Article continued on next page21

Certificate received by professionals who made videos and audios for the GMLW 2023

C-PR meeting on May 22th in Romeand members of the TF -YS, who collaborated in the GMLW 2023

22

Again in 2024, please share your blue hearton social networks!
“LABS SAVE LIVES”

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23

Visiting Lecturer Programme (VLP) report:
36th National Days of Clinical Biology (JNBC 2023)
organized by the Société Tunisienne de Biologie Clinique (STBC)
Djerba, Tunisia – 4-6 May 2023
by Tomris Ozben
IFCC President-electEFLM President
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the EMD-VLP
Committee and its Chair, Prof. Sedef Yenice and Abbott company for supporting my attendance as a visiting lecturer to the36th National Days of Clinical Biology (JNBC 2023) organizedby the Société Tunisienne de Biologie Clinique (STBC) which
was held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Djerba, Tunisia from May 4
to May 6, 2023.
The meeting was organized under the Auspices of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry -IFCC. Prof. Manel
Chaâbane, President of the Tunisian Society of Clinical Biology
was the President of the Conference.
It took place for two and a half days and included several
symposia, lectures organized in three parallel sessions, exhibition, and posters. It was held in English or French. There wasa great interest for the Conference from Arabic Countries andEurope. The Posters and Commercial Exhibition were held
every conference day. Visits to Posters and Commercial Exhibitions were performed during coffee and lunch breaks. It
was a successful meeting and the scientific program was well
prepared.
Professor Tomris Ozben

The objectives of inviting me as the VLP lecturer was to provide “Continuous training and updating of medical biologist’s knowledge in the fields of therapy guidance inoncology” and to present “Green labs” and “Strengthen ties with IFCC”.
I delivered my first 45 minutes Plenary lecture on May 4th from 17:45 to 18:30 entitled “Implementation ofsustainable practices in medical laboratories. Switching the Clinical Laboratories to Green Labs”. The moderatorsof my lecture were Prof. Manel Chaâbane, and Prof. Osama Najjar. Following my presentation, I answered thequestions of the attendees. Following the two plenary lectures, the meeting was officially opened, from 18:30
till 19.30 and I also participated in the Opening Ceremony and welcomed the participants.
On Friday, 5th May, (GR) – I presented my second 45 minutes Plenary Lecture from 11:30 till 12:15 entitled “Integrated diagnosis: evidence-based therapy guidance in oncology: From tumor markers to liquid biopsy in thecurrent and future clinical practice”. It was chaired by Prof. Abderrazek Hedhili, and Prof. Zied Aouni. Following
my lecture, I answered the questions of the attendees.

24

Visiting Lecturer Programme (VLP) report
Symposium: Point-of-Care Testing: Bridging the disparity Gap in Healthcare
IFCC in collaboration with Pakistan Society of Chemical Pathologists
Shifa International Hospital Islamabad – 9-10 March 2023
by Adil I. Khan
Chair, IFCC Committee on Point-of-Care Testing

Adil I. Khan, MSc PhD

Point-of-care (POC) testing is one of the fastest growing sectors of the diagnostic market, and the enormous
R&D investment has resulted in devices with expanded menus, improved reliability and connectivity features.
Furthermore, POC testing has a proven track record in improving patient health when properly incorporated into
clinical pathways in both the hospitals and the rural community. In Pakistan, although hospitals like Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and The Aga Khan University in Karachi have done excellently well in incorporating
POC testing into their clinical pathways, the full potential of POC testing in rural health programs throughout
Pakistan still needs to be realized and is a fertile ground for the use of this technology if correctly integrated into
patient disease management. Realizing this unmet need, Dr. Adil Khan, chair of the IFCC Committee on point-ofcare testing, who has ancestral ties to Pakistan decided to hold a two-day symposium to bring awareness to thisconcept. Healthcare in Pakistan’s remote mountainous regions in the north is virtually non-existent and patientsneed to be carried or driven through difficult train trips to the nearest town which could be hours away. Timely
POC testing and treatment in this setting would bring the greatest benefit to these communities. However, this
symposium would not have been possible without the help of Dr. Adnan Zubairi, President of Pakistan Society
Article continued on next page25

of Chemical Pathologists, and Pakistani colleagues Brig. Dr. Muhammad Aamir, Dr. Ghazanfar Abbas, Dr. Aysha
Habib, Dr. Lena Jafri, Dr. Sibtain Ahmed, and Dr. Muhammad Omar.
The symposium was titled: “Point-of-Care Testing: Bridging the disparity gap in Healthcare”. The program
would present three themes: POC testing in rural communities, point of care testing in hospital settings andquality assurance in POC testing followed by a workshop. It was opened by CEO Dr. Zeeshan Bin Ishtiaque of
Shifa International Hospital and Dr. Quad Saeed, guest speaker and CEO of Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory
Authority.
Addressing the theme of POC testing in rural communities, Dr. Adil Khan (USA) gave his talk titled: How Can
Point-of-Care Testing Bridge the Healthcare Disparity Gap? He discussed how POC testing can improve healthoutcomes in rural communities when it is part of a comprehensive program. However, POC testing needs to havea solid quality assurance program to ensure reliable results.
This was followed on by Dr. Samarina Musaad (New Zealand) who presented, “POCT in general practice andprimary care,” that addressed POCT in primary care holistically, discussing factors to consider when choosing,planning and implementing POCT. Her take home messages were: (1) Approach the choice of POC test required
and device holistically - start with the clinical need & objective goals. (2) Embed POCT within a clinical pathway(3) Look into analytical performance in context of your patient group/s and clinical requirements.
Finalizing this theme, Dr. Gerald Kost (USA) presented, “Home, Community, and Emergency Spatial Care Paths— Diagnostic Portals for COVID-19, Critical Care, & Superstorms.” He discussed his original prevalence boundary
hypothesis that explains mathematically why tests with inferior sensitivity perpetuate the pandemic. Kost shared
Fulbright Scholar field research findings on point-of-care strategies that improve resilience in resource-limited
settings including island nations facing global warming, rising oceans, and increasingly severe weather disasters.
He is the first to introduce the important new field of POCT and global warming and also to address spatial injustice by recommending mobile and automated rural distribution of diagnostics.
Talks regarding POC testing in the hospital setting was initiated by Dr. Ghazanfar Abbas titled: POCT Experiencein Shifa International Hospital. This provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of implementing a
Point-of-Care Testing system in a hospital setting. Dr. Abbas demonstrated how successful integration of POCT
can improve patient care, enhance efficiency, and contribute to better healthcare outcomes. Brig. Dr. Muhammad Aamir followed with “POCT Accreditation in Pakistan,” discussing current practices and challenges.
Next, Dr. Paul Jarvis (Abbott Laboratories) presented “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Biomarkers.” The talk discussed the current situation in diagnosing TBI, and the clinical algorithms used and then went on to discuss thenovel biomarkers in development that have been shown to identify brain injuries visible on computed tomography (CT) scan.
Blood management during surgeries is important but POC testing is now available that can help decide its usage
during procedures. Dr. Michel Vaubourdolle (France), presented “Medical economics - blood management using TEG/ROTEM.”
Dr. Sohini Sengupta (India), continued with POC testing in the hospital setting with her talk on, “Quality Assurance in POCT: New developments in arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.” Discussing systems that enablereal-time monitoring of ABG results, and immediate, automated corrective actions to prevent release of questionable test results and flawed medical decisions.
Addressing the quality assurance theme in POC testing, Dr. Lena Jafri’s presentation, “QA Practices for POCT
Program in Pakistan: From Briefing to Experience” focused on the quality assurance practices for the POCT
Article continued on next page26

program at Aga Khan University in Pakistan highlighting the collaborative efforts that were needed for resource
optimization
Dr. Paloma Oliver (Spain), followed on with her talk on “Identifying and using quality indicators.” discussing
their importance in evaluating performance throughout critical aspects of the total POCT process.
This theme was continued by Dr. Julie Shaw (Canada) in her presentation, “Quality Assurance Audits and Monitoring of Quality Indicators for POCT,” who discussed the importance of auditing and Quality Indicator monitoring in improving POCT programs drawing examples from her work in Ottawa, Canada.
“Troubleshooting Inaccurate Sample Results in Point of Care Testing,” is an important topic and was given by
Dr. Prasad Pamidi’s (Werfen). He discussed potential sources of errors in pre-analytical and analytical phases andtheir remediation.
To tie up all the talks, Ms. Marianne Mulder (Roche) described “How to set up a POCT service / program,” withemphasis on important aspects for the establishment of a successful Point of Care Testing Program.
Finally, the workshop provided by Roche Team, Ms Afshan Yaseen from Shifa International Hospital and Dr. Adil
Khan concluded the program. Instruments that were demonstrated and discussed, were: (1) Roche Cobas b221
(ABGs analyser) (2) Roche Accu Check Inform II (glucose meter) (3) Roche Urisys 1100 (Urine R/E) (4) Roche CoaguCheck Pro II (Coagulation) (5) Abbott ID Now (Rapid PCR device) (6) Abbott iSTAT Alinity (CHEM 8)
Acknowledgements
Dr. Adil I. Khan thanks Abbott Laboratories and the IFCC-Abbott Visiting Lecturer Program under Prof Sedif Yenicefor sponsoring his travel to Pakistan and to Shifa International Hospital and Roche Diagnostics for generous sponsorship of the symposium.

Adil Khan receiving gifts at the symposium

27

28

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News from the IFCC Website
Great moments in Rome!
Greetings to everyone in the IFCC and EFLM family! We met at the IFCC-EFLM WorldLab - EuroMedLab Congress in the fabulous city of Rome and where thousands of delegates, corporate representatives, exhibitors
and visitors attended this very important and popular event. The XXV IFCC-EFLM WORLDLAB-EUROMEDLABCONGRESS set the all-time record in attendance with over 11.500 people that were in Rome during the 5 day
event. We are certain you relished and were impressed by the exceptional scientific program and the stunningbeauty of Rome during the congress.
Click here to see the final video, featuring all the great moments of the congress.
See you in Dubai in May 2024!

Invitation to Participate in the IFCC Website and Social Media Survey

The Committee on Internet and Digital Communications (C-IDC) has prepared a survey to assess the recent
updates to the IFCC website and the expanded reach of our social media platforms. Your feedback is requested to help guide our ongoing efforts in these areas.
The survey is designed to gauge your experience with our website’s usability, responsiveness, content relevance, and overall performance, as well as our presence on various social media platforms.
Your responses will provide invaluable insights to help us shape our digital communications strategy moving
forward. The completion of the survey should only require a few minutes of your time.
We greatly appreciate your assistance and your commitment to the IFCC.
No individual responses will be presented, and the privacy of individual respondents will be respected.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us at ifcc@ifcc.org.
The deadline for completion is 12 July 2023.
Thank you for your time and your invaluable feedback!
Please click here to complete the survey.

30

Single-sample rule-out of NSTEMI-are we ready for prime time?
The on-demand content is now available
Click here to access the recorded webinar

The IFCC webinar: ”Single-sample rule-out of NSTEMI-are we ready for prime time?” was held on May 17, 2023.
This webinar gave an overview of how high sensitivity troponins may be used for rule-out and rule-in of nonST elevation myocardial infarction, including data on safety and efficiency. The laboratories role as facilitator
in implementation of current recommendations for measuring troponins in the emergency room will be discussed. The webinar also describes long-term risk in the heterogenic group of patients who do not have acute
myocardial infarction and how cardiac markers may help identify individuals who could benefit from a closer
follow-up.
This webinar comprises of three following presentations of 20 min each:
Chair: Prof. Fred Apple
Talk 1 - “What is the current evidence for safe single sample rule-out of NSTEMI” by Dr. Yader Sandoval
Talk 2 - “Myocardial infarction ruled out-so what? Follow-up evaluation of long-term risk” by Prof. Nicholas Mills
Talk 3 - “Implementation of rule-out and rule-in algorithms; what should the lab do?” by Prof. Paul Collinson

31Artificial intelligence applied to the Clinical Laboratory
The on-demand content is now available
Click here to access the recorded webinar, English version
Haga clic aquí para acceder al seminario web, versión en español

The IFCC webinar: “Artificial intelligence applied to the Clinical Laboratory” was held on June 7, 2023.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a combination of algorithms designed to create machines with capabilities comparable to those of human beings. The goal is to develop systems that can think and reason like humans, making
rational decisions and solving problems in a similar manner.
In the field of healthcare, AI enables the generation of patterns that assist in the diagnosis of diseases. By analyzing symptoms, medical records, test results, genetic factors, and medical guidelines, AI can provide valuable
insights. These insights can support clinicians in decision-making, helping them to prevent diseases, improve
patient outcomes, and ultimately save lives.
AI also plays a crucial role in managing clinical analysis laboratories. By leveraging AI, tests can be processedmore efficiently and with higher quality, leading to reduced errors. This technology enhances the safety
News continued on next page32

of healthcare professionals by minimizing sample handling, while also improving traceability. Additionally, AI
allows for the scheduling of additional studies to confirm a diagnosis when abnormal results are obtained.
Automation of processes in laboratories has further contributed to the shift in responsibilities for laboratory
professionals. By freeing them from routine tasks, AI empowers these professionals to focus on research andother projects that drive progress in new areas of study.
These technological advancements in clinical analysis laboratories are reshaping the organizational models
within the field. As we look toward the future, young scientists may find themselves at the forefront of thelaboratory of tomorrow, where artificial intelligence could play a central role.
This webinar comprised three following presentations of 20 min each.
Chair: Dr Ana Lena
Talk 1- "The laboratory of the future" Dr. Israel Parra Ortega
Talk 2- "Technological advances in clinical analysis laboratories and how they affect the organizational model"
Dr. Alvaro Notaroberto
Talk 3- "How Young Scientists Perceive Rapid Technological Evolution" Dr. Santiago Fares Taie

Don’t miss next IFCC free Webinar
22nd June, 2023
“Publication Ethics: An overview from different perspectives”
Register here

Ethical issues in publication are a global challenge. The increasing number of scientific journals in biomedicine
and published papers has not always been matched by increased quality in publishing due to lack of information and education of the scientific community, especially of the young scientists, about ethical principles in
research and publishing. Often there is lack of understanding on the part of authors, reviewers, editors andpublishers about the different requirements and issues. Furthermore, the practices vary between publishinghouses and geographies. In addition, particularly in the last decade, some unethical behavior, fraud and attempts by experts for increasing their scientific productivity in research and publishing their results in scientificjournals have been reported. Through three recognized lecturers who will explain the concerns and challenges

News continued on next page33

from their own experiences, this webinar offers to bring in the perspectives for ethical issues from the pointsof views of an author, an editor, and a publisher. Each speaker will provide the ethical standards for publishingand talk about particular concerns from the viewpoints from different roles.
This webinar comprises of three following presentations of 20 min each followed by 20 min of panel discussion
at the end.
Chair: Dr Sudip Kumar Datta
Talk 1 - “Publication ethics: the perspective of an Author” Dr. Angela R. Solano
Talk 2 - “Publication ethics: the perspective of an Editor-in-chief” Prof. Mario Plebani
Talk 3 - “Publication ethics: the perspective of a Publisher” Dr. Anthony Newman•

Time Zones: Live presentations starting at: 9:00AM EDT-New York ; 3:00PM CET-Rome; 9:00PM CSTBeijing;
Important: Please ensure that you carefully determine the time that the presentation will start inyour global time zone. Click here to convert to your time-zone.

•

Recorded webinar: available on demand•

Certificate of participation: available for all registrants

34

IFCC: THE YOUNG SCIENTISTSThe Second IFCC Young Scientists’ Forum:
IFCC WorldLab/EuroMedLab 2023, Romeby IFCC YS-TF
Following the successful inaugural “Young Scientists’ Forum” in Seoul, the second forum was conducted withmore young scientist participation as a satellite meeting at the IFCC ROMA 2023 WORLDLAB EUROMEDLAB, on
21 May 2023 in Rome, Italy. There were 85 in-person and online participants at the forum representing 36 countries worldwide, especially with the help of many travel scholarships awarded to young scientists worldwide.
The opening of the second Young Scientists’ Forum got off to a great start with distinguished guests namely
Prof. Khosrow Adeli, Prof. Tomris Ozben, Dr. Santiago Fares Taie, Dr. Tommaso Trenti, and Prof. Rajiv Erasmus
delivering motivational speeches to the young scientists commending them on their activities and supporting them to continue young scientists’ activities for they are the future of the laboratory medicine. Prof.
Adeli also mentioned that the number of scholarships for young scientists for this meeting has increased. Dr
Santiago Fares Taie, the current Chair of the TF-YS, addressed the young scientists reiterating the activities
and objectives of the Young Scientist’s Task Force urging young scientists to continue their activities acrossthe world.

Participants in the Second Edition of the IFCC Forum for Young Scientists

Article continued on next page35

Prof. Khosrow Adeli, Prof. Tomris Ozben, Dr. Tommaso Trenti, and Prof. Rajiv Erasmus
delivering motivational speeches to the young scientists

The forum commenced with the session on “Digital technologies”, moderated by Aleksei Tikhonov (Gustave
Roussy, France) and Marie Lenski (Lille University Hospital, France), featuring four presentations related to digital technologies in laboratory medicine. “Evaluating A Patient for A Monoclonal Gammopathy: The MG-Testing
Shiny App” by John Gabriel Bautista Abcede (Australia) introduced a web-based application that can help clinicians and laboratory professionals to interpret and report serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation
results for patients with suspected monoclonal gammopathies providing recommendations for further testing
and referral based on the International Myeloma Working Group guidelines. The next presentation was by Arnel
Christian King Dy (Philippines) on “Enzymatic Correction of Jaffe Derived Serum Creatinine Interferences: A Machine Learning Approach”, which described a novel method to correct the interference of non-creatinine chromogens observed in the Jaffe method for serum creatinine measurement using a machine learning approach.
He demonstrated that by using these validated models, labs can easily correct Jaffe method interferences andapproximate enzymatic method values online further stating that his method could be further improved for its
accuracy and precision and is freely available online. Ronald Khunga (Malawi) presented a “Social Network Strategy: An Innovative Way of Identifying and Testing High-Risk Men” demonstrating how a social network strategy,
a peer-driven recruitment approach, can be used to recruit peers of HIV-positive and high-risk HIV-negative men
and increase the uptake of HIV testing and linkage to care among high-risk men in Malawi. The last presentationof the session was on “Digital Competence In Laboratory Medicine: Results Of A Survey Among Young Scientists”
by Marie Lenski (France), reporting the results of a survey conducted by Young Scientists to assess the level ofdigital competence among young laboratory professionals worldwide. The survey revealed that there is a needfor more training and education on digital skills and tools in laboratory medicine. Based on results from thissurvey, an international working group on digital competence for Young Scientists will be established, to build alearning environment and propose common international resources. The goal is to help the next generation of
specialists to be ready to tackle the upcoming professional challenges. This session was a great opportunity to
showcase the innovative work of young scientists in laboratory medicine and to foster networking and collaboration among them.
Article continued on next page

36

The forum commenced with the session on "Digital technologies",
moderated by Aleksei Tikhonov (Gustave Roussy Hospital, France) and Marie Lenski (Lille University Hospital, France)

The second session of the forum offered interesting presentations about “Chronic Diseases”. It was coordinated by
Dr. Sean Campbell, (United States) and Dr. Tamar Ramishvili (Georgia)

The second session of the forum was on interesting presentations about “Chronic Diseases” coordinated by Dr.
Sean Campbell, (United States) and Dr. Tamar Ramishvili (Georgia). This session commenced with a great presentation by Mohammed Yassine Kaabar, (Tunisia) on “Evaluation of GPR score for non-invasive assessment ofLiver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Tunisian patients”. He and his team retrospectively studied the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (GPR) as a novel biomarker in patients diagnosed with liver fibrosis in
hepatitis B virus (HBV) mono-infection. The next speaker was Don Makwakiwe Matshaz, (South Africa), who
discussed an excellent study on “HHEX And MTR1B Gene Polymorphisms Associated with The Risk of Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus in A Mixed Ancestry South African Urban Population”. This cross-sectional study, conductedwith a total of 1650 participants from South Africa and revealed SNPs that may increase the risk of developing
Article continued on next page37

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, Matshaz and his team have concluded that the mentioned SNPs
may be used as screening targets to identify individuals in whom interventions may be useful to reduce the development of T2DM. Also, these SNPs may be alternative therapeutic targets once their role in the pathophysiology of T2DM is fully elucidated. A young scientist from Nepal, Sushant Pokhrel shared with us a study on the“Associated Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Risk of Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients”. According
to this study routine screening of Aspartate to platelet ratio index (APRI), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase toplatelet ratio (GPR), fibrosis-4index (FIB-4), and triglyceride and glucose index (TyG) may be helpful in preventing
progression of liver disease in T2DM patients. The last speech of this session was carried out by a young scientist
from India, Shruti Gupta. She presented her study about the “Association Of Interleukin-22 Transmembrane Receptor and Binding Protein with its Levels in Tuberculosis”. According to her presentation, the upregulation of IL22R1 and downregulation of IL-22R2 may be a host mechanism to combat the infection. It should be noted that
this is the first study to check for the diagnostic efficiency of IL-22. The presentations of these studies generated
great interest from the audience and the interaction between the speakers and YS from the audience facilitatedsharing experiences and opinions about the research processes with each other.
The third session in the forum was on “Laboratory Management and Quality Control” chaired by Claudia Imperiali (Spain) and Udara Senarathne (Sri Lanka). Serafeim Karathanos (Greece) discussed “Education and Training ofYoung Scientists in EQA Schemes Operation and Management” and stressed the importance of continuous professional development activities for young scientists to improve their understanding of quality assurance. The
next talk was by Josep Miquel Bauça (Spain) on the “Past present and future of the reference intervals in medicine” providing a broader overview of reference values followed by a talk on the “Establishment of Age-Specific
Reference Interval for Amino Acids in Dried Blood Spot by Tandem Mass Spectrometry” by Babu Vinodh Kumar(India). The last talk in the session was by Hamideh Ghazizadeh (Iran), who discussed about the Comparison of
Biochemical and hematological markers Reference Intervals Derived by Direct and Indirect Procedures Based on
The Isfahan Cohort Study. The session was interactive with many questions arising from the audience, allowing
a better understanding of the concepts of reference interval establishment and laboratory quality management
among young scientists.

The third session in the forum was focused on “Laboratory Management and Quality Control”
and was chaired by Claudia Imperiali (Spain) and Udara Senarathne (Sri Lanka)
Article continued on next page

38

The forum continued with the 4th session: Biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. The session was moderated by Dr.
Marco Alfonso Perrone (corresponding member IFCC-YS for Italy) and Dr. Giulia Sancesario (Head of Italian YS
and past member IFCC-YS). The first speaker was Dr. Marco Alfonso Perrone from Italy with the lecture entitled:“Cardiac Biomarkers during Exercise: from Patient to Professional Athlete”. During the presentation, Dr. Perrone
showed the use of cardiac biomarkers in response to exercise and the possible interactions between cardiac
patients and professional athletes. Of particular importance is the use of clinical biochemistry in the early diagnosis of myocardial injury compared to other imaging methods and the pathophysiology of cardiac troponinrelease during exercise. The second speaker was Dr. Judit Gonda from Hungary with the title of the lecture: “The
Increase of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Heart Failure is Related To Disease Severity and
To Cardiac Mortality”. During the presentations, Dr. Gonda showed data from the study on the use of Soluble
Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in patients with heart failure, showing how increased levels of thebiomarker were correlated with heart disease severity and increased mortality. The third speaker was followed
by Dr. Dharmsheel Shrivastav from India with the title of the reading: “Risk factors influencing left ventricularejection fraction in patients with coronary artery disease: a tertiary care center experience in North India”. In thepresentation, Dr. Shrivastav showed how risk factors and biochemical markers correlated with left ventricularfunction in case series collected at his research center in Northern India. In particular, the study showed thatcholesterol levels were more correlated with left ventricle function. At the conclusion, the 4th speaker was Dr.
Marlena Aginieszka Olejnik from Poland with the title of the lecture: “Klotho And Fgf23 as Potential Biomarkers
for Myocardial Infarction In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome”. In the presentation Dr. Olejnik showeddata from the study where they evaluated the levels of Klotho and FGF23 and demonstrated their possible use
as biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease.
The session aroused great attention from the audience with subsequent questions and a rich discussion. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in the world, but, thanks to clinical and biochemical
innovations, today CVD also represent one of the fields in which there are major innovations available to thehealth of cardiac patients. Thanks to the IFCC and the YS for this beautiful session!

The Session “Biomarkers of cardiovascular risk” was moderated
by Dr. Marco Alfonso Perrone (Italy) and Dr. Giulia Sancesario (Italy)
Article continued on next page

39

The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Ashlin Rampul (South
Afrika), who commended the highly scientific program at the second
young scientist forum. He urged
the young scientists to continue
activities and become part of the
IFCC TF-YS activities. The forum
participation has improved every
year and the number of young
participants in Dubai is expected
to grow further. Prof. Damian Gruson also a former member of theYoung Scientist Task Force at its
inception also delivered concluding remarks stating “You will havegood times in your career and not
so good times but the most important fact is as a young scientist
you should continue to work hard
Dr. Ashlin Rampul (South Africa) and Prof. Damien Gruson (Belgium)
without letting failures hinder thedelivering the closing remarks
progress in your career”. The young
scientists were all thanked for their contribution to the forum and special thanks were noted to the ItalianSociety, especially Giulia Sancessaro and Marco Perrone who were excellent hosts and invited the young scientists to a spectacular get-together.

Nice memories of the second edition of the Forum,an interesting and great scientific and networking event dedicated to Young Scientists

40

Professional scientific Exchange Program (PSEP):My Experience at Laboratory of Tor Vergata hospital Rome, Italy, 2023
by Mohammed Al Haddad
Palestine/Gaza City

Mohammed Alhaddad
Specialist Medical Laboratory
Officer laboratories of the Ard EL-Insan Palestinian Association
Palestine/Gaza City
Supervision: Prof. Sergio Bernardini
IFCC ETD Chair
Italian Society of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology - SIBioC
Chair of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine
University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome
I am Mohammed AL Haddad from Gaza/Palestine.
More than ten years ago, the idea started about participating in conferences, getting to know colleagues aroundthe world, and participating in training programs to increase professional expertise in our field, but I faced many
obstacles, some of which I was able to overcome.
And here I am in Italy/Rome, I got a grant for Program Exchange training Professional by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC).
IFCC has been a strong supporter and encourager for me to be the best. I got to know many colleagues and we
exchanged scientific information.
My message to everyone: Do not give in to reality, try and try and you will find someone who will help you.
I would like to thank IFCC for supporting, encouraging and helping the youth to reach their humanitarian andscientific goals.
Thank you, Mohammed
Article continued on next page41

I was admitted to Tor Vergata Hospital in Rome,
Italy, under the supervision of Professor Sergio Bernardini, for a period of three months,
including full training on medical devices anddiagnostics.
I will talk about the laboratory departments andthe training time period in each department.
We submitted a scientific paper in each training
section with Professor Sergio Bernardini, entitled: “Inflammageing and Cardiovascular System: Focus on Cardiokines and Cardiac-SpecificBiomarkers”: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/
24/1/844
Scientific development and enhancing the skillsof workers in medical laboratories and international participation, especially in the new microbial mutations that the world faced is very
important especially for countries that need tokeep pace with this progress.

Mohammed AL Haddad

During my PSEP I could be trained in the department of Proteins of Urine Electrophoresis, theAutoimmunity, Hematology Department, theClinical Chemistry.Department. I could also attend the IFCC WorldLab Congress that was held
in Italy-Rome.
In the department of Proteins of Urine Electrophoresis, I was trained to receive urine analysis samples and prepare them for the required
tests, such as regular urine examination, which
is done through an automatic device consisting of two units, the first to measure chemicalchanges using the Strips system, and the second to measure the level of sedimentation insamples. At the beginning each unit is calibrated separately, then the work begins. During thetraining I learned to observe the physical properties, such as the color and the degree of turbidity of the sample. A number of fungi, as wellas crystals and amorphous, were observed, andthe curve was read to identify the percentagesof bacteria, red and white cells in the urine.
The training on how the capillary electrophoreses device works took place with Professor Massimo. I was taught to read the changes

Mohammed AL Haddad and Prof. Sergio Bernardini42

in the protein components and how the immunofixation works and to read the curve through the program
linked to the device and give indications on that, and this reading depended on the age and diagnosis of the patient and we could determine if he needs to be re-examined again. If there are abnormal changes on the gamma
curve, it is necessary to check for monoclonal immunoglobulins through immunofixation.
I also participated in a Meeting of Updates on laboratory Automation Moving Towards Standardization on
19th May Rome, at the 16th international Congress of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine - Satellite Meeting on 20
May 2023 Rome, at the Young Scientists Forum on 21/5/2023 Rome and at the WorldLab EuroMedLab 21-25
May 2023.
The internship at Tor Vergata Hospital has ended and I got to know colleagues who helped me with a lot of effort
for language communication, so that I could get the most benefit.
I would like to thank the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) for giving
opportunities to colleagues from around the world to improve their professional capabilities, help young people
and empower experiences.
I thank my teacher, Professor Sergio Bernardini, for supporting me and encouraging me to continue improving
my professional abilities, helping me to stay in Rome, and for his continuous communication with me. Thankyou, my teacher!
I thank my colleagues in the hospital for their efforts towards me.
Thank you, Roma, for the love I have for you.

Mohammed AL Haddad with colleagues at Laboratory of Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome

43

CONTRIBUTE TO IFCC eNews
Join the Executive Leadership Exchange for Global Healthcare Excellence

The UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence program recognizes, amplifies and inspires replication of best practices
involving measurably better healthcare from around the globe. Integral to this mission is cross-disciplinary engagement and education. With this mission in mind, the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence program is pleased
to announce the inaugural Executive Leadership Exchange (ELX) forum. ELX is a global, prestigious educational
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Early bird registration is now open and includes full access to plenary sessions, educational workshops andhot topics for the live Oct 3-4th event. Access will also be available through until October 31st for subsequentviewing. Additionally, registered participants of the UNI5K, hosted in partnership with the 2023 AACC Annual
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45

The American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)
and its contribution to scienceby Luis Figueroa Montes
President of the Peruvian Medical Association of Clinical Pathology
Peru
On a recent visit to a supplier of the diagnostic industry in Peru, I learned about an in vitro diagnostic test thatuses a component of the blood of a species of crab, which is worth describing because of its contribution to different industries, especially to the implantable medical device industry.
The American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a valuable species that inhabits the Atlantic coast of theUnited States and the Gulf of Mexico. Horseshoe crabs play a fundamental role in the fishing industry to ensure
environmental safety, in the pharmaceutical industry for almost all medicines, in the medical device industry andin in vitro diagnostics (1).

Atlantic horseshoe crabs face increasing pressure for their toxin-sensitive blood (3)Source: ILUSTRADO POR MARK THIESSEN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

This ancient aquatic arthropod, similar to scorpions and spiders, belongs to a different class: Merostomata,which means «legs attached to the mouth». The name «Horseshoe crab» derives from its characteristics: anextended cephalothorax and a large horseshoe-like shell. Also known as a «Living fossil», this crab has been able
to survive unchanged for 200 million years, despite population dynamics and increasing commercial demand.
Conservation and research efforts are vital to the future of this species. Improved biomedical collection practices, environmental protection considerations, and the confluence of interested organizations help in this goal (1).
Interest in this crab has grown over the last half century due to the distinctive nature of its blood. The maincommercial value of the animal is based on a substance found within its light blue blood. Possessing an open circulatory system without an adaptive immune response, the horseshoe crab has survived for centuries thanks toan «Innate immunity» based on granular amebocytes, which comprise 99% of its haemocytes. When these granular amebocytes come into contact with an endotoxin or 1,3 ß-D-glucan, present in the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria and fungi, a cascade of defense molecules is released that cause coagulation and neutralization
Article continued on next page46

of pathogens. This clot effectively immobilizes the threat and prevents the infection from progressing. Recent
research on horseshoe crabs has focused on amebocytes and endotoxin detection (1).
The unique ability of these amebocytes to produce an immediate reaction to endotoxins has fueled commercial
demand from pharmaceutical and biomedical companies to confirm the safety of drugs and medical devices.
Note that the exquisite sensitivity of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) compared to other assays for endotoxins
or pyrogens, has proven to be extremely useful for monitoring high purity water used as the main ingredient or
agent for the process of most biologics, drugs, and devices (2).

Horseshoe crab blood is blue due to its high copper content (3)Source: ILUSTRADO POR MARK THIESSEN, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

This LAL has become the method of choice for the detection of endotoxins and includes quality assurance for
intravenous drugs; biologics (clotting factors, insulin, and vaccines); recombinant drugs and implantable medical devices (heart valves and orthopedic devices) and in vitro diagnostic tests. Environmental applications havealso increased the demand for LAL to ensure air quality and detect endotoxin concentrations in freshwater andseawater. To obtain this product, crabs must be captured, their blood obtained, centrifuged to concentrate theamebocytes, then water is added to the packed amebocytes, causing them to lyse and release these clotting
proteins (1).
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) reported that, in 2015, a total of 559,903 crabs weretransported to biomedical facilities for LAL production. Careful blood collection is needed. Established methods
involve the introduction of a hypodermic needle placed into the pericardial membrane of the crab to extract 50
to 400 mL of blood, depending on the sex and maturity of the crab. The plasma is centrifuged and reagents areadded to prevent its coagulation after extraction (1). After the blood extraction process, the crabs are returnedto the ocean. Crab mortality rates range from 10 to 30%; however, these figures have a slight population impact.
However, different organizations are evaluating how this extraction of LAL affects crabs (2).

47

American companies have already steadily increased their horseshoe crab indentations each year. In 2020 alone,almost 700,000 crabs were caught along the entire Atlantic coast. More than 100,000 died, according to an estimate by the ASMFC (3).
Due to the mixed results of conservation efforts and the impact of ongoing demands from LAL and crab bait in
the fishing industry, more sustainable approaches to horseshoe crab management and harvesting practices areurgently needed to medical and environmental applications. The unique characteristics of horseshoe crabs that
underpin their irrefutable importance for medicine, environmental safety, and their role as a keystone species,
highlight an urgent and pressing need for conservation and sustainable practices (1).
Currently, there is a synthetic alternative to amebocyte lysate, called recombinant factor C. In recent years,
some US pharmaceutical companies have increasingly turned to recombinant factor C to ensure the safety of
their products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows companies to interchange this synthetic, if they
provide evidence that the results are comparable to those of material from crab (3).
We hope that a balance will be found in the future to guarantee the population of this species of crab and thebenefit of its blood in the different industrial sectors.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
1. Krisfalusi-Gannon J, Ali W, Dellinger K, Robertson L, Brady TE, Goddard MKM, Tinker-Kulberg R, Kepley
CL and Dellinger AL (2018) The Role of Horseshoe Crabs in the Biomedical Industry and Recent Trends
Impacting Species Sustainability. Front. Mar. Sci. 5:185. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2018.00185 https://www.
frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2018.00185/full
2. Tinker-Kulberg R, Dellinger A, Brady TE, Robertson L, Goddard MKM, Bowzer J, Abood SK, Kepley C and
Dellinger K (2020) Effects of Diet on the Biochemical Properties of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate From
Horseshoe Crabs in an Aquaculture Setting. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:541604. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.541604
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.541604/full
3. El cangrejo herradura salva vidas gracias a su sangre única pero, ¿podemos proteger a estos
animales?. Por Dina Fine Maron, publicado 5 ago 2022, 12:33 cest. National Geographic. https://www.
nationalgeographic.es/animales/2022/08/el-cangrejo-herradura-salva-vidas-gracias-a-su-sangre-unicapero-podemos-proteger-a-estos-animales48

NEWS FROM REGIONAL FEDERATIONS AND MEMBER SOCIETIESNews from the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC):
the 2022 JSCC Technology Award
by Hideo Sakamoto, PhD
International Exchange Committee of JSCC
The Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) Technology Award was given
to person who had made outstanding technology development in clinicalchemistry. In 2022, Yoshiyuki Kitamura, MS was winner of the Technology
Award. The award presentation was held at the 62nd Annual Meeting of JSCC
in Toyama, Japan from September 30 to October 2, 2022. At the award presentation, award winner was congratulated by Dr. Takashi Miida, presidentof JSCC for their outstanding technology development in clinical chemistry.
In this issue, we would like to introduce winners of Technology Award to
distribute their outstanding work.
Yoshiyuki Kitamura, MS (Research and Development Division, FUJIREBIO
INC.) is the winner of the 2022 JSCC Technology Award, entitled with
“Development of a novel thyroglobulin immunoassay “Lumipulse Presto
iTACT Tg” hindering the influence by autoantibodies to thyroglobulin”.
Thyroglobulin (Tg) is widely used as a tumor marker for recurrence andmetastasis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Currently, serum Tg values are measured using second-generation thyroglobulin sandwich immunoassays (2nd-IMA). Endogenous autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (TgAbs)
Yoshiyuki Kitamura
are present in 25% to 30% of DTC patients and 10% of the general population. The interference by TgAbs can lead to false-negative results or falsely low Tg value. In contrast, LC-MS/MS
can accurately determine Tg values and is generally unaffected by the presence of TgAbs. However, LC-MS/MS
involves multiple complicated processes, such as peptide fragmentation and extraction, suffers from poor reproducibility, and has a long turn-around-time. Consequently, LC-MS/MS is yet to be used for general clinical testing.
To solve this issue that is interfering by TgAbs, he has developed the new Tg immunoassay called Lumipulse
presto iTACT Tg (iTACT Tg) using iTACT technology to provide accurate serum Tg measurements by incorporatinga pretreatment process into the automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) system. The iTACT
technology involves a pretreatment process that inactivates interfering TgAbs and disrupts Tg-TgAb immune
complexes to facilitate accurate measurements of total Tg. He succeeded in establishing Tg immunoassay that isrobust to TgAb interference by using iTACT technology.
He describes that it will be possible to accurately monitor Tg levels in DTC patients even when they are TgAb positive by conducting an additive clinical monitoring study separately. iTACT Tg immunoassay’s unique features are
expected to contribute to reducing both costs and additive works in the clinical laboratory and, ultimately, to benefit DTC patients. Also, he describes iTACT Tg assay would contribute to the diagnosis of thyroid diseases in not only
both pre- and post-thyroidectomy of differentiated thyroid cancer but also other benign TgAb positive diseases.

49

IFCC'S CALENDAR OF CONGRESSES, CONFERENCES & EVENTSIFCC and Regional Federation events-

Publication Ethics: An overview
from different perspectives

Live webinar

2023-12-04
2023-12-05-

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

2024-02-01
2024-02-29-

AFCC CONGRESS 2024

2023-06-22

2024-05-26
2024-05-30

2024-05-26
2024-05-30

2024-08-28
2024-08-31

-

Egypt

XXVI IFCC WORLDLAB - Dubai 2024

Dubai, UAE

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

Dubai, UAE

XXVI COLABIOCLI 2024

Cartagena, CO

Calendar continued on next page50

2024-10-31
2024-11-03

2025-05-18
2025-05-22

IFCC - EFLM

APFCB 2024 Sydney

Sidney, AU

XXVI IFCC-EFLM EUROMEDLAB 2025

Brussels, BE

Corporate Member events with IFCC auspices
Quality
Academics,
online, MX

2023-01-01
2023-07-31

Inter-QC Topics

2023-06-24

International Conference on Immunoassay

2023-07-01

Verification of analytical methods

Quality
Academics,
online, MX

2023-07-15

Quality Academics

Ciudad deMéxico, MX

2023-08-01

Measurement uncertainty

Quality
Academics,
online, MX

2023-08-07

International Conference on Immunoassay

Snibe, Dubai,
UAE

2023-08-16

Quality Academics

Ciudad deMéxico, MX

2023-11-18

Quality Academics

Ciudad deMéxico, MX

Snibe, Manila, PH

Calendar continued on next page51

Other events with IFCC auspices
2023-06-18
2023-06-21

CSCC CCMG 2023 Joint Conference

Winnipeg, CA

2023-06-22

Update on Thyroid TestingHybrid,Karachi, PK

2023-07-14
2023-07-15

Annual Academic Sessions CCPSL 2023

Kandy, LK

2023-08-24
2023-08-26

The 12th International Palestinian Conference of Laboratory
Medicine (IPCLM12)

Ramallah, PS

2023-09-14
2023-09-16

XLV National Congress of Clinical Chemists and Expoquím Mazatlán
2023 XLV Congreso Nacional de Químicos Clínicos y Expoquím
Mazatlán 2023

Hybrid,Mazatlan, MX

2023-09-17
2023-09-19

XVI National Congress of Clinical Biochemistry

Hradec Kralove,CZ

2023-09-20
2023-09-23

6th ACTC (Advances in Circulating Tumor Cells) meeting“Liquid Biopsy and Precision Oncology: where do we stand now”

Skiathos, GR

2023-09-20

International Conference on Laboratory Medicine“THEINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LABORATORY MEDICINE:
30 YEARS LATER”

Padua, IT

2023-09-27
2023-09-30

XXX Meeting of the Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation
and II Montenegrin Conference of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine

Herceg Novi,
Boka Bay, ME

2023-10-11
2023-10-13

6èmes Journées Francophones de Biologie Médicale

Antibes, FR

2023-10-12
2023-10-13

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

Prague, CZ

2023-10-12
2023-10-14

21st Hellenic Congress of Clinical ChemistryGR52

2023-10-25
2023-10-27

7th ESPT Congress

Copenhagen, DK

2023-10-29
2023-11-01

TBS International Biochemistry Congress and 34th National
Biochemistry Congress

Fethiye, Muğla,TR

2023-11-01
2023-11-04

LIII Mexican National Congress of Clinical Pathology

Aguascalientes,
MX2023-11-17

Annual Meeting of the RBSLM

Hybrid,Brussels, BE

2023-11-22
2023-11-24

Congreso Nacional de Quimicos Biologos

Ciudad deGuatemala, GT

2024-02-15
2024-02-18

The Third International Laboratory Diagnostics Congress

Online event,
Tehran, IR2024-05-21
2024-05-24

The 10+1 Santorini Conference “Systems medicine
and personalised health &amp; therapy”-“The odyssey
from hope to practice: Patient first -Keeps Ithaca always
in your mind”

Santorini, GR

2024-06-13
2024-06-14

9th International Symposium on Critical Care Testing
and Blood Gases

Saint-Malo, FR

53

IFCC Executive Board 2023

Khosrow
ADELI
President

TomrisOZBEN
President-electDavid
KINNIBURGH
SecretaryAlexander
HALIASSOS
Treasurer

Joseph PASSARELLI
Corporate
Representative

Regional Representatives

AB OKESINA
AfricanFederation ofClinical Chemistry(AFCC)

A. HEDHILI
Arab
Federation ofClinical Biology(AFCB)

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

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

A.M. LENA
Latin-American
Confederation ofClin Biochemistry(COLABIOCLI)

E. DUNN
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) Elisa Fossati, Paola Bramati, Silvia Colli Lanzi, Silvia Cardinale, Smeralda Skenderaj, Sofia Giardina

IFCC MEMBERSHIP
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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
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National Federation of Professional Colleges of Clinical Chemistry, AC (FENACQC)
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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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