International Federationof Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine
Advancing excellence inlaboratory medicine forbetter healthcare worldwide

www.ifcc.org

AnnualReport 2021

Highlights of the Year
• IFCC virtual Conference: Critical Role of Clinical Laboratories in COVID-19 Pandemic
15-17 February 2021
• IFCC Townhalls 2021
A new IFCC initiative aimed to significantly enhance internal communications within the
IFCC organization, the IFCC Board, all IFCC member societies and Regional Federations.
- IFCC Townhall 2021 AFCB - AFCC - EFLM - 15 September 2021
- IFCC Townhall 2021 Corporate Members - 21 September 2021
- IFCC Townhall 2021 APFCB - 20 October 2021
- IFCC Townhall for COLABIOCLI and NAFCC – 8 November 2021
• IFCC live webinars – 2021 Series
https://eacademy.ifcc.org/events/ifcc-live-webinar-series-2021/ (58 modules)- IFCC C-CB Appraisal of 2020 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary
Syndromes in Patients Presenting Without Persistent ST-Segment Elevation: Getting
Cardiac Troponin Right- Application of laboratory techniques in the diagnosis of Infectious Diseases (in English andin Chinese)- Risk Management in Clinical Laboratories- Clinical Applications of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (in English and in Chinese)- Quality in Clinical Laboratory- Point of Care Testing- Newborn Screening (in English and in Spanish)- Tumor Liquid Biopsy (in English and in Chinese)- Different Perspectives on Laboratory 4.0- Metrology and Clinical Laboratory (in English and in Spanish)- Evidence-based Laboratory Medicine- Quality management of medical test results during the pandemic- Ethical dilemmas in laboratory medicine during pandemic- Common laboratory measures of dysglycaemia; Their strengths and weaknesses- Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics & biofluid tests: Current practice and future prospects- What is the position and recognition of our profession in Europe and what tools do we haveto change/increase its visibility- Program designs and practical approaches for addressing unexpected result• New Task Forces formed:- Taskforce on Outcome Studies in Laboratory Medicine (TF-OSLM)- Task Force on Global Reference Interval Database (TF-GRID)• New Working Groups formed:- Artificial Intelligence and Genomic Diagnostics (WG-AIGD)- Single Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics (WG-SCST)- Metabolomics (WG-M)- Development of a Reference Measurement System for sustainable PT/INR Standardization(WG PT/INR)• IFCC-AACC Pearls, translation in Spanish
https://eacademy.ifcc.org/topics/c%C3%A1psulas-de-la-medicina-de-laboratorio-pearls/2• e-Academy, open educational resources (http://eacademy.ifcc.org/)• IFCC Flow cytometry courses- 2021 - 2nd Course on Basics of Flow Cytometry in Cairo (EG)https://www.ifcc.org/media/479227/2nd-ifcc-course-on-basics-of-flow-cytometry.pdf- 2021 - FC Course in Leipzig (DE)https://www.ifcc.org/media/479150/ifcc-wg-flow-cytometry-course.pdf- 2021 - Autumn School of Cell Analysis in Immunology in Geneva (CH)https://www.ifcc.org/media/479008/autumn-school-immuno-flyer-october-2021.pdf• IFCC Expert Database (http://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-education-division/experts/)• IFCC Handbook 2021 – 2023
https://www.ifcc.org/media/479091/ifcc-handbook-2021-2023.pdf• IFCC Milestone 2002-2020
https://www.ifcc.org/executive-board-and-council/ifcc-milestones-2002-2020/• IFCC Professional Scientific Programmes (PSEP)• IFCC VLP programme supported by Abbott(http://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-education-division/emd-special-projects/)• Implement cooperation and agreements with IFCC Regional Federations andInternational Organizations• Yearly programmes on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic.
- Roche/IFCC Travel Scholarships- IFCC FEN - Foundation for Emerging Nations (http://www.ifccfoundation.org/)- IFCC EMD C-CMBC Courses

3

Index

Message from IFCC President______________________________________________________ 5
Executive Board___________________________________________________________________ 6
Treasurer Report__________________________________________________________________ 7
Corporate Members______________________________________________________________ 14
Committee on Congresses and Conferences (C-CC)________________________________ 16
Scientific Division (SD)____________________________________________________________ 20
Education and Management Division (EMD)________________________________________ 60
Communications and Publications Division (CPD)___________________________________ 76
Emerging Technologies Division (ETD)_____________________________________________ 87
Task Forces______________________________________________________________________ 91
FEN - Foundation for Emerging Nations ___________________________________________ 102
Federations_____________________________________________________________________ 103• AFCB - Arab Federation of Clinical Biology______________________________________ 103• AFCC - African Federation of Clinical Chemistry_________________________________ 107• APFCB - Asia-Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry andLaboratory Medicine and Laboratory Medicine___________________________________ 109• COLABIOCLI - Latin-American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry______________ 113• EFLM – European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine________ 119• NAFCC - North American Federation Of Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine ___ 127
Full Member Societies___________________________________________________________ 128
Affiliate Member Societies _______________________________________________________ 182
4

Message from the President of IFCC

IFCC has been incredibly active over the past year, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
and continues to work productively towards “advancing excellence in laboratory medicine
for better healthcare worldwide”. Thanks to the adaptability of the IFCC community, we wereable to shift our activities from in-person to virtual using various online platforms. This has
allowed the Executive Board, Divisions, Task Forces, Committees, and Working Groups to meet
regularly throughout the year and achieve the aims of the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and has
also facilitated successful virtual events.
Indeed, several new Task Forces were initiated in late 2021, including the Task Force on Outcome
Studies in Laboratory Medicine (TF-OSLM) and the IFCC Task Force on Global Reference
Interval Database (TF-GRID). Both the TF-OSLM and TF-GRID are now in the planning phase toaddress their goals of promoting the value of laboratory medicine with evidence-based findings
and establishing a global reference interval database, respectively. Task Forces establishedin 2020 have also made significant progress, with programs already underway. For instance,
the Task Force on Global Lab Quality (TF-GLQ) has recruited an external quality assurance(EQA) company (OneWorldAccuracy) to initiate a pilot program in which EQA samples will besent to five laboratories in ten countries: Malawi, Zambia, Bosnia, Georgia, Serbia, Sri Lanka,
Indonesia, Bolivia, Columbia, Peru. Eventually, the global quality program will be expanded toinclude other geographical regions and additional laboratory tests. Additionally, the Task Forceon Global Newborn Screening (TF-NBS) has developed a questionnaire to better understandthe state of newborn screening worldwide and identify partner regions, and the Task Forceon COVID-19 published interim guidelines on rapid point-of-care antigen testing for SARSCoV-2 detection in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Finally, the Task Force on
Global eLearning/eAcademy (TF-GEL) continues to coordinate the Live Webinar Series, globallybroadcasting topics in Laboratory Medicine on a biweekly basis. These highly successful LIVE
webinars are truly international
Alongside this excellent progress, IFCC hosted several virtual events, including the IFCC Global
Conference on COVID-19, which brought together leading experts on a global virtual platformto present the latest advances in COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics as well as discuss
the critical role of clinical laboratories in the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first-ever virtual IFCC
conference, this global scientific event was a major success with thousands of attendees fromover 95 countries around the world. IFCC also held the first-ever IFCC Annual Town Halls to bring
the IFCC community together for the purpose of improving internal communication. In total,
four Town Halls were held for 1) Corporate Members, 2) European (EFLM), African (AFCC), andMiddle Eastern (AFCB) regions, 3) Asia Pacific (AFPCB) region, and 4) North America (NAFCC)
and Central/South America (COLABIOCLI) regions. As the COVID-19 pandemic eases, IFCC
has planned several exciting events for 2022, including the XXIV IFCC-EFLM EuroMedLab in
Munich (April 10-14) and XXIV IFCC WorldLab in Seoul (June 26-30). The 2022 IFCC General
Conference is also scheduled for October 25-30 in Brussels, at which we will celebrate IFCC’s
70th anniversary.
5Reflecting on 2021, I would like to thank the IFCC community for remaining engaged andfocused on advancing the field of laboratory medicine, despite unique challenges posed by the
COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to all of our efforts, the IFCC made critical advancements towards
our vision, which we will most certainly continue into 2022!

Prof. Khosrow Adeli

EXECUTIVE BOARD (EB)The COVID-19 pandemic continued to be a major obstacle to in-person meetings for the IFCC
Executive Board during 2021, but regardless the EB was very productive, conducting sevenvirtual meetings, and we were able to hold one in-person meeting (Milan, Italy). All minutes ofthe meetings are available on the IFCC Website.
As noted elsewhere in this Annual Report, the IFCC Divisions, Committees, Working Groups
and the Task Forces were also very active via virtual meetings and electronic communication.
While the pandemic has all but curtailed in-person meetings, it has stimulated more regularcommunication among functional group members via virtual meetings. This is something thatshould continue, in addition to in-person meetings, once the pandemic is over. One again I
extend my thanks to all of the IFCC volunteers serving on IFCC committees, working groups
and task forces for their excellent work and their commitment to the IFCC, particularly during
this difficult time.
The IFCC membership continues to grow, and as of December 31, 2021, included 95 Full
Members, 19 Affiliate Members and 48 Corporate Members. During 2021, two Full Member
Societies joined: the Libyan Association of Clinical Pathology, and the Asociación Médica
Peruana de Patología Clínica-AMPPC - Peruvian Medical Association of Clinical Pathology; andtwo Affiliate Member Societies joined: the College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka, and theUnited Arab Emirates – Genetic Diseases Association. We also welcomed four new Corporate
Members: Technogenetics, Perkin Elmer, Medix Biochemica, GenScript Biotech Corporation
and Diagnostica Stago. A warm welcome to all the new members joining the IFCC family.
2021 was the first year of my second term as Secretary of the IFCC Executive Board and I
would like to thank all the IFCC officers, members and colleagues who I have worked withfor their cooperation and assistance. Again this year, the COVID pandemic prevented our inperson meetings/congresses and the opportunities to meet old friends and colleagues, and to
make new ones. However, the IFCC responded by hosted many virtual meetings which were
enthusiastically attended by delegates from around the world. However, I am sure you all join
me in hoping that 2022 brings back the possibility of in-person meetings/conferences andpersonal exchange and networking with friends and colleagues.
Special thanks to the IFCC Office staff in Milan, Paola Bramati, Silvia Cardinale, Silvia Colli
Lanzi, and to Smeralda Skenderaj (new to the IFCC Office) who have worked so hard to copewith the challenges of 2021 and help keep our many activities moving forward.

David Kinniburgh - Executive Board Secretary

6

TREASURER REPORT
During the first year of my term as the IFCC treasurer, until the end of April along with the IFCC
staff the annual dues of Full, Affiliate and Corporate Members were received, the adherenceof IFCC operating units to their allocated budgeted were monitored and detailed records of alltransactions were kept, reimbursements were processed immediately after the receipt of theclaims from the IFCC office. Close collaboration was achieved with the IFCC investment bank
(Credit Swiss) to optimise the financial return on IFCC investments. The annual accounts andfinancial actions will be reviewed by an external independent auditor in order to finalize the actual
income and expenses at 31st December 2021. As IFCC expanded its world wide activities withnew projects and took direct control of the events organized (WorldLabs, EuroMedLabs), in
order to comply with various worldwide laws and tax regulations, we contracted, after a bid, anInternational experienced accounting partner to help us in this task.

1. COMPARISON OF 2021 PROPOSED BUDGET WITH ACTUALS AT 31st DECEMBER 2021
The 2021 budget was expected to be closed with a deficit of CHF -869.188,27. Instead, it wasclosed with a surplus of CHF 436.513,07 (Fig. 1). The main reasons for this difference were
the decreased expenses (travel etc) during the pandemic as also as the profit from the IFCC
webinars.
Budget 2021

Actual 2021

CHF

CHF

Total Operational revenues & financial income

1,753,100.00

1,080,426.15

Total Operational costs & financial charges

2,622,288.27

643,913.08

Profit (-loss) for the year

-869,188.27

436,513.07

Summary

Figure 1. 2021 proposed budget versus to actual at 31st December 2021.

7

2. TOTAL OPERATIONAL REVENUES AND FINANCIAL INCOME
The actual total operational revenues and financial income were CHF 1.080.426,15 (Fig. 2).
Budget 2021

Actual 2021

CHF

CHF

1 2:04:00 Full members (National Societies)

175.000,00

174.750,08

1 3:04:00 Corporate members

250.000,00

334.883,15

1 4:04:00 Affiliate members

4.500,00

4.023,93

1 6:02:01 Income from CLSI royalties

2.000,00

747,37

1 6:38:01 Revenue for ICHCLR secretarial support

4.500,00

4.478,72

1 6:39:01 Revenue for ICHCLR sub-account

0,00

1.387,20

1 7:02:24 WorldLab Congress Seoul 2022 (ex 2020)

0,00

0,00

REVENUES & INCOME

1 7:03:24 EuroMedLab Congress Munich 2022
1 7:04:10 IFCC virtual Conference "Critical role of Clinical Lab in COVID-19 pandemic"

1.000.000,00

0,00

200.000,00

180.493,07

1 7:07:01 COLABIOCLI Congress Mexico-Leon 2022 share

0,00

0,00

1 7:07:03 EMD Symposium - WorldLab Seoul 2020 - Abbott

0,00

14.851,86

40.000,00

55.755,67

1 8:00:01 Income for Scientific Division (SD) JRC IRMM
1 9:02:10 IFCC-AACC Pearls
1 9:05:01 Abbott VLP sponsorship

0,00

23.000,00

23.030,80

1 10:00:01 Elsevier Support - AACC stand & royalties

3.000,00

0,00

1 10:00:02 Income from Com. Publ. div. (CPD) Elsevier endorsement - incl ADV

30.000,00

39.442,00

1 11:05:01 Michael Metz Award - ICPLM

0,00

521,20

1 11:05:02 ICPLM virtual Satellite Munich

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:01 Yashraj Dist Clinical Chemist Award

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:02 Siemens - Henry Wishinsky Award dist Intnl services

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:03 Abbott Award for dist. contibution in education

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:04 Abbott Award for significant contribution to molecular diagnostics

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:05 Sekisui Award for Lab Med and Patient care

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:06 Award CLSI - NIST Seoul 2022 (ex 2020)

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:07 Young investigator Award - IFCC

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:08 Hytest Award for contr to cardiovascular diagnostic

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:09 Gerard Siest- Biologie prospective Award

0,00

0,00

1 12:01:10 Yashraj Dist women scientist Award

0,00

0,00

1 12:02:00 Abbott Univants Project

0,00

0,00

1 13 01 21 Support to IFCC Live webinars

0,00

0,00

0,00

5.269,65

21.000,00

0,00

1 13 01 06 Support to IFCC TF-YS webianars
1 13:05:03 Income for Roche travel scholarships

100,00-307,29

1 18:01:02 Realized profits on investments

0,00

45.640,13

1 18:01:03 Unrealized profits on investments

0,00

178.683,39

1 19:80:02 Overhead on sponsorship projects

0,00

2.037,39

1 20:01:03 Profits on exchange

0,00

14.737,83

1.753.100,00

1.080.426,15

1 18:00:00 FEN expenses re-imbursed

TOTAL REVENUES & INCOME

Figure 2. The expected and actual INCOME at 31st December 2021.

8

0,00

3. IFCC MEMBERSHIP DUES
Below is a diagram showing the percentage of the major income of IFCC from the annual duesof Full, Affiliate and Corporate Members collected during 2021 (Fig. 3). Thanks all the member
Societies and Corporate members that supported IFCC throughout the years. Their continuous
contribution have made possible the accomplishment of numerous IFCC tasks and projects.
IFCC is grateful to the IVD industry for their support and active participation in the IFCC scientificevents and the endorsement of the new form of virtual events. We also thank the members fortheir loyalty and attention in paying dues at the start of the year, which helps the cash flow.
Dues

CHF

Full members

174.750,08

Corporate members

334.883,15

Affiliate members

4.023,93

Total

513.657,16

Figure 3. IFCC membership dues collected in 2021.

4. IFCC MEETINGS INCOME PARTITIONIFCC meetings’ revenues are not a regular yearly income. The average yearly income of IFCC
arising from the meetings can be calculated dividing the total revenue by the frequency of theevent. The yearly income of IFCC from the recent meetings (EuroMedLab 2019 Barcelona,
EuroMedLab 2017 Athens and WorldLab 2017 Durban and shares from the regional federations’meetings) subdivided per year is indicated below (Fig. 4).
INCOMEPARTITION

YEAR AVAILABILITY

WordLab 2017(Durban):
CHF 189 429

3 years

CHF 63.143

EuroMedLab2017 (Athens):
CHF 774 318 – 155 737 (EFLM share) = CHF 618 581

2 years

CHF 309.290

APFCB Jaipur 2019 share:
CHF 12.300

2 years

CHF 6.150

COLABIOCLI Congress Punta del Este – 2017:
CHF 2 200

2 years

CHF 1.100

EuroMedlab (Barcelona) 2019
CHF 2.262.277 – 569.425 (EFLM) = CHF 1.692.852

2 years

CHF 846.426

IFCC Covid virtual Conference 2021:
CHF 180.493,07

2 years

CHF 90.246,53

Figure 4. IFCC meetings income.
There is no meeting income from WorlLab 2020 Seoul since it has been postponed to 2022.
The income of IFCC from the membership dues and annual meetings income (excluding
sponsorships and other revenues) in 2021:
CHF 513.657,16 (dues) + CHF 90.246,53 (annual meeting income) = CHF 603.903,69

9

5. SPONSORSHIPDivisions and some Functional Units raise some sponsorships funds which give them a certain
flexibility in conducting projects. These sponsorships are used for the specific projects in duetime. The unspent sponsorship funds are carried over to the next years. The total amount ofsponsorships available for specific projects at 31 December 2021 to be carried to 2022 is
CHF 901.705.

6. TOTAL OPERATIONAL COSTS AND FINANCIAL CHARGES
The actual total operational costs and financial charges in 2021 were CHF 643.913,08 (Fig.5).
IFCC GENERAL EXPENES - 2021 Budget to 31st December 2021 Actuals
Actual expenses
including sponsorship
5. Organisations Affiliated w/ IFCC

37.9906. IFCC Int/Reg Organisations

60.949

7. IFCC Congresses and Conferences Committee (C-CC)
8. IFCC Scientific Division (SD)2.903

9. IFCC Education and Management Division (EMD)

14.59010. IFCC Communication Publication Division (CPD)

33.576

11. IFCC Emerging Technologies Division (ETD)

1.205

13. IFCC Special Projects

34.722

14. IFCC Statutes & Rules

12.086

15. IFCC Financial Report

33.23016. IFCC Organisational Matters344.719

19. IFCC Executive Board (EB)67.210
GENERAL TOTAL

Figure 5. IFCC GENERAL EXPENSES-2021

10

734

643.913

7. CASH BALANCE AT CREDIT SUISSE ON 31 DECEMBER 2020
Total amount of cash available on December 31st, 2020, when converted into CHF currency is
CHF 2.163.064.

8. TOTAL BALANCE at CREDIT SUISSE on 8 May 2022
Total amount of funds available on May 8th, 2022, when converted into CHF currency is CHF
7.080.180.

Figure 6. Total Balance at Credit Suisse on May 8th, 2022.

11

9. IFCC INVESTMENT AT CREDIT SUISSE IN 2021
The important issues of the agreement with Credit Swiss are outlined as below:- Investment strategy: Income oriented- Risk Profile: Moderate- Risk Budget: Moderate- Reporting currency: CHF (with investments in three currencies: CHF, EUR, USD)
Ticket fee model: 0.20% for the safekeeping fee (no investment fee).
Return of the IFCC investments at CS between 31.12.2019 to 31.12.2020 is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Credit Suisse Investments between December 31th, 2020and December 31th, 2021.

12

Return of the IFCC investments at Credit Suisse between 1.1.2017 to 8.5.2022 is shown in
Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 8. Credit Suisse Investments between January 1 , 2017tst
tstand May 8 , 2022. th,
Figure2017 andand May
May 88th,2022.
2022.
Figure8.8.Credit
CreditSuisse
SuisseInvestments
Investments between
between January
January 1
1 ,, 2017stth

Figure 9. Credit Suisse Investments between analysis at May 8 , 2022.th,Alexander Haliassos Figure
CreditSuisse
SuisseInvestments
Investments between
between analysis
analysis at
at May2022
Figure9.9.Credit
May 88th, 2022
Treasurer
th

13
11

11

CORPORATE MEMBERS’ REPORTIn 2021 IFCC was pleased to welcome Technogenetics (Italy), PerkinElmer (Finland), Medix
Biochemica (Finland), GenScript Biotech Corporation (Singapore) and Diagnostica Stago(France) as new Corporate Members. IFCC also welcomed Panasonic Healthcare EU (PHCEU), formerly Mitsubishi Chemical Europe GmbH (Germany). Regrettably, in 2021 the following
Corporate Members left IFCC: Agilent Technologies Inc. (United States), Beijing Dream
Diagnostics Medicine (DDM) Technology Co. Ltd. (China), and Diatron (Hungary). By the end of2021, the total number of IFCC’s Corporate Members was 48. Interest in new IFCC Corporate
Membership comes mainly from China (9 Corporate Members, followed by UK, 8 Corporate
Members, USA, 6 Corporate Members, Germany, Japan and Finland, 4 Corporate Memberseach). Not all IFCC Corporate Members are manufacturers, but several are distributors. A hospital
service provider (from Georgia) and a hospital (from Sri Lanka) are Corporate Members as well.
In 2021, Corporate Members contributed with annual fees of ~300.000 CHF to approximately
50% of IFCC’s total direct annual income from its members (which comprise National Societies
and Affiliate Member Societies as well). On top of this, IFCC received sponsorship for scientific or
educational projects, awards, travel of students and lecturers, and congresses (e.g. contribution
to WorldLab 2022 so far is over 1.0 m CHF).
To enhance corporate membership, the Task Force Corporate Members (TF-CM), continues tobe very active under the newly installed chair (Tricia Ravalico – Abbott). At the end of 2021, in
addition to its 7 full members, the TF had 6 active corresponding members, representing 13
companies in total. The TF-CM is reported separately but in brief, it was established to ensurethat Corporate Members’ interests are better addressed within IFCC (i.e. better representationof Corporate Members, more efficient discussion among Corporate Members, identificationof common topics and interaction with the direct report to the IFCC Executive Board) and toincrease the engagement of Corporate Members in IFCC since many Corporate Members are
not actively involved in IFCC activities. (See the respective website for details of the Task Force.)
The Corporate Members make additional important contributions to IFCC activities: Numerous
delegates from Corporate Members are actively engaged in most of the Task Forces,
Committees, and Working Groups in all IFCC divisions and in their Executive Committees, either
as full members or as corresponding members, as well as in the Congresses & Conferences
Committee.
The following are the contact information for Corporate Representatives who were / aremembers of the Executive Committees of IFCC’s 4 divisions and the Congresses & Conferences
Committee. Please feel free to reach out to them in case you have questions:- Scientific Division: Michael Rottmann (Roche) (1st term Mar 2020-2022)- Emerging Technologies Division: This division has two Corporate Representatives: Peng
Yin (Abbott) (2nd term 2021-2023) and Markus Roessler (Roche) (2nd term 2021-2023)- Education & Management Division: André Ziegler (Roche) (2nd term 2021-2023)- Communications & Publications Division: Tricia Ravalico (Abbott) (2nd term 2021-2023).
- Congresses & Conferences Committee: Cheryl Jackson (Beckman Coulter) (2nd term
2021-2023).
The following persons are Corporate Members of the respective Congress Organizing
Committees (COCs)- IFCC / WorldLab 2022, Seoul, South Korea: Douglas Chung (Abbott)(postponed until June 2022 and now merged with the APFCB meeting which had been14

planned 3 months later in the same region)- IFCC / EuroMedLab 2021, Munich, Germany: Abir Alhelou (Abbott)(postponed and now scheduled in April 2022)- IFCC-EFLM WorldLab + EuroMedLab 2023, Rome, Italy: Angel de la Fuente (Roche)

Conferences in 2021:
As noted above, the COVID-19 pandemic required postponement of several IFCC conferences.
According to the contracts between the professional conference organizer MZ Congressi andthe exhibiting companies, the companies have to accept postponements and relocations (butnot cancellations) of IFCC conferences and cannot renegotiate their participation. This should
be carefully reconsidered before signing future sponsorship contracts.
On February 15-17, 2021, the IFCC conducted a virtual conference on the Critical Role ofClinical Laboratories in the COVID-19 Pandemic:- Speakers came from Abbott, Ortho, Roche, and Siemens as presenters for a special
Industry Panel: Technological Innovations for Today and Tomorrow.
- In addition to these companies, several others were sponsors and organized industry
workshops at this conference.
- The conference and industry workshops were well attended and appreciated.
The next Corporate Members Meetings will be held during EuroMedLab in Munich on April
11, 2022. I would like to encourage all members to take part in the meeting. The respective
meeting details will be communicated later.
Finally, I want to sincerely thank all Corporate Members and all IFCC officers for the engaged
and constructive support that I have received. This is especially the case as this was my firstyear serving on the EB as Corporate Representative. I am looking forward to continuing ourcollaboration and moving forward the IFCC and its corporate member’s interests.
Joseph Passarelli, Corporate Member Representative

15

COMMITTEE ON CONGRESSES AND CONFERENCES (C-CC)
The thirty-eighth (38th) meeting of the IFCC Executive Board Committee on Congresses andConferences was planned to be held on-site on November 28, 2021, in Munich, Germany
in connection to the EuroMedLab. However, the congress was cancelled on November 23,
2021 due to worsening corona pandemic situation. The meeting will be re-scheduled for either
EuroMedLab in Munich on April 10-14, 2022 or WorldLab Seoul on June 26-30, 2022.
The membership of the C-CC changed in the beginning of 2021. The members are the following:
Name
P. Laitinen
M. Blanes Gonzales
A. Buňo Soto
C. Jackson
J.Wesenberg
A.Cano Huizar
W.H. Fang
J. Kumalawati
H. Martin
S. Robinson
A. Sepici Dincel
C. Tsatsanis

Position
Chair
MemberMemberCorporate
MemberConsultant
Corr. Member
Corr. Member
Corr. Member
Corr. Member
Corr. Member
Corr. Member
Corr. Member

Country
FI
PY
ES
US

Term
1st
2nd
1st
2nd

Time in Office2021 01 - 2023 122021 01 - 2023 122021 01 - 2023 122021 01 - 2023 12

CA
MX
TW
ID
AU
UK
TR
GR

International Congresses of Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine(WorldLab)
IFCC ICCCLM (WorldLab) Seoul, Korea 2020 (May 24-28) - Revised 2022 (June 26 - 30)
Congress President: Prof. Won-Ki Min; Congress Chair: Prof. Junghan SongThis Congress was postponed on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjustments to thescientific program will be made as required.
The 24th ICCCLM will be held jointly with the 16th Asia-Pacific Congress of Clinical Biochemistry
IFCC ICCCLM (WorldLab) Rome, Italy 2023 (May 21-25)
Congress Chair: Prof. Sergio Bernardini
The XXV IFCC WorldLab / XXV IFCC-EFLM EuroMedLab Rome 2023 will be held in
Rome from 21 to 23 May 2023. The venue is already confirmed and blocked: Roma Convention
Center La Nuvola. The general timetable for the congress has been established. The COC and
SPC are expected to meet when conditions allow.
IFCC ICCCLM (WorldLab) 2024
The revised ICCCLM Congress Guidelines have been approved by EB at the end of 2021. Dueto revision of the guidelines the schedule of WorldLab was changed to 2-year cycle. Thus,
WorldLab will take place on even years (2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030). EuroMedLab will takeplace on uneven years (2021, 2023, 2025, 2027, 2029, 2031).
The call for bids to host WorldLab 2024 has been distributed on October 1, 2021 with the deadline
of November 25, 2021. The deadline was extended to December 15, 2021 on November 26, 2021.

16

Guidelines for IFCC ICCCLM (WorldLab) 2024 have been approved in September 2021

Regional Congresses of Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine
APFCB, Sydney, Australia, 2022 (October 15-18) - Revised 2022 (June 26 - 30)
Congress Chair: Helen Martin
The APFCB Congress 2022 will be held jointly with the ICCCLM Seoul 2022.
EuroMedLab, Munich, Germany, 2021 (May 16 – 20) – Revised 2021
(November 28 – December 2)
Congress Chair: Dr. Karl Lackner
Planning for this congress continued as required despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The programis close to complete. Sponsorships and the Exhibition are well in line with expectations. Becauseof the COVID-19 pandemic, this Congress has been rescheduled to November 28 – December
2, 2021. On November 23, 2021 the congress was cancelled due to worsening corona situation.
The new date is April 10-14, 2022.
EuroMedLab, Rome, Italy 2023 (May 21-25)
See above - IFCC ICCCLM (WorldLab) Rome, Italy 2023 (May 21-25)
A separate EuroMedLab will not be held in 2023.
EuroMedLab, 2025
The call for bids to host EuroMedLab 2025 has been postponed due to revision of EuroMedLab
Congress Guidelines. The revised guidelines have been approved by EFLM and IFCC EBs in
December 2021. Due to revision of the guidelines the schedule of EuroMedLabs and WorldLabs
were changed to 2-year cycles. Thus, EuroMedLab will take place on uneven years (2021, 2023,
2025, 2027, 2029, 2031). WorldLab will take place on even years (2022, 2024, 2026, 2028, 2030).
COLABIOCLI, Leon, Mexico 2022 (March 30 – April 2)
Congress Chair: Dr. Marie Jezebel Vite Casanova
COLABIOCLI Congress will be held in Leon, Mexico on March 23-April 2, 2022. The scientificprogram has been finalized.
IFCC Symposia are the following:
IFCC Sustaining High Quality Clinical Laboratory Services in a Rapidly Changing World (C-CLM)
EDICATION- Speakers: E Randell (UK) P Sharma (India)S Yenice (Turkey) and P Mitra (India)
IFCC Guidance for the Implementation of Custom-made Genomic Panels (ETD WG-GCP)- Speakers: R Sussmando (USA) and C Davies (USA) Y Martei (Botswana) and J
Morrissette (USA)IFCC Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine- Speakers: D Gruson (Belgium) and P Dabla (India) B Gouget (France) and J H. Nichols(USA)
AFCB, Beirut, Lebanon, 2021 (May 27 – 29) NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Congress Chair: Dr. Christian Haddad
Planning for the congress has been delayed on account of the recent events in Beirut (theexplosion) and Lebanon (financial collapse). The congress location has not been decided. May
2021 has been cancelled due to COVID and political problems. The new date is still to beannounced
17

AFCC, Lusaka, Zambia, 2021 (September 23 – 25)
Congress Chair: Mr. Victor Daka
The congress has been postponed to 11-12 November and it has been changed to virtual
meeting due to the corona pandemic situation. No report has been received.
The following IFCC symposia have been proposed and selected:- IFCC Committee on Clinical Laboratory Management (IFCC C-CLM)
Symposium topic: Planning and structuring the stakeholder relations in the laboratory
management.
Strategies for effective conflict management in the workplace - Dr. Sedef Yenice
Becoming a skilled communicator in clinical laboratory management - Dr. Merve Sibel Gungoren
The impacts of Ethics and Value in laboratory medicine - Dr. Praveen Sharma- IFCC Division Emerging Technologies
Symposium topic: Emerging Technologies in Clinical Laboratories
Managing Big Data through Artificial Intelligence Tolls – Professor Sergio Bernardini
Breaking down barriers in scaling digital health and virtual care in LMIC – Dr. Bernard Gouget
Genome, Exome, and Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing in Neonatal Diabetes – Ioannis
Papassotiriou- IFCC Committee on POCT
Symposium topic: Point-of-care-testing
How to establish a Point of Care Testing training program - Julie Shaw
Use of Quality Indicators in monitoring a POCT Program -Paloma Oliver
How to analyse instrument validations - Adil Khan
How to troubleshoot inaccurate results - Adil Khan
POC COVID-19 Antigen Testing - Gerald Kost

IFCC Specialised Conferences
IFCC Virtual Conference - February 15 – 17, 2021
Critical Role of Clinical Laboratories in the COVID-19 Pandemic
This is the first of perhaps an ongoing series of IFCC virtual conferences.
Congress Guidelines and Other Documents
Review with revisions as required must be completed every three years or earlier if required.
Auspices Guidelines and Application Forms
Current versions May 2020 and January 2021
ICCCLM Congress Guidelines and Application Form
Current versions September 2021
EuroMedLab Congress Guidelines and Application Form
Current versions December 2021
Guidance for National and International Congresses
Current version May 2019
ICCCLM and EuroMedLab Congress – Evaluation and Scores Template
Current version September 2021
18

Scientific Program Guidelines for ICCCLM (WorldLab)
Current version May 2019
Scientific Program Guidelines for EuroMedLab
Current version August 2017
Satellite Meeting Guidelines for an IFCC-sponsored Congress / Conference
Current version May 2019
IFCC Guidelines for Compliance with Applicable Codes of Ethical Business PracticeCurrent version May 2019
IFCC General Conference
14th IFCC General Conference will be held on October 27-31, 2022
Congresses with IFCC Auspices2014 – 40 events
2015 – 45 events
2016 – 70 events2017 – 55 events2018 – 76 events
2019 – 82 events
2020 – 52 events – decrease attributed to COVID-19
2021 – 59 events
The significant development in 2020 was the availability of IFCC auspices for IFCC Corporate
Member events.
Päivi H. Laitinen, C-CC Chair

19

SCIENTIFIC DIVISION (SD)
During 2021, the following members served on the SD Executive Committee:
Chair: Philippe Gillery (France)
Vice-Chair: Christa Cobbaert (the Netherlands)
Secretary: Garry John (United Kingdom)
Members: Barnali Das (India), Konstantinos Makris (Greece), Mario Plebani (Italy)
Corporate representative: Michael Rottmann (Germany).
Invited Representatives of International Organizations: Ian Young (ICHCLR), Heinz Schimmel(JRC), Karen Phinney (NIST), Chris Burns (NIBSC), Yang Zhen (NIFDC), Greg Miller (JCTLM),
Ralf Josephs (BIPM), Liesbet Deprez (JRC).
Several virtual meetings were held during 2021/2 due to travel restrictions caused by the
pandemic: June 9th, 2021, December 22nd, 2021 and January 12th, 2022.
Functional units’ visioconferences were also held on April 20th with C-NPU, WG-ID, WG-CSF
and C-MD.
Relationship with International Organizations
The SD continues to pursue the expansion of its activities to collaborate with internationalorganizations to promote the implementation of the concept of traceability in laboratory medicine
and the implementation of reference measurement systems.
Joint Committee on Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM)
There was a JCTLM Stakeholders meeting on 13th December 2021.
There was a IFCC/JCTLM/ICHCLR Workshop on “Overcoming challenges to global standardizationof clinical laboratory testing: reference materials and regulations” (virtual, December 6th-December
10th, 2021).
The goal is to publish a workshop report with recommendations how to achieve globally standardized
medical laboratory results. Below is the summary of the workshop:
1. General observations- Effectiveness of test results for patient care is the primary goal for standardization andthe guiding principle for optimized practices supporting standardization.
- Before starting a standardization project for a measurand, an assessment should be
performed to determine the clinical impact of the current situation, and of the resources
and total cost to complete standardization.
- Educational curricula for providers, laboratorians, IVD producers and regulators areneeded to improve understanding of the standardization process and its value to promote
safe and effective clinical laboratory tests.
2. Fit-for purpose matrix-based certified reference materials- Definition of the measurand and the molecular structure actually measured by IVD
devices is important.
- IVD manufacturers need an assured supply of a CRM with a backup supplier; excessive
redundancy of suppliers is not the best use of limited resources.
- Prioritization of measurands for which new CRMs are needed should involve clinicallaboratories, clinical practice groups, IVD manufacturers, NMIs and other producers.
- Commutability of matrix-based CRMs with clinical samples is an essential property that
consumes a substantial fraction of the resources.
- Listing RMs known not to be commutable would be useful.

20-Agreeing on a standard content and format for a CRM certificate or report would aid IVD
manufacturers with regulatory submission documentation.

3. Meeting regulatory requirements in different countries- Regulatory agencies promote safe and effective patient care. Regulations andrequirements for data submission are different among regulatory agencies.
- Cost for regulatory submissions in multiple countries has made IVD manufacturers
reluctant to adopt some newly developed standardization initiatives.
- Regulators promote a risk based assessment to determine how much new data isneeded to review, on a case by case basis, the impact of recalibration. Standardized
results promote reduced risk for erroneous medical decisions and should be part of therisk assessment.
- Agreeing on requirements for documentation when a calibration hierarchy is modified toachieve standardized results for clinical samples, and no other changes are made to an
IVD device would make regulatory submission simpler.
- Including representatives from regulatory bodies along with clinical laboratories, clinicalproviders, RM producers and IVD manufacturers in standardization projects will help toclarify data requirements for regulatory submission that can be collected as part of thestandardization activity.
Cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to optimize
standardization of clinical laboratory results in the best interests of the patients we all serve.
4. Next steps- The organizing committee will prepare a manuscript with conference observations andrecommendations.
- The manuscript will be posted to the JCTLM web site as a Google document forcomment. Participants will be notified when posted.
- The final version will be submitted for publication.
JCTLM will roll out a new web site in April/May 2022. JCTLM recognises there is a need fortraining to submit to the website; educational material will be made available. Uncertainty
data is probably one of the more difficult aspects in getting JCTLM approval in relation to
ISO regulations. Current difficulties in finding relevant documents will hopefully be addressedin the new website
Joint Committee for Guide in Metrology (JCGM)
There is discussion started by JCGM WG2 where Gunnar is the IFCC representative. There are
8 organisations in JCGM; which share the responsibility for the VIM.
VIM3 is a document in three sections. Devices for measurement, Measurement and Quantities
and units In VIM4 these three sections are now arranged into six sections; the Measurement
sections have been kept; the Devices for measurement chapter has been divided into three. Anda sixth chapter added on Nominal Quantities. The new document was sent out for comment
to JCGM stakeholders and 1500 comments were received; most comments were to the newchapters.
There are three types of “observations” in VIM. There is no name for “ratio quantity”. A substanceconcentration cannot have a value unless it is related to something. Quantity is not defined.
There is an argument that VIM should only cover measurements with values and units; but
some think all should be covered; there is no right answer. What should an “observation” becalled? In ISO 15189 “examination” covers all three types of observations. But this was not
accepted by the WG so in VIM4 this is restricted to the third type of observation. Theoretically“measurement” or “examination” could apply to all three types of procedures.
21

Gunnar Nordin argued for the term “examination” but the arguments against is that the term maybe thought to relate to examination (as in written examination). Another term being consideredis “evaluation”. Examination is recognised by ISO 15189.
What is a value? One option is as an individual quantity, but there are strong objections to this.
Gunnar Nordin argues strongly that value is a quantity. This is the historical position of IFCC.
The last point is the controversial question of what is “accuracy”? VIM refers to three different
accuracy’s: accuracy of measurements, accuracy of results and accuracy of instruments. VIM4
has retained that generic definition of accuracy. But the definition has changed from comparing
to a “true quantity value” to comparing to a “reference value”; so the accuracy can be known if
the reference value is known; this is controversial. The next version on VIM should be clear on
accuracy and bias.
What is “uncertainty”? Can this be expressed mathematically? VIM4 keeps the view that
uncertainty is something that can be expressed mathematically.
Joint Research Center (JRC)
CRMs for auto immune disorders [IFCC Committee on Harmonization of Autoimmune
Tests (C-HAT)]CRM for IgG anti-B2GP (antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)): ERM-DA477/IFCC. Report of the
WHO drafted, still on track to submit the WHO as a candidate for the international standard in
Spring 2022. If accepted the WHO will assign the arbitrary values. NIBSC has agreed to act as
mediator and custodian of a part of the batch. JRC will take care of the distribution of the CRM
to IVD manufacturers and clinical laboratories.
CRM for IgG and IgA anti tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) (Coeliac disease): EURM-487/IFCC
The material has been processed. Homogeneity and stability studies planned for Jan 2022.
IgG anti-GBM (vasculitis): ERM-DA484/IFCC
Draft paper on the commutability study of the pilot batches prepared. Most suitable starting
material was selected. Purchase of the large batch ongoing.
CRMs for CSF proteins [IFCC Working Group on CSF proteins (WG-CSF)]
CRM for Aβ1-40 in CSF: ERM-DA480/IFCC, ERM-DA481/IFCC, ERM-DA482/IFCC
Studies to evaluate if the existing CRMs (ERM-DA480/IFCC, ERM-DA481/IFCC and ERMDA482/IFCC) can also be certified for Aβ1-40 are ongoing. Homogeneity, short and long-term
stability have been tested and results are good.
A calibrant peptide has been selected and quantified with amino acid analysis (AAA) by LNE,
LGC and JRC. Purity assessment is still ongoing in collaboration with LNE and LGC. The
impurities have been identified, the final value assignment for beginning 2022.
Development of CRM for Tau and Neurofilament light (Nfl): on hold until new contract agent
recruited, planned for Spring 2022.
CRMs for Haemoglobin A2 [IFCC Working Group on Standardisation of Haemoglobin A2(WG-HbA2)]: ERM-DA485/IFCC and ERM-DA486/IFCC
For the matrix CRM: 2 lyophilised materials have been processed: 1 with normal HbA2 levels
and 2 with elevated HbA2 levels. First checks with several commercial assays show goodresults. Homogeneity and short term stability studies planned for January 2022.
CRMs for apolipoproteins [IFCC Working Group on apolipoproteins by Mass Spectrometry(WG-APO MS)]For the peptide calibrators for Lp(A): The JRC has produced the first batches of peptides
calibrators that can be used to investigate the completeness of the digestion of apo(a) in thecandidate RMP. The purity check and AAA measurement on the peptides calibrators will bedone by the JRC and LNE.
22

For the serum CRM for Lp(a): several candidate RMs have been investigated in a commutability
study. Results of this study indicate that CRM based on unspiked pools of human serums havethe best commutability profile. Publication on the correlation/commutability study is preparedand submitted to the IFCC SD for review.
Work on standardisation/harmonization faecal immunochemical testing [IFCC working
group in Faecal Immunochemical Testing [WG-FIT)]
The results of the correlation/commutability study are analysed. The results of 4 frequently
used FIT methods correlated quite well but there is a significant bias. So using a common
threshold for these 4 methods is currently not feasible. The 7 candidate RM were tested for theircommutability and 2 of them had a good commutability profile. These 2 RM consist of Hb fromhuman blood diluted in the specific buffers of each FIT method. Addition feasibility studies areneeded to test if these RM can be produced in larger stable batches. The value assignment will
also be difficult given the low Hb concentration: 1000 times lower than in blood.
CRMs for enzymes [IFCC working Group on Pancreatic Enzymes (WG-PE)]
The project for the production of a CRM for the catalytic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
is started.
The CRM for the catalytic activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) will need to be replaced
within 3 years so the search for suitable starting material has started.
CRM for Estradiol in human serum
The sales stocks of the CRMs BCR-576-578 are running low. These materials will be replacedwith new batches which will be tested for their commutability for several IVD methods.
Discussions ongoing to include these new materials in the upcoming CCQM study on estradiol
in 2024-2025.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
NIST’s lab activities remain limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Status information
on RM/SRM projects that may be of interest is included in the table.
NIST Clinical Certified Reference Materials; November 2021 update reflecting changes within
the last 12 months. RGTM is Research Grade Test Material.
AnalyteNIST
ReleaseDescription
Identifier
Date
Glucose in Frozen HumanSerum

SRM 965c

2022• Renewal material• Material acquisition in progress

Creatinine in Frozen Human
Serum –
Low Level

SRM 967b

2023• Renewal material• Material acquisition in progress

Bovine Serum Albumin (7%solution)

SRM 927f

June 2021• Renewal of SRM 927e

Human Cardiac TroponinComplex

SRM 2921a

Summer2022• Renewal of SRM 2921

Vitamin D Metabolites in
Frozen Human Serum (Total
25-Hydroxyvitamin D Low
Level)SRM 2969

August2021• Lower concentration of 25(OH)Dthan SRM 972a

Vitamin D Metabolites
in Frozen Human Serum(25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 HighLevel)SRM 2970

August2021• Higher concentration of 25(OH)D2
than SRM 972a

23

Analyte

NIST
Identifier

ReleaseDate

Description

Albumin and Creatinine in
Frozen Human Urine

SRM 3666

Spring 2022

• Certification measurements inreview

Homocysteine in Frozen
Human Serum

SRM 1955a

2023• Material acquisition in progress

Cardiac Troponin I in Frozen
Human Plasma

RM 81212022• Material acquisition in progress

Electrolytes in Frozen HumanSerum

SRM 956e2022• Material acquisition

Bilirubin

SRM 916b

September
2021• Renewal of SRM 916a

GlucoseSRM 917d

2022• Renewal of SRM 917c
• Procurement of material inprogress

Tripalmitin

SRM 1595a

2022• Renewal of SRM 1595
• Procurement of material inprogress

JC Virus DNA Quantitative
Standard

SRM 2367

Late 2021• Documentation in review

COVID-19 Serology

RGTM 10196

Late 2021• Candidate materials acquired

European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)
The EFLM Task Force on European Regulatory Affairs (ERA) and the IVDR are working closely
together to guide the transition from IVD directive to IVD regulation. The TF has been trying
to find out what the current situation is. It is obvious that the amount of work required thattimings have been grossly underestimated. There are about 40,000 medical tests that needconsideration. There is a risk based classification, but all tests have to go through the EU
Regulatory procedure; scientific validity has to be documented depending on the intended
use of the test, but in addition analytical quality has to be defined in terms of accuracy andsustainability. In April there was a workshop with the European Parliament and made it clearthat we needed to know the real facts. About 25% of tests have been discontinued because
manufacturers could not identify a notified body, they tried to apply and go through theprocess but the regulatory infrastructure was not there. Following the work of the TF the EU
now recognise the amount of work required and the un-readiness of manufacturers due to theamount of work required. COVID has not helped the situation. Health ministers of all member
states were alerted and about 17 of them raised concern at meetings; an amendment has
been made on 14th October 2021. Legislation has not changed, but now there is a phased
rollout for both commercial and in-house tests (more time to decide whether to continue ornot). The recommendations have been voted on and passed. Specialist low volume tests
need special consideration. There is now postponement until 2024 – 2028 depending on therisk; in-house tests will be the later date. Manufacturers have been working on these newrequirements for the last two years. There appears to be a big difference in the understandingof the situation in different countries. The effect of this will extend to countries outside the EU.
World Health Organization (WHO)There has been no communication regarding IFCC attendance at the WHO Expert Committee
on Biological Standardization. There has been little communication overall from WHO, this may
be due to the primary focus of WHO at present remains the pandemic.

24

Congresses (WorldLab, Regional and other congresses):
EuroMedLab 2021, 24th IFCC-EFLM European Congress of Clinical Chemistry andLaboratory Medicine
Munich, Germany
Postponed to: April 10-14th, 2022
http://www.euromedlab2021munich.org/
The programme will be the same as the original programme
WorldLab 2020, 24th International Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Seoul, Korea
Postponed to: June 26-30, 2022
Sessions will be as in original meeting.
SD Symposium (to be confirmed with updated June program):
The future of standardization in Laboratory Medicine: challenges and opportunities
Chair: Philippe Gillery
1. Standardization and harmonization of biological measurements: successes, pitfalls andchallenges Philippe Gillery (FR)
2. Using a harmonization protocol to establish metrological traceability Greg Miller (US)
3. Challenges in test standardization: a manufacturer’s perspective Harald Althaus (DE)
4. Proteoform analysis to fulfil unmet clinical needs Christa Cobbaert (NL)
Activities of Committees and Working Groups
The Committees (Cs), which are theme-oriented, carry out much of the scientific and professional
activities of the SD. Their work is often in close collaboration with other international organizations.
For more specific tasks, the activities are usually accomplished through Working Groups (WGs).

Committees
C-Nomenclature, Properties and Units (C-NPU);
Chair: Young Bae Lee Hansen (DK)
Term of Reference 1. To continuously provide advice for the management, updating andpublishing of the NPU terminology.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The NPU Steering Committee website continues to act as the main governance site (http://
www.npu-terminology.org), while NPU codes can be searched from (http://www.ifcc.org/ifccscientific-division/sd-committees/c-npu/npusearch/).
Rules and principles of NPU terminology can be read at https://labterminology.com. (Thehomepage is still under development.)
C-NPU has held teleconferences meetings supporting, advising and resolving principle issues(terminological) that have been raised by national NPU Release Centres of Denmark (alsointernational), Norway and Sweden.
The function of International NPU Release Centres is being maintained by the Danish NPU
Release Centre.
The International NPU Release Centre (Danish Health Data Authority) is in a tender process ofrequiring a new database software for NPU codes that can administer and publish NPU codes.

25

List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference:
To continue regular teleconferences and face-to-face meetings of C-NPU.
To continue to develop the homepage: https://labterminology.com.
C-NPU continues its role as the authority of NPU terminology and is responsible for updating
NPU terminology and supporting the NPU Release Centres.
The International NPU Release Centre continues to be the administrator of updating NPU
terminology and provides the users with NPU codes according to C-NPU’s decisions.
The National Release Centres of Denmark, Norway and Sweden provide national NPU support
for those countries and are represented both on the SC NPU and C-NPU.
Danish Health Data Authority continues to function as the International NPU Release Centre.
International NPU Release Centre (Danish Health Data Authority) continues the work of requiring
a new NPU database software.
To submit a draft of articles of association of SC-C-NPU (Joint committee of SC-CNPU (IUPAC)
and C-NPU (IFCC).
Term of Reference 2. To make recommendations on NPU for reporting clinical laboratory
data that conform to or adapt current standards of authoritative organizations, and thatwill improve their utilization for health care.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
It has been decided to use “%” or 10-2 as units for counting haematological cells (see pending
publication).
A project concerning Laboratory Information Model (standardizing and structuring laboratory
reports) has started.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
To publish opinion letters about using a coherent system of units in different scientific journals.
To continue the project, Laboratory Information Model, and publish the results as opinion letters.
Term of Reference 3. To provide a connection with other organizations concerned with NPU
such as the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), the European Committee
for Standardization (CEN) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO),
and, by extension, clinical laboratory science societies such as the International Union ofPure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), and the in vitro diagnostics industry, to ensure thatproblems encountered by health care professionals in the area of NPU are considered bythose organizations.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
IHTSDO/SNOMED-CT has invited Steering Committee in first half of 2021 for talks about future
close cooperation between NPU terminology and SNOMED-CT.
WHO invited representatives from Danish Health Data Authority to discussions about NPU
terminology.
A C-NPU response to a report “Global Survey of Standards for quantities and units”, made by
ISO TC 215/12, was submitted to ISO in early 2021. As a result, ISO TC 215/12 has invited IFCC
to participate in future discussions about standardisations in quantities and units.
A draft of VIM4 has been submitted to stakeholders for hearings. C-NPU consultant Gunnar
Nordin is deeply engaged in the work and has made presentations of Vocabulary of Nominal
Property (VIN) to different stakeholders.
Titular member Koh Furuta (KF, JPN) participates in the work of revision of standard ISO 15189.
Elective member Rebecca Ceder (Equalis, SWE) and C-NPU consultant Gunnar Nordin are
engaged in an EU project “Electronic cross-border health services.” In that work, a mapping
between NPU and LOINC codes are being explored in order to exchange laboratory results
between EU countries.

26

List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
C-NPU remains a joint committee with both IFCC and IUPAC representation.
Helle Johannessen and Ulla Magdal Petersen (DK) continue as IUPAC representatives in C-NPU.
To continue talks between IHTSDO/SNOMED-CT and Steering Committee.
Titular member Koh Furuta (KF, JPN) continues to participate in ISO TC 212.
C-NPU consultant Gunnar Nordin (SWE) continues participation in BIPM WG2.
IFCC Scientific Division has applied for participation as Liaison C and nominated C-NPU Chair
Young Bae Hansen (DK) as an IFCC representative.
Elective member Rebecca Ceder (Equalis, SWE) and C-NPU consultant Gunnar Nordin continue
in the EU project.
Term of Reference 4. To act as a consultant group on NPU in clinical chemistry and, byextension, in the rest of clinical laboratory sciences to international scientific panels,
regional and national clinical laboratory sciences organizations, editors of scientificjournals, manufacturers of clinical laboratory instrumentation and products, and toindividual clinical laboratory professionals and other health care professionals.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference- Chair and individual NPU members continue to be active with their societies, particularlyin the informatics and terminology arenas- NPU connected members are active as members of their respective national NPU releasecentres (NRCs)
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
To participate in discussions to NPU terminology, health informatics and other related issues
through journals.

C-Molecular Diagnostics (C-MD);
Chair: Parviz Ahmad-Nejad (DE)Term of Reference 1. Provide reports about the current status quo in MDX
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The committee has written a review article in a special issue of the journal Clin Chem Acta that
addresses the current and future challenges of quality assurance in molecular diagnostics.
The publication was released in August 2021. Furthermore, two key initiatives on this topic werelaunched or conducted at the term of reference via the SurveyMonkey software platform. First,
a survey on the current status quo of SARS-CoV2 diagnostics molecular genetics worldwide
was initiated. Here, more than 270 laboratories participated in the survey and the results of theinvestigation/survey are currently being summarized and prepared for publication in Clin Chem
Acta. In addition, there is already a second almost completed survey on the topic of status
quo in molecular diagnostics of circulating tumour DNA. We are currently planning to initiate
this survey at the end of January. Both surveys have been and will be shared in English and in
Spanish.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Publication of the results.
We will initiate a Survey covering the current status quo of SARS-CoV2 Sequencing und PCR
Testing as an update.
We will update the EQA List on the IFCC C-MD website.
Term of Reference 2. To produce guidelines on molecular techniques and their validation
for routine diagnostics

27

List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Due to the Corona pandemic and the additional partly massive workload in some laboratoriesof the committee members, nothing substantial could be achieved for this point.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
For 2022 we are planning - possibly also in cooperation with the C_CMBC - guidelines on how
to perform e.g. PCR or how to design primers. The cooperation with the c-CMBc is charming
because the documents can then be tested directly in practice.
Term of Reference 3. To create a network of locus-specific IFCC Molecular Diagnostics
Centres
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Due to the Corona pandemic and the additional partly massive workload in some laboratoriesof the committee members, nothing substantial could be achieved for this point.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of ReferenceOver the past years, the so-called molecular diagnostic centers of the IFCC have been
established. At the present time, it is unclear what function the expert laboratories will realisticallyassume. It is unclear whether the network functions at all and what it looks like in practice.
Correspondingly, the centers should be asked about their claim. The generated data will be
discussed with the Scientific division.

C-Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (C-TLM);
Chair: Anja Kessler (DE)Term of Reference 1. To support activities regarding Traceability in Laboratory Medicine,permitting IFCC to continue its international role in this area and providing an operating
link between the SD and the WGs of the Joint Committee on Traceability in Laboratory
Medicine (JCTLM), concerning identification of reference measurement procedures,reference materials and reference laboratories.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The chair of C-TLM participated in the (virtual) annual meeting of JCTLM DatabaseWG and
JCTLM Executive Board. The results of the annual survey RELA for calibration laboratories
are discussed and were among other factors responsible for the decision of listing nominatedcalibration laboratories in the JCTLM DataBase.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
C-TLM will contribute to the next JCTLM symposium “Traceability in laboratory medicine - vitalfor clinical value” at WorldLab2022 in Seoul which was postponed to June 2022. The title ofthe lecture will be “Traceability for Laboratory Medicine – the role of the national measurement
institute” and will highlight the qualification of calibration laboratories and their impact on
implementation of metrological traceability.
Term of Reference 2. To support reference laboratories in the context of complete reference
systems (accepted reference measurement procedures of higher order, referencematerials, and reference laboratories) by establishing an External Quality Assessment
Scheme (EQAS) for reference laboratories in order to monitor their competence.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
578 results of RELA 2021 were published in September (http://www.dgkl-rfb.de:81). C-TLM
as advisory board of this IFCC survey has been discussed the results in detail at the annual
meeting. The results were presented at the JCTLM Members & Stakeholders On-line Meetingon December 13, 2021.
28

The revision of the RELA procedure manual has been started and will be proceed in 2022. One
subject of the revision is the discussion whether the limits of equivalence are adequate or haveto be changed.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
For RELA 743 orders (+8%) are registered, the dispatch of the samples is in progress. The
evaluation will be published in June 2022.
Special focus will be on HbA1c. C-TLM organizes a joint project with C-EUBD and CCQM. The
participants of RELA 2022 and 9 metrology institutes will analyse the same samples within theseparate projects. After the deadline all results can be compare to each other. At the same time,
the participants of RELA 2022 will get two additional lyophilized samples. These samples areprepared for the EurA1c study 2021. Similar to the comparison between RELA and CCQM, theresults of the calibration laboratories participating in RELA2022 can be compare to those of theroutine labs participating in the international survey EurA1c2021. Finally, we will demonstrate
the current status of traceability between approx. 5000 routine labs, 20 calibration labs andcandidate labs respectively, and 9 metrology institutes.
Term of Reference 3. To promote establishment and maintenance of IFCC referencelaboratory networks for clinically relevant measurands (e.g. the IFCC HbA1c network).
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Report HbA1c Network
Carla Siebelder, Network Coordinator, Eline van der Hagen, associate Network Coordinator
As IFCC HbA1c Network two intercomparison studies are organised annually. However, in
2021 the collection of blood and therefore the study had to be postponed due to the COVID19
pandemic. For the study about 60 diabetic volunteers, vulnerable patients, are required to
donate blood and it was unethical and also legally restricted to let them donate in the beginningof the year, in the heat of the pandemic. We were lucky to be able to organise the campaign inJuly, where most people were vaccinated. As a result, there was only one study this year. The
approved network laboratories, candidate laboratories (Brazil and India) and the designatedcomparison method networks in the US and Japan participated. Due to the pandemic it was achallenge to get the samples shipped over the world.
The study is finished. All approved network laboratories kept their approval and the masterequations between the IFCC RMP and the designated comparison methods were again
confirmed. The 2 candidate laboratories didn’t gain approval. We have 19 approved network
laboratories.
Due to the postponement of EuroMedLab Munich the face-to-face meeting scheduled on 1
December is cancelled and the network will have a Zoom meeting instead.
For educational activities the network is part of the IFCC C-EUBD. Due to COVID there haven’t
been live congresses but some members gave Zoom lectures. In 2022 a symposium is scheduled
at the IFCC WorldLab in Seoul.
EurA1c, the multinational project in which national EQA organisers share two samples, wasorganised for the fifth time in 2020. We have seen a yearly increase in participation. In 2020 we
had 27 EQA organisers from 22 countries participating. The number of participating laboratories
was more than 5000. Currently the 2021 trial is running.
Report CDT Network
Carla Siebelder, Network Coordinator, Eline van der Hagen, associate Network Coordinator
The CDT network of reference laboratories organises an intercomparison study annually. In
2021 all 5 approved network laboratories and 1 candidate laboratory participated. A second
candidate lab was not yet ready to participate. All approved labs kept their status of approval. The
candidate was approved for the first time. According to the rules of the network this candidate
has to pass in next year’s study (two consecutive studies) to get the status of approved lab.

29

The network intended to meet at EuroMedLab Munich on Sunday 27 November but due
to the postponement of the congress a Zoom meeting was held instead where the annualintercomparison study was discussed.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
The CDT network of reference laboratories organises an intercomparison study annually.
Expansion of the network by recruitment of new reference laboratories was also discussed.
Focus of the WG continues to be on global implementation of standardised results andpromotion of the CDT test.

C-Reference Intervals and Decision Limits (C-RIDL)
Chair: Yesim Ozarda (TR), finished -2021; Thomas Streichert (DE) 2022Term of Reference 1. To review current concepts of establishing reference intervals anddecision limits and to prepare state-of-the-art position statements regarding new avenues
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The study to compare direct and indirect approaches for the determination of reference intervals
has been finished. Indirect reference intervals were calculated with the most used and popularmethods (i.e. Bhattacharya, Hoffman, Arzideh methods) in the literature. The results of indirectreference intervals were compared with the direct reference intervals that are originated from
Bursa, Turkey. The C-RIDL has worked on the writing of the study. The study has been publishedin CCA in 2021.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
As Thomas Streichert is now the Chair of CRIDL, I and he did a zoom a meeting to discuss
about the planned activities: according to our discussion the indirect studies will continue asplanned activities as following 1) data cleaning procedures before the indirect calculation 2)
continues reference intervals 2) comparison of different direct and indirect methodologies.
Term of Reference 2. To make available reference intervals and decision limits that respect
the requirements of international directives such as the European IVD Directive 98/79,
and relevant ISO standards
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
In 2021, the indirect reference interval study of the same biochemical parameters with the
Global study has been initiated for the comparison and to make available reference intervals
that respect the requirements of international directives such as the European IVD Directive
98/79.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None planned.
Term of Reference 3. To determine priority list of measurands (analytes) for which reference
intervals and/or decision limits have to be developed, considering various factors, suchas age, gender, ethnicity, and for which the greatest improvements in medical decisionmaking are anticipated
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
In the indirect reference intervals study to compare with the direct data obtained conductedin Turkey, the gender and age-related changes in the reference values were evaluated that isincluded in the comparison paper (direct vs indirect method comparison).
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference30None planned.
Term of Reference 4. To monitor and evaluate currently proposed reference intervals
for selected measurands (analytes) in the light of the concept of traceability and of theidentification of the uncertainty
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
No action was taken on this Term of Reference.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None planned.
Term of Reference 5. To establish transferability protocols of reference intervals anddecision limits, which take into consideration inter-routine laboratory method variations
and achieve better applicability in clinical practice
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
No action was taken on this Term of Reference.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None planned.
Term of Reference 6. To collaborate with other organizations and/or to undertake theestablishment of reference intervals or decision limits for measurands (analytes) identified
as a priority
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
No action was taken on this Term of Reference.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None planned.
Term of Reference 7. To work in close collaboration with other Cs and WGs of SD andother IFCC Divisions for the development and appropriate clinical utilization of reference
intervals and decision limits
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
As CRIDL works as the liaison with the Task Force on Global Reference Interval Database (TFGRID), as the Chair of CRIDL in 2022, Yesim Ozarda attended two meetings of TF-GRIDL.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
The work with TF-GRIDL will continue in 2022.

C-Standardisation of Thyroid Function Tests (C-STFT)
Chair: Hubert Vesper (US)Term of Reference 1.
A. Establish a system to maintain traceability of free thyroid hormone and TSH
measurements.
B. Coordinate programs to evaluate free thyroid and TSH assays with regards to theiranalytical performance.
C. Develop reference intervals for free thyroid hormones and TSH.
D. Liaise with key stakeholders to promote the use of the standardized assays in routine
clinical practice and public health, to ensure analytical performance requirements
meet clinical needs, and to help with developing and establishing reference intervals.

31

List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
A1: Maintaining the reference system for fT4:
A network of reference laboratories was established and an interlaboratory comparison study
among network laboratories was successfully conducted. Laboratories meet requirements forreference measurement procedures and are traceable according to ISO 17511:2020.
Most of these laboratories are now active providing reference measurements to national
standardization efforts, EQA providers and manufacturers. The reference laboratories arelocated at: Ref4U (Belgium), CDC Clinical Reference Laboratories (USA), Radboud University
Medical Center of Nijmegen (The Netherlands), and Reference Material Institute for Clinical
Chemistry Standards (Japan).
The Network collaborated with the NIST (USA) to characterize serum-based materials.
A2: Maintaining the reference system for TSH:
The study design to create and characterize the next TSH harmonization panel according toISO 21151 was completed, Ethics approval at UGhent was obtained, and Material Transfer
Agreements for collecting and processing sera are in place. Specimen collection is initiated in
Belgium, Croatia, Japan, Norway and Belgium.
TSH harmonization based on the IFCC C-STFT reference system is, as of this year, officially
implemented in Japan and assay manufacturers are now using the harmonization panel toadjust assay calibration, as stated in a publication by one manufacturer.
Established collaboration with NIBSC to characterize new TSH reference material to maintainthe IU system. Characterization will be conducted together with the characterization of the new
TSH harmonization panel.
A3: Successfully completed a 36 months stability study for serum-based reference materials
for fT4 and TSH that is based on single-donor patient samples. CDC (USA) collaborated on
the statistical analysis. No analyte degradation was identified. Data suggest that slight sample
concentration may occurred and alternate storage containers are now being explored.
B1: CDC Clinical Standardization Programs launched in 2021 a new program to standardize
fT4 measurements. CDC ensures that the program is linked to the IFCC C-STFT by being a
successful member of the reference laboratory network.
The TSH harmonization in Japan is linked to the IFCC C-STFT harmonization panel.
B2: Reference material providers such as NIBSC (UK) and NIST (USA) collaborate with the IFCC
C-STFCT reference system for reference material characterization.
B3: Accuracy-based EQA providers in the Netherlands and the U.S. use the IFCC C-STFT
reference laboratory network for fT4 for target value assignments.
C1: The reference intervals established in Japan as part of TSH harmonization are as of 2021
officially been used.
While C-STFT successfully reached out to EUThyroid, CDC (USA) and to groups in Croatia andFrance, little progress was achieved in 2021 due to the lack of available standardized fT4 assays
and harmonized TSH routine assays in these countries or regions.
Furthermore, new studies and data collections are hampered by the COIVD-19 pandemic,
which prevents collection of specimens from volunteers.
D1: The website C-STFT is currently under revision, it is the intention to revise and make it moreaccessible for a broader type of readers. Progress was delayed due to COVID-19 changes inpriorities. Revisions is planned to be finalized in 2022.
D2: Paper about the work of the committee was published for publication.
D3: We conducted a workshop at the annual AACC meeting, September 19-23 2022.
D4: Katleen Van Uytfanghe represents the C-STFT in a ATA working group that prepares amanuscript that will give an update of current practices on thyroid hormone measurements
D6: Using the information available form C-STFT, committee members promote standardization
to the C-STFT reference system with the local/regional stakeholders.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference32

A: Formalize the operational rules for the fT4 network of reference laboratories. This includes
network protocols and ISO compliant SOPs . The individual laboratories will publish theircandidate reference measurement procedures, and the network will publish the method
comparison study.
Complete specimen collection and characterization of the harmonization panel for the new TSH
harmonization panel, with a link to the IU units established with the NIBSC reference materials.
Continue sample collection of TSH specimens.
B: Ensure, national/regional standardization efforts are linked to the IFCC C-STFT reference
system through participation in the fT4 reference laboratory network, calibration of TSH assays
using the C-STFT harmonization panel.
C: Coordinate with principal investigators to ensure reference interval studies and epidemiologicalstudies are conducted with standardized and harmonized assays where available.
Develop statistical and operational approaches/protocols to align ongoing reference interval
activities to the IFCC reference system as interim until assays are standardized/harmonized.
Provide technical assistance to national efforts developing reference intervals or conducting
studies that may be used for developing reference intervals.
D1: Publish C-STFT work:
Reference laboratory network study
Reference measurement procedures conducted by network members
Preanalytical considerations for fT4 measurements
TSH harmonization panel
NIBSC reference material characterization
D2: Share C-STFT work and findings through presentations at scientific meetings such as theWorld Lab conference in Seoul and the AACC meeting in Chicago. Give one educational IFCC
webinar on work and progress achieved by C-STFT in second part of 2022
D3: Conduct 2 C-STFT meetings for members and stakeholders.
D4: Update website to better communicate changes associated with fT4 standardizing and
TSH harmonization.
D5: Represent C-STFT work through participation with stakeholders such as the ATA working
group.

C-Harmonization of Autoantibody Test (C-HAT)
Chair: Joanna Sheldon (UK)
Term of Reference 1. To evaluate what are the main causes of variability for a number ofdiagnostically critical autoantibodies.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
No further progress
Term of Reference 2. To identify autoantibodies where a common calibrator could reducethe inter-assay variability
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The first commutability study for IgG anti glomerular basement membrane has been completed
and a candidate material identified. Prof Pusey form Imperial School of Medicine has provided
the materials for a second commutability study. The reagent kits and the patient samples are
already in the JRC. The antibodies for value assignment have been purified. The will be an
e-meeting with Prof. Pusey in January 2022.
EURM-487/IFCC material for antibodies in coeliac disease has been put into vials and thehomogeneity and short-term stability studies are planned for January 2022. There is just over
1600 vials of this material.

33

There has been little change in the use of the reference materials for IgG anti myeloperoxidase(ERM DA476: 2489 vials remain) and IgG anti proteinase 3 (ERM DA483: 3165 vials remain).
The report for the proposal for the WHO 1st International Standard for anti-β2 glycoprotein 1 isbeing submitted to the WHO imminently.
Term of Reference 3. To identify or produce commutable materials that could be used as
calibration material for autoantibody assays.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Progress on the IgG and IgA anti TTG materials is slow due to the pandemic but once normal
working resumes, we will explore other antigens on this material e.g., antibodies to deamidated
gliadin.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
FDA and CE. There remains significant reluctance by companied in adopting the referencematerials for IgG anti MPO and IgG anti PR3 and the pandemic has given companies anotherreason not to change anything. However, personal communication with some companies
suggests that they may look to the CRMs when developing new versions of the IgG anti MPO
and IgG anti PR3 methods.
EQA
No further progress
Communication
The interaction with the FDA is central to being able to promote the use of the new CRMs andthis must be the focus of our activities. Until we have the use of ERM-DA476/IFCC and ERM
DA 483/IFCC embedded into the kit documentation, further communication with other bodies
will be difficult.
Further projects
Anti GBM antibodies and Anti TTG antibodies are both in progress.
Term of Reference 4. To produce well-characterised pure antibody preparations withknown concentration and identity and use these to transfer values to a matrix preparation.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The preparation of pure antibody preparations with known concentration is embedded in thevalue assignment process.
Term of Reference 5. To evaluate the impact of new reference material on the variabilityof autoantibody tests and identify areas where further harmonisation would improve
diagnostic accuracy.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
EQA providers have been diverted from normal operations towards the EQA schemes for
COVID antibodies however, we continue discussion with UKNEQAS and the Royal College of
Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs but the progress depends on some cooperation from companies to enable us to use values based on ERM DA 476/IFCC and ERM
DA 483/IFCC.
C-Bone Metabolism (C-BM);
Chair: Etienne Cavalier (BE)Term of Reference 1. PTH standardization
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Cathie Sturgeon has sent pools to EC’s lab by the end of May for the commutability study. EC’s
team will perform the study in June 2021.
Samples are currently being run and results will be provided to Vincent Delatour. Results should34

be presented during the meeting of the Committee during EuroMedLab in Munich.
Samples are currently run and results will be provided to Vincent Delatour. Results should bepresented during the meeting of the Committee during EuroMedLab in Munich.
RMP for PTH:
CS has published with HV and the Mayo clinic a paper in Clinical Chemistry on the identificationof circulating PTH fragments by HR/MSMS. This work was not in the frame of the Committee,
but shows that things are moving in the right direction. Other teams are probably working on a
LCMS/MS determination of PTH worldwide.
An abstract on a LCMS/MS method for 1-84 PTH quantification has been submitted by E.
Cavalier’s team to EuroMedLab. The method will be used to assign the value of the pools of thecommutability study.
Liaison with other societies:
Contacts have been made with the Protein Analysis Working group (PAWG) from the International
Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM). This Group is interested in PTH. Collaboration
between C-BM and them would definitely be an added value.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Achieve and finalize the commutability study
Go on working on PTH RMP
Contacts with CIPM.
Term of Reference 2. Bone markers assays- PINP
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
EC and VD have designed a commutability study by enriching various matrices with PINP
provided by IDS. Methodology is the same as the one used for PTH (see above). The Roche
Universal Diluent has been found to be commutable for IDS, Roche and Orion PINP assays.
Results will be presented to the Committee by VD during the virtual meeting of June 29th.
Results of the commutability study have been presented and a new set of samples have been
The good commutability level of materials prepared by diluting IDS-Orion top dose with Roche
Universal diluents were not confirmed when Roche top dose was diluted with Roche universal
diluents.
The CVs obtained in EC’s team hands with Orion RIA were are far too elevated, which does notallow formal statistical analysis and leads to too high rate of inconclusive levels
Conclusions of the PINP commutability study: IDS–Orion top dose diluted in Roche sample
diluents is commutable with all the 3 assays. This should be used by manufacturers toharmonize the kits.
List accomplishments for PINP
A manuscript has been accepted in CCLM
An equation allowing harmonization has been proposed
A commutability study is ongoingA study on biological variation of PINP and other markers on remaining samples from EuBIVAS
has been performed, and a paper has been published.
An Editorial on PINP has been written.
A commutable calibrator has been defined.
List planned activities in 2022-2023 for PINP
Evaluate the opportunity to develop a RMP for PINP
Prepare commutable standard to calibrate the assays (with the help of the LNE)
- CTX

35

List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
A manuscript on the multicentre study has been published in Calcified Tissue International 2021
Jun;108(6):825-826. doi: 10.1007/s00223-021-00839-y. Epub 2021 Apr 17
List accomplishments for CTX
Exchange samples between 2 centres: data presented in Paris
A study on biological variation of CTX on remaining samples from EuBIVAS has been performed
and the paper has been published in Osteoporosis International.
Multicentre study results are completed
List planned activities in 2022-23 for CTX
Manufacturers should work to improve the issues we observed on the multicentre study. This ismandatory for the future of the marker- Other bone biomarkers
Total alkaline phosphatase: a study aiming at establishing the correct standardization of theassays should be undertaken
Vitamin K?
TRAP-5b?
- Nomenclature standardization:
An update on the nomenclature of BTM (Delmas, 2001) will be proposed by NRJ, GL and RP in
December 2021.
Term of Reference 3. Vitamin D metabolites assay standardization
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
A manuscript “Analytical Performance specifications for 25(OH)D examinations” has been
accepted in Nutrients 2021 Jan 28;13(2);431
EC is working on a paper on the application of MU on NIST samples
EC is working on a paper on APS for 24,25(OH)2D
Collection of samples from pregnant women is ongoing
The manuscript “Analytical Performance specifications for 25(OH)D examinations” has received
the EFLM Award for Excellence in Performance Specifications Research”
EC is working on a paper on the application of MU on NIST samples
EC is working on a paper on APS for 24,25(OH)2D
Collection of samples from pregnant women is ongoing
List 2022 planned activities for vitamin D
Complete the study on VTD in pregnant women.
Propose a study on Covid 19 patients to see the impact on the assays?

Working GroupWG-Standardization of Hemoglobin A₂ (WG-SHbA2)
Chair: Andrea Mosca (IT)Term of Reference. To promote the standardisation of hemoglobin A2 measurement
through the definition of an international reference system, including a reference
measurement procedure and primary and secondary reference materials.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
1. A lyophilized with normal level of HbA2 and another one with elevated level of HbA2 have been36

prepared by the EU-JRC on separate times to prevent mix-up, just before the end of July 2021.
The raw materials came from 5-6 units of whole blood provided from Milano. Approximately
3000 vials per level have been produced (photos available on request).
2. A few vials have been shipped to Milano for a preliminary evaluation. The lyophilized material
was dissolved in 300 ml distilled water and measured on the HPLC (BioRad and Tosoh). Total
Hb concentration and MetHb concentration were measured as well, and found to be within thephysiological range. Moreover, the HPLC patterns obtained were from the BioRad Variant II
Dual kit. The chromatograms before lyophilization and after look identical, thus indicating thatafter lyophilization no degradation has occurred. The percentages HbA2 were the same, bothfor the normal level (2.5%) as for the elevated level of HbA2 (5.4%).
3. A set of 5 vials for each level have been shipped (October 2021) to the participating
manufacturers (Arkray, BioRad, Helena, Menarini, Sebia, Tosoh, Trinity), as proposed at the
JCTLM meeting in Paris (December 2019) and discussed in the Roadmap paper.
4. The stock solutions of the recombinant hemoglobins to be used for calibration have been
shipped to JRC for distribution to the four reference laboratories (2 in China and 2 in Germany).
The JRC has endorsed a third party for the preparation of the documentation to be shipped to
the Chinese customs.
5. A short term stability study is under way (JRC and Milano), to test the stability of the CRMs at+18, +4 and -20 °C, by an isochronous study, keeping -70 °C as reference temperature.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
1. The reference measurement procedure for HbA2 will be finalized in order to complete sometechnical points (as suggested by the IFCC SD back in 2018, 62nd meeting, Budapest), in orderto propose it for a ballot and publication as an official IFCC RMP on Clin Chim Acta.
2. A commutability study on the CRMs will be performed, as previously described (Paleari
R, Ceriotti F, Harteveld CL, Strollo M, Bakker-Verweij G, ter Huurne J, Bisoen S, Mosca A.
Calibration by commutable control materials is able to reduce inter-method differences ofcurrent high-performance methods for HbA2. Clin Chim Acta 2018;477:60-5). This will be aninter-laboratory exercise by using splitted aliquots of the same whole blood specimens.
3. Value assignment by the reference laboratories using the LC-MS/MS method. This is plannedin the first months of 2022, or as soon as the stability studies will be finished (point 6, as above).

WG-Standardization of Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (WG-CDT)
Chair: Jean Deenmamode (UK)
Term of Reference 1. Promoting the use of the HPLC reference measurement procedure(RMP) as the accuracy base for CDT test standardisation
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Ongoing situation with the pandemic has limited the execution of plans during this year also.
Candidate Italian laboratory successfully passed the first round of the 2021 CDT study cycle
and working towards full approval as network laboratory.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
All active members of the CDT WG will contact local QA organisers, as well as distributors
and HPLC manufacturers operating in the diagnostics environment to seek potential interested
laboratories from different countries.
The WG members intend to meet with such interested parties via Zoom or, if permitted, face to
face.

37

Term of Reference 2. Maintaining sustainability of an international network of laboratories
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Sustainability and performance of network laboratories and participating commercial
manufacturers are assessed by the yearly distribution of IFCC calibrators, controls and blindsamples from the MCA Winterswijk NL laboratory overseen by the IFCC network coordinator,
Carla Siebelder.
Laboratory performance is assessed on a pass/fail criterion and HPLC RMP performance isalso further assessed by Drs Wielders and Schellenberg.
The 2021 Cycle took place during the first quarter of this year with participants’ results submitted
by end May. Performance and participation were presented and discussed during the WG’s
annual meeting via Zoom on 28Nov21.
JW and FS reviewed chromatographic patterns submitted.
There were five successful IFCC networked laboratories this year, with one candidate improving
in performance and one manufacturer who has yet to pass the blind study.
Manufacturers’ contribution towards this study do not form part of the CDT WG’s funds.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Cycle of blind IFCC samples will take place during late spring / early summer 2022, following
prior requests which will be sent to all prospective participants (network labs and manufacturers).
Results will be presented and discussed during the WG CDT meeting anticipated in early
September 2022.
Term of Reference 3. Supporting the worldwide standardisation of commercial methods
against the RMP
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Most participating commercial CDT manufacturers have achieved positive results towards
CDTIFCC and have launched respective assays.
A further CDT manufacturer participated in the standardisation process and passed this year’s
blind study.
While WG members have been in discussion with another manufacturer towards reviewing theirapproach to improve alignment closer to CDTIFCC.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of ReferenceContinue to assist the remaining commercial participants in successfully achieving the CDTIFCC
goal. Monitor performance and adherence.
The WG will endeavour to support the definitive transition from classical CDT to CDTIFCC.
Term of Reference 4. Offering consultation concerning use of biomarkers of alcoholism
towards national and international agencies.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Generally, a local or extended activity initiated primarily by a member of the WG. The process
has been in place with better success in Sweden and the Netherlands. Similar efforts areprogress in the UK with certain agencies, aviation Medicine and government advisors abroad.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
To maintain the above activities ongoing in other countries

WG-Standardization of Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein A (WG-PAPP A)
Chair: Saara Wittfooth (FI) (Lennart Friis-Hansen new Chair 2022-)
Term of Reference 1. To develop a reference system for standardisation of PAPP-A
measurement employed as marker for prenatal screening
38

List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The COVID-19 situations has slowed down the activities in 2021. The protocol for testing of
NIST SRM 1949 with the company assays and assignment of PAPP-A value for this material
was finalized with the members. The practical arrangements were started.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Testing of NIST SRM 1949 with the company assays and assignment of PAPP-A value for thismaterial.
Reporting of the results.

WG – Standardization of Albumin Assay in Urine (WG-SAU)
Chair: Jesse Seegmiller (US)Terms of Reference 1.
The project objectives are to:1.) Develop a candidate reference measurement procedure suitable to analyze native
patient urine specimens.
2.) Use and apply Standard Reference Material in the candidate reference measurement
procedure to value assign the calibration of the candidate reference measurement
procedure.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Reference Materials for urine albumin.
Standard Reference Material SRM 2925 Pure Albumin became available for purchase from the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2020. SRM 3666 in Frozen Human
Urine is in preparation.
Value assignment of the candidate reference measurement procedure calibrators was
accomplished at the University of Minnesota Advanced Research and Diagnostics Laboratory.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None noted.
Terms of Reference 2. Perform comparison studies on 40 urine specimens for urine
albumin using the reference measurement procedures from Mayo Clinic (LC-MS/MS),NIST (LC-MS/MS), Singapore (LC-MS/MS) and the University of Minnesota Advanced
Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (LC-MS/MS).
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The comparison study plan was agreed upon by the LWG. This consisted of disseminating 40
urine specimens amongst the different laboratories to analyse and compare results.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Comparison studies continue to be halted due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Term of Reference 3. Validation metrics needed for a liquid chromatography tandem mass
spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) candidate reference measurement procedure.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Validation of the University of Minnesota’s LC-MS/MS candidate reference measurement
procedure was performed. This measurement procedure examines 6 human serum albumin
peptides and evaluates two MS/MS MRM transitions per peptide after proteolysis treatment withtrypsin. In addition, the corresponding 15N internal standard peptides were monitored using
MRM. The validation encompassed the following experiments: Intra-assay imprecision, inter39

assay imprecision (N=21 days), recovery, carryover, stability (Day 0-28 at room temperature,
4-80C, 200C and -800C), sample comparison, interference and specificity studies.
Each peptide was validated independently over a period of 21 separate days, where theimprecision was determined to be between 4-8 %CV throughout the calibration range of 3-200
mg/L. Three quality control urine specimens were also examined.
Given the findings from this validation study it was agreed upon through consensus by the
NIDDK-LWG it would be necessary to perform replication to improve imprecision < 5 %CV.
This was an empirical determination and the group decided the RMP final validation would
require N=4 replicates to meet the imprecision requirements for a JCTLM certified measurement
procedure.
Moving forward with this particular candidate reference measurement procedure will involve 4
replicates of all calibrators, quality controls and specimens.
Validation studies surrounding 4 replicate analyses for the reference measurement procedure
have been completed at the University of Minnesota Advanced Research and Diagnostics
Laboratory and other laboratories are currently working through final validations.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Once all laboratories have their validated methods online the comparison studies will take place.

WG-Growth Hormone (WG-hGH)
Chair: Michel Vos (NL)
Terms of Reference 1. Defining the accuracy base for hGH standardization in order toestablish a complete and sustainable Reference Measurement System.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
1. Mass spec application (ID-LC-MS/MS) for hGH published in 2014 will be used as basis forreference measurement procedure.
2. As 3-4 calibration laboratories are required running the RMP, CCQM members part of thehGH working group are asked to participate.
3. Focus on GH 22kDa isoform.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Meeting with CCQM representatives to discuss possibilities regarding RMP sites.
Terms of Reference 2. Developing an MS-based Reference Measurement Procedure forthe measurement of hGH which allows an operational definition of the relevant measurand.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
ID-LC-MS/MS based application for GH is available which could be implemented as RMP.
However, not suitable for high throughput analysis.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Key comparison of GH measurement (one pool and 22 kDa-GH reference material (WHO IS
98/574, NIBSC, UK)) between CCQM laboratories all running ID-LC-MS/MS GH application. In
addition, samples will be analysed with immunoassays and an high throughput immunocaptureLC-MS/MS application for comparison (also part of TOR 4).
Term of reference 3. Establish the suitability of recombinant human growth hormone
preparations as primary reference material with appropriate properties.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
No actions undertaken in 2021.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference40None stated.
Terms of Reference 4. Establish the performance of commercially available hGH assays
compared to the MS-based RMP.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
1. 1Meeting with Katleen Van Uytfanghe (FT4 standardization) for advice regarding trimmed
mean method in case of problems with standardization of commercially available
immunoassays due to differences in recognition of GH isoforms and post-translational
modifications.
2. Preliminary comparison with immuno-assays showed ~10% difference between results.
3. Start with collection of GH patient samples for new comparison of immune-assays with GH
LC-MS/MS as reference. Sample collection requires assessment form Medical Research
Ethics Committee.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
1. Collection and measurement immunoassay / LC-MS/MS. Based on these results options
for standardization will be explored.

WG-Standardization of Insulin Assays (WG-SIA)
Chair: Jesse Seegmiller (US) and Michael Steffes (US)Term of reference 1. Establish an MS method for insulin at the University of Minnesota
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Completed with a manuscript in process.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Manuscript in process leading to publication
Term of reference 2. Review accomplishments of other investigators in the Working Group
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Anecdotal interactions
March, 2021 Interaction among all groups by a virtual meeting, reviewing accomplishments ineach laboratory establishing an MS method.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Another virtual meeting and possibly an in-person meeting at AACC.
Term of reference 3. WHO Reference Material for Insulin
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
During virtual meeting status of latest/current Reference Material: Provided by Gwen Wark

WG-Standardization of Troponin I (WG-TNI)
Chair: Robert H. Christenson (US)Terms of reference 1. Design RM 8122, which will be a set of four (4) commutable cTnIcontaining samples with concentrations: (i) between the Limit of Detection and Female
99th percentile upper reference limit (URL); (ii) +20% above the male cTnI 99th percentile
URL; (iii) 5-fold higher than the male 99th percentile URL; and (iv) 100-fold higher cTnI
concentration of the male 99th percentile URL. This design was a collaborative design
between NIST, the International Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

41

List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Accomplished
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Utilize this design to produce NIST RM 8122.
Terms of reference 2. Applied for a NIST-Funded Grant for pay for formulating a commutable
cTnI RM. This request was approved by NIST and the funds granted.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Accomplished
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Utilize these grant funds to produce materials for and creation of RM 8122.
Terms of reference 3. Collect blood from MI patients containing high concentrations of
cTnI under an Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol approved by both the University of
Maryland Baltimore IRB and the NIST Ethics committee. All samples tested for Hepatitis
A, B, C and HIV. No infectious samples will be included in RM 8122.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Accomplished
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Use these samples for creating NIST RM 8122
Terms of reference 4. Collect blood from normal healthy individuals sufficient for blending
with the elevated MI patient samples to produce RM 8122, under a protocol approved byboth the University of Maryland Baltimore IRB and the NIST Ethics committee. All samples
tested for Hepatitis A, B, C and HIV. No infectious samples included in NIST RM 8122.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Accomplished
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Use these samples for creating NIST RM 8122.
Terms of reference 5. Collect sufficient amounts of samples listed in Terms of Reference#3 and #4 above to produce between 2500 to 3500 four-vial sets, each vial having 0.7 mL
a level of RM 8122 as noted in Terms of reference 1.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Accomplished
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Use these materials to produce RM 8122.
Terms of reference 6. Work with NIST leader Dr. Mark Lowenthal to develop a Request for
Proposal (RFP) for blending, aliquoting and labeling 2500 to 3500 four-vial sets that will be
NIST 8122. Work with NIST to evaluate responses to RFP. Assist in contract with the mostappropriate vendor for logistics of producing four-vial sets of RM 8122.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Accomplished, i.e. An Appropriate vendor has been contracted by NIST.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of ReferenceWork with the commercial vendor to properly produce RM 8122.
Terms of reference 7. Develop a protocol for assessing recovery of cTnI from each of the42

normal collections to be used in blending RM 8122. (See attached protocol).
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Accomplished
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
The recovery experiment outlined in the protocol for Terms of reference 7 will be conducted at
University of Maryland School of Medicine in collaboration with NIST and consultant Dr. Robert
Payne.

Terms of reference 8. After assessing recovery of normal donations to be used forblending, work with NIST and Vendor that will blend samples to produce 4-vial sets of
RM 8122
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of ReferenceProtocol written; the next step is to conduct the recovery experiments.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Conduct the recovery experiments.
Term of reference 9. Work with NIST personnel and stakeholders to design the process
for assignment of high sensitivity (hs) cTnI values to each of the four vials comprising RM
8122. Disseminate message about availability of the RM 8122 material and values.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference- this Term of Reference is underdevelopment.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Fully develop this term of reference, contact all relevant stakeholders and supply them with RM
8122 for measurement on their systems.
Term of reference 10. Through the coordinating efforts of Prof Christa Cobbaert, ameeting was held with Dr Claudia Swart, PTB who leads the German CardioMet program.
Drs Christenson invited Dr Swart to join WG-TNI as a member, and the two groups haveagreed to work collaboratively with toward cTnI harmonization/standardization. The WGTNI considers this collaboration to be extremely valuable and look forward to productive
interactions. We are grateful to Prof Cobbaert for being the catalyst in initiating thisimportant collaborative relationship.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference- this Term of Reference is developing.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Jesse Seegmiller will send an invitation to Dr. Swart shortly inviting her to be join the WG-TNI asa member and become fully engaged with standardization/harmonization activities.
Term of reference 11. Work with NIST personnel and stakeholders to implement process
for assigning high sensitivity (hs) cTnI values to each of the four vials comprising RM
8122. Disseminate message about the availability of RM 8122 and its values.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference- this Term of Reference is underdevelopment.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Fully develop this term of reference; work all stakeholders, supply them with RM 8122 formeasurement on their systems collate data.

43

Term of reference 12. Disseminate findings of RM 8122 formulation and availability
worldwide in appropriate media, i.e. peer review publications, magazines, pod casts,
meeting presentations, etc.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of ReferenceThis effort is currently under development.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Develop plan for disseminating results.
Additional Information
The WG-TNI standardization had hoped to use the HyTest method for assessing recovery of
cTnI in the normal human samples collected for blending. The samples were shipped to andreceived by HyTest in Finland. However, after seven months they have been unable to assess
these samples, or be given a date for this assessment. This has caused a delay in our projectprocess. For this reason, it has been necessary for the WG-TNI to implement Terms of Reference
7 and 8. We are implementing this recovery strategy currently. The WG-TNI is grateful to HyTest
for kindly agreeing to assist our efforts, and regret that we must go in a different in the interestof timely completion of this important project.

WG-CSF Proteins (WG-CSF)			
Chair: Johan Gobom (SE)		Term of reference 1. Development of reference method procedures and reference material
for neurofilament light polypeptide in CSF and blood.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of ReferenceFirst commutability study for measurement of neurofilament light polypeptide (Nfl) in plasmaand serum: Plasma- and serum- Nfl in patient samples were measured on five assay platforms
in seven laboratories. All assays showed good correlations. The study pointed to the feasibility
to use serum or plasma spiked with CSF as CRM. Currently, a publication of the results is being
written up.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
A second commutability study of plasma/serum-Nfl is planned. The aim of this study is to verify
the ability to use plasma/serum spiked with CSF as CRM, to determine whether to use plasma
or serum for the CRM, to test stability of candidate CRM, and to test the performance of pooled
samples for a CRM.
Term of reference 2. Development of reference method procedures and reference material
for CSF Tau.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Completion of a pilot round-robin study to compare three different MS-based methods formeasurement of tTau in CSF. The assays showed good correlation, but strongly varying
concentrations.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
A second round-robin study is being planned, with analysis of individual CSF samples andevaluation of calibrators.
Term of reference 3. Development of reference method procedures for measurement ofamyloid beta 1-40 in CSF.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
An MS-based candidate reference method for measurement of CSF amyloid beta (Pannee et44

al. J. Neurochem., 2016) has been submitted to JCTLM. A follow-up study including stability
measurements, is being prepared for submission, before final submission to JCTLM.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Completion of RMP and characterization of CRM.

WG – Commutability in Metrological Traceability (WG-CMT) 		
Chair: Greg Miller (US)Term of reference 1. Advise IFCC Committees and Working Groups on how to assess thecommutability of materials on which they are working.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
No requests for advice were received in 2021.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None unless a request is received.
Term of reference 2. Establish procedures to use commutable reference materials, and tocorrect for non-commutability bias, in a metrological traceability hierarchy.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None; completed. Please remove this ToR.
Term of reference 3. Establish how to define the criterion for acceptable commutability
that is required for a given reference material, taking into account its intended use in a
metrological traceability hierarchy or for surveillance of harmonization/standardization
status of results from different measurement procedures.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference.
Two manuscripts are in later stages of preparation; anticipate submitting for publication in early2022.
1. Criteria for assessing commutability of Certified Reference Materials
2. Commutability assessment and criteria for EQAM
Term of reference 4. Provide recommendations on verifying commutability for replacement
batches of a reference material.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Not started
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None planned; will follow completion of ToR 3.

WG - Immunosuppressive Drugs (WG-ID)		
Chair: Christoph Seger (CH)WP “Establishment of reference methods”
The method of Taibon et al. (2020) is now JCTLM listed. The WG agrees that this method should
be followed for reference measurement service establishment.
WP “Regulatory framework for submission of methods and materials to JCTLM”
The WP is fulfilled with the publication of the Taibon method.
WP “Measurement comparison initiative”

45

To launch this initiative a project group will be established.
WP “Establishment of reference procedures”
None of the WG member has the financial or operational freedom to establish a reference
method without further ado. Fundraising is necessary.
WP” Production of reference materials”
The production of primary / secondary reference materials is understood as the realm of MNIs.
The WGID will not produce such materials. However, the WGID supports the qNMR based
approach for primary reference material characterization.

WG - Apolipoproteins by Mass Spectrometry (WG-APO MS)
Chair: Christa Cobbaert (NL)
Term of reference 1. To achieve standardization of a panel of clinically relevant serum
apolipoproteins (apo) A-I, B, C-I, C-II, C-III, E and apo (a) (including qualitative phenotyping
where needed). Standardization is done in such a way that measurement results aretraceable to SI as outlined in ISO 17511. Other traceability chains will be used in cases
where traceability to SI cannot be achieved.
2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Reference measurement procedure.
The reference measurement procedure was further evaluated to fulfil assessment of all criteria
required for publication of the cRMP. Moreover, now that the peptide LFLEPTQADIALLK was
distributed to the LUMC, the equimolarity assessment has been initiated. However, in the firstexperiments similar behavior of this peptide to peptides in native samples cannot be proven,whereas this is proven for the other four apo(a) peptides. Further work is ongoing to assess
which step is causing this variation. Once this is resolved, the equimolarity experiments will beresumed.
The cRMP laboratories were involved in the commutability assessment of the candidate
secondary Reference Materials for apo(a). The LUMC measured two parts, while UKL and CDC
provided measurements of the first part. Results from the clinical samples of the commutability
study can also be used for the assessment of the current level of harmonization of the cRMP
labs. The results from all three laboratories have now been reported, and are compared toassess the actual level of harmonization before the end of Nov 2021.
Reference materials.
The first test batch of primary calibrators for apoA-I, B, Cs and E has been prepared and wasassessed preliminarily for purity by LNE. All peptides have sufficient purity. Therefore, a larger
batch of peptide based primary calibrators for apoA-I, B, Cs and E has been ordered. Of thisbatch, 28 of 30 peptides have now been delivered at LUMC and of these 12 have been sent to
LNE for the preparation of reference materials and assessment of their quantity and purity. The
other peptides will be sent once all peptides have been delivered at LUMC. The remaining two
peptides contain cysteines and in these samples dimerization is observed in solution. LNE and
LUMC are working to assess the suitability of these samples to serve as qualitative referencematerials for apoE phenotyping.
Four of the five selected peptides for apo(a) have been prepared and are currently undergoingstability assessment. Importantly. The apo(a) peptide LFLEPTQADIALLK did not dissolve wellinitially and required additional optimization. This has now been resolved and this peptide now
undergoes amino acid analysis to provide a concentration and measurement uncertainty to thematerial.
A commutability study for apo(a) was performed in two parts to assess the suitability of three
types of candidate secondary reference materials. These materials were 1. Transgenic pig purified
apo(a), 2. Recombinant apo(a) of various kringle sizes and 3. Native pooled serum samples. In
46

a second part, the transgenic pig apo(a) was further assessed at higher concentrations. Basedon the commutability study data for apo(a), it is now clear that native serum based secondaryreference materials are the preferred candidate RMs and have to be produced. JRC is working
on the procurement of such materials.
Planned activities in 2021/2022 for this Term of Reference
The planned activities are summarized in the Table below.
item
topic
activity
write manuscript
1
Commutability
study apo(a)submit manuscript2
3
reference measurement write manuscript
procedure development submit manuscript4

who

Deadline

JRC

01/12/2021

JRC

01/01/2022

LUMC

01/12/2021

LUMC

01/01/2022

provide results commutability
assessment to LUMC

UKL/CDC

01/11/2021

organize 3rd harmonization study

LUMC

01/12/2022

measurement of sample and reportingof results

LUMC/UKL/
CDC

01/03/2022

write manuscript transferability/levelof harmonization

LUMC/UKL/
CDC

01/07/2022

9

procure primary peptides

LUMC

01/11/2021

10

initial purity assessment and AAA apos
LNE
A-I and B

01/06/2022

11

provide peptides A-I, B to labs

LNE

01/02/2022

12

initial purity assessment and AAA apo
Cs and E

LNE

01/12/2022

13
14
15
16

provide peptides Cs and E to labs

LNE

01/07/2022

5
6
7
8

referencemeasurement
proceduretransferability

Equimolarity
assessment

Procure protein material A-I, B, Cs and E LUMC

01/12/2021

perform AAA on protein materials

JRC

01/06/2022

AAA of rec apo(a) Dr. Angles-Cano

JRC

01/11/2021

17

perform equimolarity assessment
apo(a)

LUMC

01/01/2022

18

perform equimolarity assessment apo
A1 &B

LUMC, UKL

01/07/2022

19

perform equimolarity assessment apo
Cs and E

LUMC, CDC

31/12/2022

20

effects of peptide-based calibration
apo(a)

LUMC, UKL,
CDC

01/04/2022

effects of peptide-based calibration
apos A-I and B

LUMC, UKL,
CDC

01/10/2022

effects of peptide-based calibration
apos C and E

LUMC, UKL,
CDC

30/04/2022

apo(a) peptides

JRC

30/06/2022

Apo A-I and B peptides

LNE

31/12/2022

Apo Cs and E peptides

LNE

30/06/2023

selection and procurement of materials JRC

31/01/2022

stability assessment

JRC

30/06/2022

value assignment

LUMC, UKL,
CDC

30/06/2022

21

Effect analysis peptide
based calibration

22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

primary referencematerials

secondary referencematerials apo(a)secondary referencematerials apos A-I and B

selection and procurement of materials JRC

31/03/2022

commutability assessment

JRC

30/06/2022

stability assessment

JRC

31/12/2022

value assignment

LUMC, UKL,
CDC

31/12/2022

47

item
32
33
34
35

topic
secondary referencematerials apos C and E

standard taking

activity

who

Deadline

selection and procurement of materials JRC

31/12/2022

stability assessment

JRC

30/06/2022

value assignment

LUMC, UKL,
CDC

30/06/2023

evaluation of recalibration on the
results of IA's

TBD

Term of reference 2. To evaluate clinical performance and clinical utility of serum
apolipoprotein panel(s) for CVD risk stratification and treatment, in comparison to or
together with contemporary blood lipids.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The chair has set up a research collaboration for biomarker analyses with the investigators of alarge RCT with documented cardiovascular outcomes. Biomarker projects have been written andsubsidies have been generated to profile apolipoproteins in about 23.500 samples of individuals
at risk for CVD. Follow-up of the individuals with respect to cardiovascular outcome is available.
Apolipoprotein profiling is currently ongoing at the LUMC. Thus far, the infrastructure to perform
such a large study with bottom-up proteomics for apo profiling is now mostly in place, including
sufficient liquid handlers and LC-MS analysers, as well as a data structure based on the FAIR
principles and semi-automated generation of data reports. The first 1000 samples have beenmeasured and reported to the LIMS so that alle apo data and IQC data are traceable andgenerated under the KCL/LUMC ISO 15189 accreditation.
List planned activities in 2021 for this Term of Reference
Measurement of the samples is planned to take 1 year and was started with a stepwise approachin Q3 2021 at the LUMC. With a throughput capacity of ~500 samples/week, the apo profilingwill be continued. Once all results are reported, the data will be merged with outcome data toassess the value of apolipoprotein profiling in CVD risk assessment, beyond other conventionaland emerging biomarkers

WG – Pancreatic Enzymes (WG-PE) 		
Chair: Denis Grote-Koska (DE)Term of reference 1. Development of a primary reference method for pancreatic amylasein serum
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
In the end of 2020/2021 an interlaboratory comparison between reference laboratories was
performed investigating materials of different origin:- Two human serum pools prepared/provided by the Calibration laboratory in Hannover(Grote-Koska)- Two processed materials prepared/provided by MCA Lab (Weykamp)- Essential reagents were provided by Roche Diagnostics (Weber).
- Materials and reagents were distributed and an Interlaboratory comparison was performed
to check for the status quo of the reference system.
- Four reference laboratories were involved:- RfB-Calibration Laboratory 2 (Denis Grote-Koska, Germany),- Laboratori de Referència d’Enzimologia Clínica (Francesca Canalias Reverter, Spain),- LabWest – HagaZiekenhuis (Marjan Veuger, Netherlands),- Roche Diagnostics (Friederike Weber, Germany).
- In 2021 the evaluation of the results was performed. An online meeting was held and the48

results were considered to be convincing.
- Next steps were defined as:- finding reference material containing both isoenzymes- method comparison with two routine platforms- stability investigation of reagent solutions- investigation of measurement range- estimation of measurement uncertainty
International survey:
Additionally, an international survey was initiated to figure out, what is the focus in pancreaticlab tests concerned to different countries – total amylase, lipase or pancreatic lipase.
The survey is almost finished and will be evaluated in the end of 2021.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
The WG defined some open tasks, before establishment of the reference procedure forpancreas amylase. Investigations of reagent stabilities, measurement range, and the estimationof uncertainty. Furthermore, method comparisons against two routine platforms shall be
performed.
Term of reference 2. Development of a primary reference method for pancreatic Lipase
in SerumNo further activity is planned prior to finalization of Term of Reference 1.
Term of reference 3. Support EC-JRC (Joint Research Centre, Directorate F – Health,Consumers and Reference Materials, formerly IRMM) in studies and certification ofreference materials for enzymes
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
In 2021 stability studies of the new ERM reference material ERM AD456/IFCC of pancreaticamylase were supported in the RfB calibration laboratory in Hannover for EC-JRC (Grote-Koska)
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Activities are depending on the needs of the JRC. So far no plans were communicated.

WG - Faecal Immunochemical Testing (WG-FIT)
Chair: Sally Claire Benton (UK)		

Term of reference 1. To harmonise and/or standardise analysis of haemoglobin in faecal
samples by immunochemistry (FIT)
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
The analytical work and data analysis has all been completed for the harmonisation/ commutability
study. The work was carried out by a small sub-group of the IFCC FIT WG. A report has been
compiled and was sent to the four manufacturers of the FIT systems included in the study in
October 2021. Individual meetings are being held with each company if requested. A summaryof the results will be presented to the IFCC FIT-WG members at the next meeting in November
2021 in Munich.
List planned activities in 2021 for this Term of Reference
The next stages of this study will be discussed at the IFCC FIT WG in November.
Term of reference 2. To establish EQA and 3rd party IQC programmes
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
No progress made in 2021
49

List planned activities in 2021 for this Term of Reference
The FIT-WG will aim to engage with EQA companies to obtain guidance on requirements interms of EQA to help inform the recommendations formed from the group

WG - Cell free DNA and related circulating biomarkers (WG-cfDNA)
Chair: Ron HN van Schaik (NL)
Term of reference 1. To identify and provide guidance on pre-analytical and analyticalaspects for obtaining good and reproducible results for cfDNA and related circulating
biomarkers for clinical use, and to guide the correct clinical implementation of thesebiomarkers
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Projects:a) Defining pre-analytical aspects / drafting guideline → completedb) Defining minimal analytical performancec) Setting up proficiency testing for cfDNA → others did, not needed anymored) Organizing international workshops → hampered by COVID.
e) Defining grant proposals addressing points a) and b)
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Referencea) Re-evaluate the terms of reference and projectsb) Organize 2 cfDNA symposia (One will be June 17, Houten, The Netherlands)c) Extend the collaboration with the European Liquid Biopsy Societyd) Extend the collaboration with EFLM on this topice) Identify and report on the different cfDNA quality programsf) Write a paper on minimal analytical performance for cfDNA analysisg) Update membership WG-cfDNA group

WG - Standardization of Procalcitonin assays (WG-PCT)
Chair: Vincent Delatour (FR)Term of reference 1. Develop and validate a reference measurement procedure for PCT
absolute quantification by Stable Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Validation of a candidate reference measurement procedure for PCT absolute quantification by
Stable Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry is now completed.
Different primary calibrators (peptides and recombinant protein) were produced. Their purity
was characterized by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry, and PCT concentration in calibration
solutions was determined by Amino Acid Analysis (AAA).
In order to improve method’s sensitivity, sample preparation was thoroughly optimized throughdevelopment of different separation methods to extract PCT from the other proteins. The limitof quantification is now 0.25 ng/mL. Method validation is now completed and is the subject to
5 scientific publications. The first paper was published in analytical and bioanalytical chemistryin May 2021 (Anal Bioanal Chem. 2021;413(19):4707-4725). All WG members are identified ascollaborators. This publication was subject to a letter to the editor by Fresenius University (Prof
Schneider, who is a member of IFCC WG-PCT) and a reply from LNE. The letter and the reply
were submitted in May 2021. They are now both accepted and published (Anal Bioanal Chem.
2021;413(19):4917-4919 & Anal Bioanal Chem. 2021;413(19):4921-4922). The fifth publication
describing the candidate reference method with protein-based calibration was submitted toanal chem in 2021 and is under revision.
50

List planned activities for 2022 for this Term of Reference- Finalize publication of the candidate reference method- Submit the candidate reference method to JCTLM database- Investigate possible approaches to improve the limit of detection
Term of reference 2. Document and understand the variability of results provided by thedifferent commercially available PCT assays
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference:
Ten external quality assessment scheme (EQAS) providers from eight different countries wereapproached to share results of their PCT EQAS: ANSM in France, CSCQ in Switzerland, Equalis
in Sweden, Instand and RfB in Germany, Labquality in Finland, Probioqual in France, RCPA
in Australia, SKML in The Netherlands and WEQAS in the UK. Between 2014 to 2020, 2220
routine laboratories conducted 27500 PCT measurements using 137 EQA materials which PCT
concentration ranged from 0.05 ng/mL to 43.66 ng/mL (median 3.02 ng/mL). Different types ofserum-based EQA materials were used : fresh pools not spiked with exogenous PCT, frozenmaterials with and without spiking with exogenous PCT, lyophilized materials with and without
spiking with exogenous PCT. The need to improve comparability of PCT measurements wasevaluated according to between-lab CV%. The mean between lab CV% is 15.6% but greatly
varied across EQA Schemes. In the best cases, a between lab CV of 6-8% was observed,
suggesting that comparability of PCT results is quite satisfactory but in other surveys, between
lab CVs of 20-25% were observed, suggesting that comparability of PCT results is poor andmust be improved. As commutability of EQA materials was not evaluated, it can be speculated
that differences in estimates of between lab agreement is (at least partially) due to variablecommutability levels of the EQA materials. This confirms the need to evaluate commutability of
EQA materials before a conclusion can be made regarding the need to improve comparabilityof PCT assays. A publication was submitted to clinical chemistry but got rejected. It was thenresubmitted to CCLM. The publication is now accepted and published (Clin Chem Lab Med.
2021;59(10):1610-1622)
Collection of large single donations needed for the commutability study is progressing slowly inthe lab of Prof Tsatsanis. This problem is expected to be solved before / during summer 2021
thanks to partners of EMPIR project SEPTIMET. In parallel, small single donations (leftovers)
are collected with the objective to prepare pools that will be used as EQA materials which
commutability will be evaluated : samples are still being collected in the lab of Prof Tsatsanis
and in the lab of Dr Dupuy.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference:
Agreement and correlation between the different PCT assays will be evaluated through aninterlaboratory comparison involving the most popular PCT assays and relying on samples ofproven commutability.
- The design of the study will be finalized with a focus on the following points:- Confirm that frozen samples can be used instead of fresh clinical specimens- Establish a list of know interfering substances with the objective to exclude clinicalspecimens with abnormal / elevated concentration of these compounds- Determination of the volume needed by each routine assay to conduct measurements- Determination of assays precision to determine the number of replicates needed to minimize
uncertainties and the rate of inconclusive results- Determine in what labs measurements will be conducted- Invite EQA providers sharing their materials to include these in the study
Term of reference 3. Evaluate the need for standardization of PCT assays
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference:
EQA data were gathered (see ToR #2) and a review of all published correlation studies was
conducted.
51

The ICHCLR identified PCT standardization as high priority with high clinical impact
Consultation of IVD manufacturers was initiated and reveals that the need and demand forstandardization of PCT assays differs in the two following situations:- BRAHMS licensed assays are all calibrated with the Kryptor method. Assay manufacturers
feel that recalibration of BRAHMS PCT assays is not a priority and possibly appears
undesirable because introducing a new reference system based on IDMS could potentiallyresult in the need to revise clinical decision limits, which could create confusion in theclinical community. However, using an IDMS RMP as stable anchor reference method
would be helpful point would be beneficial to monitor stability of the Kryptor method- For PCT assays other than BRAHMS PCT assays, there is currently no internationallyagreed reference system and there is a need for assay standardization.
All WG members agree that commutable EQA materials are needed to accurately estimate
between-method agreement.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference:
Organize a commutability study coupled with a correlation study (October 2022?)
Pursue stakeholder consultation
Maintain and extend manufacturers’ involvement
Term of reference 4. Evaluate the feasibility for standardization of PCT assays
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference:
Feasibility for standardization of PCT assays will be evaluated after activities planned within ToR
1 and 2 have been completed
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference:
Evaluate if the candidate reference method by mass spectrometry is sufficiently robust at PCT
concentration of interest and enables to properly establish results traceability to the SI Units
with sufficiently low measurements uncertainty.
Evaluate the correlation between the different commercially available PCT assays and thecandidate reference method by mass spectrometry.
Seek for manufacturers’ involvement and willingness to implement a new traceability chain.
Term of reference 5. Perform standardization of PCT assays, if needed and feasible.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference:
The need and feasibility for standardization of PCT assays first need to be evaluated.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference:
PCT assays will be standardized:
If the IDMS method meets the necessary performance specifications,
If the variability of results provided by the different commercially available PCT assays is
considered unacceptable and can be improved through common calibration with commutablesecondary calibrators
If correlation between the IDMS method and routine assays is sufficient
If most assay manufacturers agree recalibrating their assays

WG - Continuous Glucose Monitoring (WG-CGM)
Chair: Guido Freckmann (DE)Term of Reference 1. Work package 1 (WP 1): Establish a Traceability Chain to a Defined
Measurand
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference52Performance of two conference calls and an e-mail conversation with discussions aboutbackground information and the methods. Establishment of a final consensus document for
WP-1 and finalization of this Term of Reference. Publication of summarized results in Clinica
Chimica Acta (doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.12.025)
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
None / completed.
Term of Reference 2.
Work package 2 (WP 2): CGM Analytical Performance: Procedures & Metrics
1. Establish procedures suitable for assessment of analytical performance of CGM
systems,
2. Establish metrics and corresponding minimum acceptance criteria for the analytical
performance of CGM systems.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Performance of four conference calls and an on-going e-mail conversation with discussions
about background information, methods and the next steps. Creation and start of WP-2
supporting projects:
Project 1: Acceptance Criteria and Measurement Procedures for Comparison Measurements
Project 2: Distribution of Glucose Concentration and Glucose Rate of Change (ROC)
Project 3: Graphical Display of Accuracy
The work on WP-2 will be continued and finalized after further feedback has been received anddata from WP-2 Supporting Projects are available.
A discussion of the first project results is planned as hybrid meeting during EuroMedLab
Congress in Munich.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Further discussions and input to this work package via conference calls and via e-mail. Next
virtual meeting will take place at the beginning of 2022. A consensus document of WP-2 will be
prepared and this Term of Reference will be finalized.
Term of Reference 3. Work package 3 (WP 3): Work with ISO on a New CGM Guideline.
Establishment of standardized procedures and acceptance criteria for CGM systems,
covering mechanical and electromagnetic safety, analytical performance, and ease ofuse (analogous to ISO 15197 for blood glucose monitoring systems).
Cooperation with ISO should be aimed for, if the International Organization for Standardization(ISO) is interested:
The working group is intended to cooperate with ISO to define acceptable procedures andacceptance criteria used to assess analytical performance criteria of CGM systems, with similar
scope as that of ISO 15197, which defines procedures and acceptance criteria for systems for
self-monitoring of blood glucose. In the future, CGM will also play a role in hospitals. Criteria for
the use in in-clinic settings need to be established as well.
List 2021 accomplishments for this Term of Reference
Not started yet.
List planned activities in 2022 for this Term of Reference
Planned contact and cooperation with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
WG-Development of a Reference Measurement System For Sustainable Pt/Inr
Standardization (WG- Pt/Inr)
Chair: Christa Cobbaert (NL)
Term of reference 1. To develop a harmonized reference measurement procedure based on53the WHO Manual Tilt Tube (MTT) technique as well as a complete reference measurement
system for global standardization of the PT/INR test. An entire reference measurement
system is essential to anchor PT/INR test results to the International Standards forthromboplastin to assure longitudinal accuracy of PT/INR-test results in time and space
List planned activities in 2021 for this Term of Reference
Expanding the IFCC WG including ISTH/WHO representatives, calibration labs, clinician andcorporate representatives from industry.
The working group on PT/INR RMS development will work in parallel along two lines:
1. Development of a harmonized MTT as a Candidate Measurement Procedure in a network of
WHO calibration labs (see Term of reference # 4).
2. Selecting and defining a suitable candidate Reference Material as part of the metrologicaltraceability chain to be set up for the development of a sustainable Reference Measurement
System that allows global PT/INR standardization.
Term of reference 2. To review the agreed WHO procedure for calculating ISI of new
international standards as the procedure should not lead to deterioration of the traceabilityof PT/INR test results with every replacement of international standards.
List of planned activities in 2021 for this Term of Reference
Reconsideration of the agreed WHO procedure for ISI assignment to primary thromboplastin
reference materials based on averaging, as well as the necessity of the co-existence of two
primary reference materials.
The effect is shown and discussed that the ISI for each new international standard for humanrecombinant thromboplastin obtained with the agreed procedure is higher than the ISI obtained
from “ like vs. like” calibration. This will be continued this year until mid-2022
Term of reference 3. To evaluate alternatives for the co-existence of conventional humanrecombinant and rabbit thromboplastin reference materials and the ISI averaging
procedure, leading to metrological discontinuity in PT/INR standardization.
List of planned activities in 2021 for this Term of Reference
Requirements of a suitable candidate Reference Material for PT/INR standardization arepresented explained by a historical point of view.
A single primary International Standard is required (from metrological point of view) and all
secondary standards should be calibrated against the primary standard.
Discussion paper on replacement of International standards for thromboplastins will be a main
topic on November 23rd IFCC-ISTH virtual meeting. Input and support from the IVD-industry
and all ISTH-stakeholders is essential!
Term of reference 4. To establish a network of at least three calibration labs running theharmonized MTT method for certifying the calibration of commercial thromboplastinsfrom IVD-manufacturers.
List planned activities in 2021 for this Term of Reference
Established a network including four calibration labs
Two step approach: first harmonization of the MTT before standardization the MTT.
Distribution of Ring trial 2021-01 September 1st virtual meeting calibration labs to discuss ringtrial 2021 results.
Distribution of a Test Survey September 1st November: Organization of a physical workshop
on location Leiden for the members of the four calibration labs, to refine and harmonize all thedetails of the Manual Tilt Tube technique (MTT).
Criterion: reducing interoperator variability to CVa of ~1.5% or less, so that end-users test

54

results are fit-for-clinical purpose.
Setting up Analytical Performance Specifications (APS) for the PT/INR Reference Measurement
System and for the total traceability chain.
In response to the successful workshop in November 2021 where consensus has been reachedon all procedural details of the MTT, more ring trials (or test surveys) will be organized in 2022
for further harmonizing the MTT procedure among the four calibration labs and its operators.
The MTT-procedural refinements and details which were agreed among the participants of theworkshop, will be described in the SOP and ideally published as an addendum to the alreadypublished MTT procedure.

Publications by Committees and Working Groups:
C-NPU:
There has not been a publication in 2021.
- PROPERTIES AND UNITS IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES PART XXVI Piloting
NPU-SNOMED CT Mapping, publishing in IUPAC’s Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC)- NPU codes for characterizing subpopulations of the hematopoietic linage, described fromtheir Clusters of Differentiation (CD) markers, publishing in IUPAC’s Pure and Applied
Chemistry (PAC)- PROPERTIES AND UNITS IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES PART XXVII Online
Dynamic NPU Manual, publishing in IUPAC’s Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC)- PROPERTIES AND UNITS IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES PART XXV
Guidelines for the basic vocabulary of the NPU Terminology – the NPU Element Terms
C-MD:- Clin Chim Acta. 2021 Aug;519:239-246. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.05.004. Epub 2021 May
8. Current and future challenges in quality assurance in molecular diagnostics. Parviz
Ahmad-Nejad, Tester Ashavaid, Aldo Vacaflores Salinas, Jim Huggett , Kathryn Harris,Mark W Linder, Katarina Baluchova, Werner Steimer, Deborah A Payne, IFCC Committee
for Molecular Diagnostics (C-MD)
C-TLM
The results of RELA2021 are published on the website (http://www.dgkl-rfb.de:81).
C-STFT
Accepted- Vesper HW, Van Uytfanghe K, Hishinuma A, Raverot V, Patru MM, Danilenko U, van
Herwaarden T, Shimizu E Implementing reference systems for thyroid function tests – A
collaborative effort. Clin Chim Acta 2021;519:183-186
In preparation- Ribera A, Zhang L, Dabbs-Brown A, Sugahara O, Poynter K, Van Uytfanghe K, Shimizu
E, van Herwaarden T, Botelho JC, Danilenko U, Vesper HW. Development of equilibrium
dialysis ID-UPLC-MS/MS candidate reference measurement procedure for free thyroxine
in human serum. (in preparation)- Standard Operating Procedure “Reference Measurement Procedure for Determinationof Free Thyroxine in Human Serum by Equilibrium Dialysis Isotope Dilution-liquid
chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID LC-MS/MS) “.

55

- Ribera A, Ribeiro CMB, Poynter K, Botelho JC, Van Uytfanghe K, Danilenko U, Vesper HW.
Preanalytical considerations for free thyroxine and triiodothyronine assays. (in preparation)
C-BM- Analytical Performance Specifications for 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Examinations- Etienne Cavalier, Callum G. Fraser, Harjit P. Bhattoa, Annemieke C. Heijboer, Konstantinos
Makris, Candice Z. Ulmer, Hubert W. Vesper, Samuel Vasikaran, Pierre Lukas, Pierre
Delanaye, Anna Carobene, on behalf of the IFCC-IOF Committee for Bone Metabolism
Nutrients. 2021 Feb; 13(2): 431. Published online 2021 Jan 28. doi: 10.3390/nu1302043- Recommendations on the measurement and the clinical use of vitamin D metabolites andvitamin D binding protein - A position paper from the IFCC Committee on bone metabolism.
Makris K, Bhattoa HP, Cavalier E, Phinney K, Sempos CT, Ulmer CZ, Vasikaran SD, Vesper
H, Heijboer AC. Clin Chim Acta. 2021 Jun;517:171-197. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.03.002.
Epub 2021 Mar 10. PMID: 33713690- A Multicenter Study to Evaluate Harmonization of Assays for C-Terminal Telopeptides of TypeI Collagen (ss-CTX): A Report from the IFCC-IOF Committee for Bone Metabolism (C-BM).
Cavalier E, Eastell R, Jørgensen NR, Makris K, Tournis S, Vasikaran S, Kanis JA, Cooper C,
Pottel H, Morris HA; IFCC-IOF Committee for Bone Metabolism (C-BM). Calcif Tissue Int.
2021 Jun;108(6):785-797. doi: 10.1007/s00223-021-00816-5. Epub 2021 Mar 4- The path to the standardization of PTH: Is this a realistic possibility? a position paper of the
IFCC C-BM. Cavalier E, Vasikaran S, Bhattoa HP, Heijboer AC, Makris K, Ulmer CZ. Clin
Chim Acta. 2021 Apr;515:44-51. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.12.022. Epub 2021 Jan 4. PMID:
33412144- Analytical considerations and plans to standardize or harmonize assays for the referencebone turnover markers PINP and β-CTX in blood. Bhattoa HP, Cavalier E, Eastell R, Heijboer
AC, Jørgensen NR, Makris K, Ulmer CZ, Kanis JA, Cooper C, Silverman SL, Vasikaran
SD; IFCC-IOF Committee for Bone Metabolism. Clin Chim Acta. 2021 Apr;515:16-20. doi:
10.1016/j.cca.2020.12.023. Epub 2020 Dec 28. PMID: 33382995- European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): within- and between-subject biologicalvariation estimates of β-CTX, PINP, osteocalcin, intact-FGF 23 and uCuP-MGP - acooperation between the EFLM Working Group on Biological Variation and the International
Osteoporosis Foundation-International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Committee on BoneMetabolism. Cavalier E, Lukas P, Bottani M, Aarsand AK, Ceriotti F, Coşkun A, Díaz-Garzón
J, Fernàndez-Calle P, Guerra E, Locatelli M, Sandberg S, Carobene A; European Federationof Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Biological Variation and
IOF-IFCC Committee on Bone Metabolism Osteoporos Int. 2020 Aug;31(8):1461-1470.
doi: 10.1007/s00198-020-05362-8. Epub 2020 Apr 8. PMID: 32270253- Harmonization of commercial assays for PINP; the way forward. Vasikaran SD, Bhattoa HP,
Eastell R, Heijboer AC, Jørgensen NR, Makris K, Ulmer C, Kanis JA, Cooper C, Silverman
S, Cavalier E. Osteoporos Int. 2020 Mar;31(3):409-412. doi: 10.1007/s00198-020-05310-6.
- A multicenter study to evaluate harmonization of assays for N-terminal propeptide of type
I procollagen (PINP): a report from the IFCC-IOF Joint Committee for Bone Metabolism.
Cavalier E, Eastell R, Rye Jørgensen N, Makris K, Tournis S, Vasikaran S, Kanis JA,
Cooper C, Pottel H, Morris HA; IFCC-IOF Joint Committee for Bone Metabolism (C-BM).
Clin Chem Lab Med. 2019 Sep 25;57(10):1546-1555. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2019-0174
WG-SHbA2
The roadmap as published (Mosca A, Paleari R, Harteveld CL, on behalf of the IFCC ICSH Joint

56

Working Group for standardization of HbA2. A roadmap for the standardization of hemoglobin
A2. Clin Chim Acta 2021;512:185-90), is leading the activities of this WG for this year and forthe next years.
WG-CMT		- Miller WG, Greenberg N, Budd J, Delatour V, for the IFCC Working Group on Commutability.
The evolving role of commutability in metrological traceability. Clin Chim Acta 2021;514:84-9
WG-ID			There has not been a publication in 2021.
WG-APO MS
A manuscript on the establishment of an SI-traceable Reference Measurement System forapolipoproteins as envisioned by our WG was published in Clin Chem:
Cobbaert, C., Althaus, H., Begcevic, I., Ceglarek, U., Coassin, S., Delatour, V., Deprez, L.,
Dikaios, I., Dittrich, L., Hoofnagle, A., Kostner, G., Kronenberg, F., Kuklenyik, Z., Prinzing, U.,
Vesper, H., Zegers, I. and Ruhaak, L.R., Towards an SI-traceable Reference Measurement
System for seven Serum Apolipoproteins using bottom-up Quantitative Proteomics: Conceptual
Approach enabled by Cross-Disciplinary/Cross-Sector Collaboration, CLINICAL CHEMISTRY,ISSN 0009-9147, 67 (3), 2021, p. 478-489.
This publication is accompanied by an AACC podcast: https://www.aacc.org/scienceand-research/clinical-chemistry/clinical-chemistry-podcasts/2021/si-traceable-referencemeasurement-system-for-seven-serum-apolipoproteins
Based on the publication, the chair was invited by A Hoofnagle to contribute to a Q&A on the
topic of higher order protein measurements by LC-MS. Hoofnagle AN, Cobbaert CM, Delatour
V, Kelleher NL, Lowenthal MS, Shuford CM. Should LC-MS/MS Be the Reference Measurement
Procedure to Determine Protein Concentrations in Human Samples? Clin Chem. 2021 Mar
1;67(3):466-471. doi: 10.1093/clinchem/hvaa256. PMID: 33279988; PMCID: PMC7935753.
A supportive editorial by Brian Rapport in the same Clin Chem issue valued the importance of
the IFCC WG APO-MS efforts on establishing an SI-traceable RMS for apolipoproteins! Brian
A Rappold Clinical Chemistry, Volume 67, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages 461–462, https://doi.
org/10.1093/clinchem/hvaa335
A transition letter and infographic have been prepared and published on the IFCC website toguide IVD-manufacturers in their transition from old to new RMS for apo AI, B and (a).
https://www.ifcc.org/media/478995/210519_cdc_update_who-ifcc_apomaterials_def.pdf
https://www.ifcc.org/media/479001/210514_ifcc-apo-traceability_infographic_def.pdf
Two manuscripts are in preparation:
One manuscript describes the results of the commutability study for apo(a), in which also thesuitability of the currently used approach for commutability assessment is assessed.
A second manuscript describes the development and provisional validation of the candidate
LC-MS based reference method.
WG-FIT
The following paper has been published in Clinica Chimica Acta journal.
- Faecal Immunochemical Tests for Haemoglobin: Analytical Challenges and Potential
Solutions Sally C Benton1 (0000-0001-9230-9088) Erin Symonds2,3 (0000-0003-245157

0358), Natasha Djedovic4, Samantha Jones5, Liesbet Deprez6 (0000-0002-6895-0382),
Petr Kocna7 (0000-0002-7509-2734), Josep Maria Auge8 (0000-0001-6383-7308) on
behalf of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Faecal Immunochemical Test
Working Group (IFCC FIT-WG)
WG-cfDNA- Danesi R, Lo YMD, Oellerich M, Beck J, Galbiati S, Del Re M, Lianidou E, Neumaier M,
van Schaik RHN. “What do we need to obtain high quality circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)
for routine diagnostic test in Oncology? – Considerations on pre-analytical aspects by the
IFCC workgroup cfDNA”. Clin Chim Acta (2021) Sep;520:168-171. PMID 34081934
WG-PCT- Activities conducted by IFCC WG-PCT are described in a paper that was accepted
early January 2021 for publication in the IFCC SD Special issue of CCA (Clin Chim Acta.
2021;515:111-121)- Results of the PCT EQA schemes and an analysis of all published correlation studies are
subject to a publication that was published in CCLM (Clin Chem Lab Med. 2021;59(10):16101622)- An article describing optimization of the sample preparation of the candidate reference
method was published in analytical and bioanalytical chemistry in May 2021 (Anal Bioanal
Chem. 2021;413(19):4707-4725). All WG members are identified as collaborators.
- This publication was recently subject to a letter to the editor submitted by Fresenius
University (Prof Schneider, who is a member of IFCC WG-PCT) and a reply from LNE
that were published (Anal Bioanal Chem. 2021;413(19):4917-4919 & Anal Bioanal Chem.
2021;413(19):4921-4922).
- The fifth publication describing the candidate reference method with protein-based
calibration was submitted to anal chem in 2021 and is under revision.
WG-CGM
Standardization process of continuous glucose monitoring: traceability and performance.
Published in Clinica Chimica Acta, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2020.12.025
Continuous Glucose Monitoring – What should be optimized and considered in the future?
Scientific short, published online at American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), 2021.
https://www.aacc.org/science-and-research/scientific-shorts/2021/continuous-glucosemonitoring-what-should-be-optimized-and-considered-in-the-future.
WG-CDT
Clin Lab International - CDT: a truly traceable and specific biomarker for chronic alcohol
misuse. JD. Feb/Mar21,18-19.
WG-PT INR
- Antonius M. H. P. van den Besselaar, Claudia J. J. van Rijn, Charmane F. Abdoel, Veena
Chantarangkul, Erica Scalambrino, Steve Kitchen, Armando Tripodi, Anita M. Woolley,
Lidia Padovan and Christa M. Cobbaert. Paving the way for establishing a reference
measurement system for standardization of plasma prothrombin time: Harmonizing themanual tilt tube method. DOI:10.1111/jth.14873 J Thromb Haemost. 2020;18:1986–1994.
- Antonius M H P van den Besselaar, Claudia J J van Rijn, Charmane F Abdoel, Christa M
Cobbaert. Bias and uncertainty of the International Normalized Ratio determined with a58

whole blood point-of-care prothrombin time test device by comparison to a new International
Standard for thromboplastin. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.02.018. Thrombosis Research
202 (2021) 1–7.
- Antonius M. H. P. Van Den Besselaar and Christa M. Cobbaert. Effect of the reaction
temperature on the prothrombin time and the apparent International Normalized Ratio
determined with International Standards for thromboplastins. Int J Lab Hematol 2021;00:1–6.
WG-CSF
Validation of the LUMIPULSE automated immunoassay for the measurement of core AD
biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid Clin Chem Lab Med. 2021 Nov 15;60(2):207-219.

Philippe Gillery, SD Chair and Joseph Passarelli, SD Secretary59

EDUCATION AND MANAGEMENT DIVISION (EMD)
Prof. Nader Rifai’s first term as the new Chair started on 1st January 2021.
The EMD EC met 4 times in 2021 via Zoom:- Wednesday, January 27th,- Wednesday, May 12th,- Wednesday, June 9th, and- Monday, Nov 29th. This meeting was held as a Zoom substitute for the postponed
EuroMedLab 2021 Munich meeting.
Meetings with the chairs:- During the two meetings of May and June appointments were also held with Chairs of EMD
Committees, Working Groups, and Special Projects.
Opening/Closing of the functional groups:- Working Group on Harmonisation of Interpretive Comments EQA (WG-ICQA) was
terminated in agreement with the IFCC Executive Board.
- Working Group on Personal Support (WG-PS) will be terminated in agreement with the
IFCC Executive Board
COVID-19 pandemic impact:- Many of the on-site activities planned for 2021 by the EMD functional groups that involved
face-to-face meetings/workshops and symposia were either postponed, canceled, or held
virtually. This was in particular the case for the VLP program. Nevertheless, the functionalgroups did great efforts to keep most of their working plan fulfilled, and they met mostly
via online meetings.

Activities of the functional groups in 2021 in detail.
9.02.04 Clinical Molecular Biology Curriculum (C-CMBC)
Chair: Verena Haselmann
1. The annual meeting of the C-CMBC Committee team took place in March 2021 as a
web-based meeting. We agreed on nominating Prof. Russomando as a new member of
the C-CMBC and decided to postpone our courses until the current health care situation
improves.
2. The first C-CMBC Advanced Course was evaluated by the chair and the evaluation wasprovided to all committee members. We have been in contact with Prof. Aylin Sepici
Dincel from Turkey and she is interested in hosting the next basic and advanced course
in Turkey. She would be willing to host the advanced course in January 2022 and thecommittee agreed to discuss with IFCC whether this can be considered as a postponed
2021 course.
3. We have summarized all in-silico training and assay validation as a training/homeworkbook for the Advanced Molecular Genetics Course. This activity is ongoing.
4. Unfortunately, until now it was not possible to conduct the 2nd C-CMBC advanced
course. As mentioned under Activity 2, we are in contact with Turkey to host this course
in January as a postponed 2021 course in case IFCC agrees.
5. We identified Turkey as the next hosting society for the C-CMBC beginner´s course in
2022. The homework book, experiments, and on-site training book were revised. The
pre-course needed to be postponed to 2022.
6. Due to the health care situation, it was unfortunately not possible to conduct the course
in 2021, and thus the next course has to take place in 2022.
60

7. As it will not be possible to completely transform these (partly web lab and mainly in-silico
onsite training/course) into an online format, we have identified the one-day pre-coursepart of the C-CMBC beginner´s course as a potential online-format suitable training
unit. Thus, we will provide the basics of molecular genetics including the structure andfunction of nucleic acids, the principle of transcription and translation as well as theprinciple of PCR as online tutorials. This is still a work in progress.
8. As a result of the beginner´s course in La Paz, Bolivia, our junior member Dr. Rodrigo
Pessoa Rejas has extended his specialization in Genetics by undertaking a six-month
hospitation at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry of the University Hospital in Mannheim,
Germany. He finished this in August 2021. A report was written and published in IFCC
eNews.

9.02.07 Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine (C-EBLM)
Chair: Annalise Zemlin
1. Submission of Talks to IFCC eAcademy.
Proposed for 2021:
All members of the committee to submit at least one talk each in 2021. Need to find out
who will be evaluating talks as the Education Committee has been discontinued.
Outcome 2021:
Talks submitted previous years loaded to eAcademy
SB and RK submitted talks – talks by SB evaluated by Prof Langman and approved
Need to confirm who will be taking over from Education Committee – talks not yet uploaded
2. EBLM Questionnaire and Survey
Proposed for 2021:
The original survey has been translated from Spanish and after input from all committee
members, will be submitted for publication.
Abstract comparing surveys will be prepared and submitted for IFCC Congress in Munich
2021.
Outcome 2021:
NG lost all files when moved to a new position. Attempted to write abstract but realizedthat not possible with lost data. Activity had to be terminated.
3. Guideline Review
Proposed 2021:
Committee to be trained on the use of AGREE tool
Guideline appraisal
Outcome 2021:
Guideline appraisal project postponed due to pandemic and workloads
4. Congress Attendance
Proposed 2021:
IFCC Virtual Congress on COVID-19 (February 2021) – AEZ invited speaker
Munich 2021 – committee to submit abstracts for a poster presentation.
Seoul 2022 – SB invited speaker in EBLM symposium
Kolkata 2021 – possible symposium if not canceled due to COVID-19
COLABIOCLI 2022 – Application submitted for funding to present a symposium (AEZ,
NG, SB, RK)
Outcome 2021:
a. AZ presented at IFCC Virtual Congress on COVID-19 - Biochemical Lab tests in
61

COVID-19
Could not submit to Munich as survey data was lost and the project had to be terminatedSeoul postponed to 2022 - SB
Kolkata canceled due to COVID-19
Application to COLABIOCLI unsuccessful
AACC 2022/23 – possible University Day being discussed
5. Possible publications 2021
Proposed 2021
The committee has been approached by the editor of Clinical Biochemistry to participate
in a special edition – committee to submit 2-4 manuscripts
Outcome 2021
Not successful due to pandemic and workload
6. IFCC Webinars
Proposed 2021
Committee to present one webinar in 2021
Outcome 2021
Successful webinar 8 September 2021
Title – Evidence-based laboratory medicine - Chair AEZ
Speakers:
Introduction to EBLM (SB)Guideline Implementation (ADW)
Point of Care Testing and Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine – does it leverage any
advantage in clinical decision making? (KRC)
7. EBLM Website and social media
Proposed 2021
Possibility of starting blogs discussed
Outcome 2021
Not successful due to pandemic and workload
8. Meetings
Proposed 2021
Quarterly conference calls – all full and corresponding members
Annual General Meeting – Munich November 2021
Outcome 2021
Meetings held using Zoom in 2021: 24 May, 14 July, 16 August, and 13 October
Annual General Meeting to be held in Munich 29 November 2021. AEZ and ADW will attend
in person – Zoom link has been sent to other members, consultants, and corresponding
members. This Meeting has been postponed to Munich April 2022.
9. Additional activities – work on behalf of the committee not stated in the 2021 work
plan AEZ:
Invited speaker at Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) India
Virtual Conference 27 March 2021 – title EBLM and Laboratory Audits as Quality Tools
Invited speaker at Mumbai Tata Memorial Department of Clinical Biochemistry CME
28 August 2021- title Clinical Decision Limits in Evidence-based Guidelines – What theClinician does not Realise
Invited speaker Unibadan Conference of Biomedical Research – Nigeria13-18 September
2021 – title Application of Evidence-based Laboratory Medicine in the Age of Personalised
Medicine
62

Invited Plenary speaker 7th Annual Conference for The Saudi Society for Clinical Chemistry 1
December 2021 – title Clinical Decision Limits in Evidence-based Guidelines
ADW:
AACC 2021 University Course - lecture on Current Guidelines in Endocrinology for 40 mins.
KRC:
2 Spanish talks for the Mexican Society of Chemistry (CONQUILAB) June and October 2021
SB:
Organising Committee Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) India Virtual
Conference 27 March 2021
Invited speaker 4th Pathology Research and Development Congress (South Africa) – title The
sigma metrics paradigm in lean laboratory services
Invited speaker at Mumbai Tata Memorial Department of Clinical Biochemistry CME 28 August2021 – title Therapeutic monitoring of biochemical parameters in COVID-19 – what is theevidence?
Invited to chair and convene a symposium titled “Leadership and Management” for ACBI 12-15
December 2021 in collaboration with IFCC-EBLM. Also speaker for this session. Title: “Leadersand Leadership - What do we need?”
RK:
Invited speaker ACBI Meeting India December 2021 – title: Evidence-based test utilization &stewardship of resources: Lab management responsibility
NG:
Senior author article: An opportunity to emphasize the relevance of laboratory medicine. Adv Lab
Med 2021; 2(3): 432–440 - published on behalf of the committee. Xavier Filella (corresponding
member of C-EBLM was a co-author.
CF:
Virtual presentation on EBLM to the RCPA-AACB Chemical Pathology Course (online). 16th
Feb 2021

9.02.09 Clinical Laboratory Management (C-CLM)
Chair: Praveen Sharma
1. To perform one conference call meeting.
Performed on May 01, 2021, via Zoom with the attendance of all full members and four
corresponding members.
The next meeting of C-CLM was due during Euromedlab 2021 in Munich, Germany. This
Meeting has been postponed to Seoul June 2022.
2. To complete the textual learning materials and record the presentations associated withpursuing the workshops related to the Laboratory Leadership Training Certificate Programby the second quarter of 2021.
Editing work is in progress.
3. This project is due and postponed to Q2 in 2022 for publishingTo finish the monographentitled “Practical Approaches to Quality Systems Set-up for Compliance with theInternationally – Acceptable Requirements” (formerly known as a joint monograph with
C-AQ, the title has been revised) which have been under review during 2018-2020 andpublish it within the first quarter of 2021.
a. Editing work is in progress.
b. This project is due and postponed to Q1 in 2022 for publishing
4. To conduct at least one symposia/workshop/virtual program with regard to the pursuitsof C-CLM.
63

C-CLM members will present a symposium at the 7th Regional Congress of the African Federation
for Clinical Chemistry (AFCC) to be held between the 10th to the 12th of November, 2021. It isbeing organized by the Biomedical Society of Zambia (BMSZ). The details are as below:
Symposia title: Planning and structuring the stakeholder relations in the laboratory
management
Chair – Praveen Sharma
Topics and Speakers:
Strategies for effective conflict management in the workplace - Sedef Yenice
Becoming a skilled communicator in clinical laboratory management - Merve Sibel Gungoren
The impacts of Ethics and Value in laboratory medicine -Praveen Sharma
C-CLM members will present a symposium at the 47th Annual Conference of the Association ofClinical Biochemists of India (ACBICON 2021) to be held virtually from 13th to 15th December
2021. The details are as below:
Symposium Theme: Improving laboratory value through utilization and management
Date and Time of Presentation: 15th December afternoon (14 h tentatively) (IST)
Chairperson: Sedef Yenice
Topics and Speakers:
Ed Randell: High Impact initiatives that improve laboratory utilization
Raja Elina: Expanding Opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Improving Laboratory
Value
Merve Sibel Gungoren: Usıng Laboratory Data and Informatıcs to Improve Test Utilization andManagement
Praveen Sharma: Value-based Laboratory Medicine Practice: Opportunities and Challenges
To provide one webinar for the IFCC webinar program 2021.
C-CLM members (Praveen Sharma, Merve Gungoren, and Ed Randell) participated in an IFCC
Live Webinar on Risk Management (10th May 2021)
Topic: Risk Management in Clinical Laboratories
Moderator: Sedef Yenice
Topic and Speakers:
Overview of Risk Management - Merve Sibel Gungoren
Process of Risk Management – Praveen Sharma
Risk Management and Continuous Improvement – Ed Randell
To produce the following monographs within the second quarter of 2021 which have been inprogress in 2019-2020: a. Basic Problem-Solving Tools or Basic Tools for Quality Improvement b.
Project Management Basics for Laboratory Leaders
The release for publication is planned for Q2 in 2022.
To survey on issues related to laboratory management.
Work is in progress and ideas for plausible survey topics are being discussed among members
and corresponding members.
8. Additional activities – not stated in 2021 work plan
PS was invited as a speaker to the 31st Malaysian Association of Clinical Biochemists (MACB)
conference held virtually from 21st to 22nd June 2021. He delivered a talk on “Management
Responsibility in Good Laboratory Practice”.

64

PS was an invited speaker and delivered a symposia talk on “COVID-19 laboratory diagnosis in
India” at the Laboratory Medicine Congress & Exhibition & KSLM 62nd Annual Meeting (LMCE2021), held virtually from September 30 to October 2, 2021.
PS was an invited speaker and delivered a talk on “POCT in Developing Countries” in POCT:
Making The Point held in Rome on 6th and 7th September 2021.
ER was an invited speaker and delivered a talk on “Leading POCT networks: operating POCT
programs across multiple sites involving vast geographical areas and rural communities.: Making
The Point held in Rome on 6th and 7th September 2021
C-CLM members submitted an AACC University Course entitled The Laboratory Leader as
Strategist: Extending Boundaries for Clinical Laboratory Influence and Impact
MG was an invited speaker and delivered a talk on “Data-Driven Laboratory Management” at theAnnual Scientific Conference of the Clinical Chemistry Association of Kenya (CCAK) in October
2021.
9. Additional information
The 2nd term of Prof Mathias Orth in C-CLM came to an end in December 2020.
C-CLM welcomed a new Full member Prof Raja Elina from Malaysia. She started her first term in
March 2021.
A symposium proposal of C-CLM on ”Essential leadership skills: shaping future leaders for
success in laboratory management” was accepted by the IFCC WorldLab Seoul congressorganizing committee for May 27, 2020,
has now been postponed to the new dates as announced by IFCC in 2022.
The functional meeting of C-CLM was scheduled on May 26, 2020, at the IFCC WorlLab Congressin Seoul, South Korea. Due to the postponement of IFCC Worldlab, the functional meeting of
IFCC C-CLM was scheduled to be held during EuroMedLab 2021. Due to the postponement of
the EuroMedLab this Meeting has been postponed to Seoul June 2022.
C-CLM submitted a symposia proposal entitled “Sustaining high-quality clinical laboratory
services in a rapidly changing world” for the COLABIOCLI Regional Federation Congress, Leon,
Mexico, 2022. The symposia proposal has been accepted.
Symposium Title - Sustaining high-quality clinical laboratory services in a rapidly changing world
Date: April 1st, 2022 from 11:30 to 15:30 hours (US CT) with simultaneous translation EnglishSpanish-English.
Topics and Speakers:
Utilization Management – Sedef Yenice
Balancing POCT and Centralized Lab testing – Prasenjit Mitra
Assuring compliance to standards with diverse service delivery models – Ed Randell
Integrated continuous process improvement in all laboratory diagnostic testing modalities –Praveen Sharma
C-CLM members have submitted a proposal for AACC University for the 2022 AACC Annual
Scientific Meeting to be held July 24 – 28, 2022 at the McCormick Place convention center in
Chicago, IL.
Proposal Title: Laboratory strategic leadership plan towards improving value-based laboratory
utilization.
Moderator: Edward Randell
Topics and Speakers:
Edward Randell: Changing Leadership Mindsets for Addressing Critical Issues in the Laboratory
and Adopting Disruptive Change
Sedef Yenice: From Competency Models to Collective Leadership: New Mindsets for Laboratory
Leaders; and Developing Strategic Thinking skills and tools in decision making
Edward Randell: Leveraging disruption toward positive change; and sustainable laboratory
services by design.
Matthias Orth: Transitioning laboratory leadership focus from clinical partners to broader healthcare
65partners; and Performance innovation: New and “outside-the-box” approaches to improving
analytical performance and quality systems.
Praveen Sharma: Laboratory strategic leadership plan towards improving value-based laboratory
utilization.
10. Publications
Mitra P, Misra S, Sharma P. Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Biochemistry: Indian Scenario. Ind J
Clin Biochem (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-021-01003-x
Mitra P, Sharma P. POCT in developing countries. eJIFCC 2021 Vol 32 No 2 pp195-199.
Mitra P, Misra S, Sharma P. One Year of COVID-19: The “New Normal”. Ind J Clin Biochem (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-020-00954-x
Edward W. Randell, Thakur V. Leading POCT networks: operating POCT programs across multiple
sites involving vast geographical areas and rural communities. eJIFCC 2021 Vol 32 No 2 pp 179189.

9.02.11 Education in the Use of Biomarkers in Diabetes (C-EUBD)
Chair: Emma English
COVID 19 has significantly impacted the development and implementation of plans for 2021,
whilst some work has been restarted and some has been re-focused, other activities have had
to be paused for another year.
1. Continue to provide oversight of IFCC HbA1c Reference Laboratory network.
This activity has continued in conjunction with the European Reference Laboratory andthe associated laboratories of the network.
2. Continue to develop the EuroA1c study, expanding into new countries. To write an update
paper describing the current situation of HbA1c quality based on Sigma metrics.
The EurA1c trial has been continued in an adjusted format due to the restrictions in the
supply of blood donors and global logistical difficulties. Reports of the latest data havebeen circulated to EurA1c trial laboratories and an article is in draft.
3. Restart initiative with the German Laboratory and Diabetes National Societies to introduce
standardised reporting of results across Germany. This will be a long-term project taking
several years to complete.
This project has been revisited and is ongoing, identification of key stakeholders has been
undertaken and a summary of key issues drafted. This project has been revisited and isongoing, identification of key stakeholders has been undertaken and a summary of key
issues drafted.
4. Continue planning the two postponed Symposia at the IFCC WorldLab meeting in Seoul;
now to be delivered in 2022. We are hoping this will take place in June 2022.
5. Finalise presentation to be given at IFCC-EFLM EuroMedLab Munich 2021. Postponed
till April 2021.
6. Finalise the WHO Laboratory Handbook. This has been put on hold (again) due to WHO
activity in COVID-19.
This has paused due to Covid, however, the WHO list of priority medical devices for the
management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has now been published and theprevious and current Chair’s of the committee are expert panel members. Whilst this was
not done as a joint IFCC-WHO the two-panel members were invited due to their position
within the IFCC indicating relevant expertise.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240027978
7. Attempt to restart the collaboration with the Shanghai Center for Clinical Laboratory andthe Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) to develop a Laboratory Certification Programme.
This activity has progressed through the European Reference Laboratory and the IFCC
network laboratories in Beijing. Manufacturers can now receive a certification of devices
66however laboratory certification is paused due to Covid -19.
8. Continue working with manufacturers to deliver Webinars. This collaboration has beenvery successful in 2020. Manufacturers continue to recognise the C-EUBD as a source ofexpert opinion and collaboration.
This activity has continued where possible with Emma English, Erna Lenters, and GarryJohn contributing to webinars on HbA1c and other biomarkers.
9. Additional activities – not stated in the 2021 work plan.
In addition to the WHO PMD described above, Emma English was commissioned by
the WHO to construct technical specifications for approximately 80 clinical chemistry,
haematology and microbiology tests. These templates support the tests listed in the
3rd edition of the WHO Essential Diagnostics List (EDL). The authors tried to ensure as
many IFCC articles as possible were used as supporting evidence and publications fromthis committee were used to evidence the tests for POCT HbA1c and Laboratory HbA1c
measurement, demonstrating the direct, global impact of the work of the committee.
10. Additional Information.
The committee and committee members have been approached by several manufacturers
to deliver Webinars. Manufacturers have stated that the committee provides a valuable
source of experts for educational programmes.
11. Publications.
Lenters-Westra E, English E. Are hemoglobin A1c point-of-care analyzers fit for purpose?
The story continues. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2020 Nov 2;59(4):765-774. doi: 10.1515/cclm2020-1308. PMID: 33128524.
Butler AE, English E, Kilpatrick ES, Östlundh L, Chemaitelly HS, Abu-Raddad LJ, Alberti
KGMM, Atkin SL, John WG. Diagnosing type 2 diabetes using Hemoglobin A1c: asystematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic cutpoint based on microvascularcomplications. Acta Diabetol. 2021 Mar;58(3):279-300. doi: 10.1007/s00592-020-016065. Epub 2020 Nov 3. PMID: 33141338; PMCID: PMC7907031.
Barron E, Misra S, English E, John WG, Sampson M, Bachmann MO, Barth J, Oliver
N, Alberti KGMM, Bakhai C, O’Neill S, Young B, Wareham NJ, Khunti K, Jebb S, Smith
J, Valabhji J. Experience of point-of-care HbA1c testing in the English National HealthService Diabetes Prevention Programme: an observational study. BMJ Open Diabetes
Res Care. 2020 Dec;8(2):e001703. doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001703. PMID: 33318069;
PMCID: PMC7737024.
Van der Hagen EAE, Leppink S, Bokkers K, Siebelder C, Weykamp CW. Evaluation of the
ARKRAY HA-8190V instrument for HbA1c. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2020 Dec 24;59(5):965970. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2020-1300. PMID: 33554536.

9.02.12 Cardiac Biomarkers (C-CB)
Chair: Fred Apple
1. Clinical Scorecard: With the completion of data acquisition, we will now initiate a review ofstatistical analyses and discuss findings with members and corporate representatives, withthe plan of establishing a writing group to draft a minimum of 2 manuscript submissions
and 2 abstract submissions (AACC September 2021 Anaheim, IFCC EuroMedLab Munich
Nov/Dec2021, others) along with presenting data at the IFCC WorldLab meeting in Seoul,
South Korea in June (whether virtual or in-person depending on COVID-19 global status).
Report: Final statistical analyses were delayed as the ‘Mayo patient cohort’ data
findings have been delayed due to lack of final sample analyses and outcomes
adjudication at Mayo. It was decided at the October monthly zoom meeting to move
forward with analysis without Mayo data and add Mayo back into the model whencompleted. The goal is to have Hennepin and Scotland data combined and analyzed
67

by end of the year. The goal is to submit the abstract to AACC 2022 meeting, thedeadline is in February.
2. Organize and submit proposals for workshop and or symposium presentations for
IFCC and industry-sponsored meetings pertaining to educational guidelines on hs-cTn
and natriuretic peptide assays. Apple has submitted a C-CB scientific proposal to the2021 AACC. C-CB has rescheduled the first, ‘Bretton Woods Cardiac Biomarkers 2021
Conference’, October 14-15, 2021. The meeting will be followed by a Saturday, October
16, 2021 meeting of the IFCC Committee on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Biomarkers.
Report: Due to COVID Bretton Woods Cardiac Biomarkers 2021 Conference wascanceled. Kavsak and Jaffe did present at the 2021 joint AACC/CSCC meeting in
Atlanta on Natriuretic Peptide guidelines that C-CB published in Clinical Chemistry.
3. Initiate and finalize educational manuscripts:a) A C-CB ‘special report’ manuscript on ESC guideline appraisal was submitted and being
fast-tracked by Clin Chem; hopefully to be accepted and published online in January
2021: “IFCC Clinical Application of Cardiac Biomarkers Committee’s Appraisal of the2020 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients
Presenting Without Persistent ST-segment Elevation: Getting Cardiac Troponin Right”;
Report: This document was published: Apple FS, Collinson PO, Kavsak PA, Body
R, Ordóñez-Llanos J, Saenger AK, Omland T, Hammarsten O, Jaffe AS, on behalfof the IFCC Committee Clinical Application of Cardiac Biomarkers. The IFCC ClinicalApplication of Cardiac Biomarkers Committee’s appraisal of the 2020 ESC Guidelines
for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients Presenting Without
Persistent ST-segment Elevation: getting cardiac troponin right. Clin Chem 2021,
doi:10.1093/clinchem/hvaa337.
b) Continue COVID-19 delayed collaboration with the IFCC POC committee regarding
preparation and submission for publication on POC cardiac troponin and NP assays
and education materials addressing the current state of the art of POC assays;
Report: no activity with POC committee due to COVID. However, Collinson andHammarsten are drafting an educational paper on POC cardiac troponin assays
and clinical utilization criteriac) Collaborative educational paper, possibly with AACC Academy and EFLM addressing
sex-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits (URL) including Newborn andTransgender 99th percentile URLs and NP reference limits.
Report: Saenger & Aakre have drafted an educational document on the - 99th
percentile upper reference limits that are being reviewed. Y the C-CB members.
The goal for submission, fiat quarter 2022.
d) Prepare document on the use of ‘single baseline measurement’ of hs-cTn for ruling out
MI and myocardial injury; considering whether there is a role for NP testing.
Report: Jaffe & Body are drafting an educational document on a single baseline
measurement of hs-cTn for ruling out MI and myocardial injury that will becirculated by end of the year to C-CB for review, with a goal of submission firstquarter 2022.
4. Continue, as 2020 carry-over, hire an APP development group/person, in collaboration
with the diagnostics companies, to build, test, and go to production, and maintain an
APP based on high sensitivity cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptide assays, utilizing
educational materials that have been published by the C-CB. The goal is to educate
clinicians in emergency medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, and surgery, as wellas colleagues in laboratory medicine, in the analytical and clinical aspects of cardiac
biomarker assays.
Report: APP has been put on hold due to finances and inability to best coordinate
experts to build APP and maintain APP. Not a done deal yet.

68

5. Continue to update tables’ postings on the IFCC C-CB webpage for the Troponin & NP
Analytical Assay Characteristics Tables, 2 to 3 times yearly.
Report: All tables were updated 3 times in 2021, the last version in October. Currently
communicating with manufacturing companies to provide more information on assay
interferences, such as macro-troponins, as well as calibration and standardizationmaterials. Hammarsten will be taking the lead to draft an educational paper onmacro-troponin.
6. Initiate preparation for a link on our C-CB website for a) all papers that have been publishedby the C-CB as well as from prior TF-CB group including educational resources and b) all
minutes from all committee meetings.
Report: A link has been established on the C-CB website addressing all manuscripts
published by the C -CB and previous TK-CB. Establishing a link for posting minutes
on Zoom meeting will start in 2022, with the posting of the monthly 2021 minutes on
January 2002, to be followed with regular monthly updates.
7. Continue, as 2020 carry-over, to distribute educational materials addressing cardiac
troponin and natriuretic peptide assays using mouse-pads, stick-drives, t-shirts, laminatedindex cards, at national and international IFCC, Laboratory Medicine, Cardiology andEmergency Medicine meetings; that include PDFs of the growing list of publisheddocuments from the C-CB (COVID-19 dependent).
Report: Due to COVID there has been no activity on this item of distributing
educational materials, as no one has been attending in-person meetings.
8. 8Continue, as 2020 carry-over, to establish a Social Media presence under the guidanceof Dr. Rick Body, including a) the development of a code of conduct for the C-CB to
tweet statements on behalf of the committee, b) allowing open access to post comments/
tweets, and use to combat some of the published materials which conflict with appropriate
use of hs-cTn and NP assays. Consider the production of videos of individuals/ KOLs as
an educational venue to post on our website page.
Report: There has been some social media presence but honestly not a lot of activity.
This goal will be carried over to 2022.
9. Have zoom monthly C-CB meetings, until in-person meetings can safely begin again.
Report: Monthly Zoom meeting occurred January through June, and started againin October.
10. Welcome new member to C-CB, Kristin Moberg Aakre, MD, Ph.D., Consultant, Hormone
Laboratory, Haukeland University Hospital, Associate Professor, University of Bergen.
Report: Aakre has been an excellent addition to C-CB.
11. Additional activities – not stated in 2020 work plan
Report:a. Saenger and Ravalico have finished their review of the C-CB website update &will be making written final recommendations that will be used to reorganize andimprove the website, with the assistance of the IFCC office.
b. Future meetings have been discussed:
a. EuroMedLab meeting in Munich November 2021.
b. IFCC WorldLab in Seoul 2022.
a. Need to discuss IFCC WorldLab Rome 2023 with a goal to submit an educational
proposal for a scientific session or symposium, however, C-CB was informedthat it was too late to submit proposals.
12. Additional information
Professor Apple and C-CB members thanks the IFCC office for all their outstanding
assistance throughout 2021.
Professor Apple and the C-CB members thank the industry representative for their
ongoing support and collaborations.
Professor Lam resigned from the C-CB, with regrets, due to competing obligations. Apple69

will discuss with Rifai about replacing her, ideally with a heart failure laboratory medicine
or clinical heart expert.

13. Publications:
1) Kavsak PA, Lam CSP, Saenger AK, Aakre KM, Body R, Hammarsten O, Collinson P,
Ordóñez-Llanos J, Omland T, Jaffe AS, Apple FS. Biomarker Testing Considerationsin the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Heart Failure: Perspectives From
the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Committee.
J Card Fail. 2021 Jul 10:S1071-9164(21)00266-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2021.06.018.
Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34256137.
2) Apple FS, Collinson PO, Kavsak PA, Body R, Ordóñez-Llanos J, Saenger AK, Omland
T, Hammarsten O, Jaffe AS, on behalf of the IFCC Committee Clinical Application of
Cardiac Biomarkers. Getting cardiac troponin right: an appraisal of the 2020 European
Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome inPatients Presenting Without Persistent ST-Elevation by the International Federation ofClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Committee on the Clinical Application of
Cardiac Bio-Markers. Clin Chem 2021;67:730-5.
3) Apple FS, Fantz CR, Collinson PO. Implementation of high-sensitivity and point of care
cardiac troponin assays into practice: some different thoughts. Clin Chem 2021;67:7078.
4) Kavsak PA, Hammarsten O, Worster A, Smith SW, Apple FS. Cardiac troponin testingin patients with COVID-19: a strategy for testing and reporting results. Clin Chem
2021;67:107-113

9.02.13 Kidney Disease (C-KD)
Chair: Flavio Alcantara (report not received)
In October 2021 Joe El-Khoury has been nominated Chair of the C-KD. A meeting was planned
to be held during EuroMedLab Congress in Munich 2021. This Meeting has been postponed toSeoul June 2022.

9.02.14 Point of Care Testing (C-POCT)
Chair: Adil Khan
5) Position Paper on Point-of-Care Testing in settings outside the hospital.
6) This has been reviewed during the virtual meeting of 1st December and is ongoing.
7) Point-of-Care Testing lecture for IFCC eAcademy
8) Pending some edits, this will be submitted to IFCC eAcademy.
9) Joint Conference between IFCC EMD/ETD and AACC CPOCT: “POCT: Making the
Point.” September 6-7, 2021 at Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
10) This was completed and presented as a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting.
11) C-POCT plans to hold/participate in a POCT workshop at the African Federation ofClinical Chemistry 23rd – 25th September 2021.
12) This was completed on 10 November 2021 and presented virtually.
13) EUROMEDLAB 24th IFCC, Congress, 28th November – 2nd December 2021 Session
on POCT. Chaired by Dr. Adil I. Khan (also a speaker).
14) Continue to develop a guideline for GPs on POCT.

70

1. C-POCT will give an IFCC Webinar: Dotting the “i’s” and Crossing the “t’s”: Point-of-CareTesting in Resource-Limited Settings (Date: to be announced). This was presented on 15 July2021
8. Additional activities – not stated in 2021 work plan(i) IFCC C-POCT Committee participated in POCT Africa Conference 11-12 March 2021(ii) IFCC C-POCT Committee plans to hold POCT Conference in Pakistan in 2022 inconjunction with the Armed forces Institute of Pakistan and Pakistan Society for Chemical
Pathologists.
(iii) Adil I. Khan will be a speaker at the Saudi Society of Clinical Chemists, 3 December 2021.

9. Publications
All of the presentations at the Joint Conference between IFCC EMD/ETD and AACC CPOCT:“POCT: Making the Point.” September 6-7, 2021 at Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy were
presented in EJIFCC.
https://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-communications-publications-division-cpd/ifcc-publications/ejifccjournal/e-journal-volumes/ejifcc-2021-vol-32/ejifcc-vol-32-no-2/
andhttps://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-communications-publications-division-cpd/ifcc-publications/ejifccjournal/e-journal-volumes/ejifcc-2021-vol-32/ejifcc-vol-32-no-3/

9.02.16 Value Proposition for Laboratory Medicine (C-VPLM)
Chair: Andrew St. John
Writing and publication of two papers on Test Implementation
The first paper on theoretical aspects including a definition of implementation and how it differsfrom other processes in the test development process including adoption has been completed
and published (see list of publications below)
The second paper applying the principles contained in the first paper and providing a guide to
the effective implementation of self-monitoring for INR for patients taking warfarin has beendrafted and is expected to be submitted for publication review by the end of November.
Development of a health economic assessment toolThis spreadsheet-based tool has been developed and is undergoing testing including bymembers of the Committee. The next stage will be to demonstrate it at workshops in 2022.
Research projects demonstrating the application of the value proposition and implementation
framework.
Each member of the Committee had identified research projects in their own country where thevalue proposition principles can be applied and tested. Unfortunately, it has only been possible toprogress one of these, namely the observational study of the outcome data collected during theimplementation of high sensitivity troponin in Emergency Departments in the United Kingdom,
but this has not progressed to the point where the data can be prepared for publication.
4. Additional information
This year has been a more difficult one for the Committee. As well as no face-to-face meetings
the COVID environment has made it very difficult to achieve progress with the various projects
we had planned in each country. Either the projects have not started or they have not progressed
due to a lack of time and resources on the part of laboratory professionals in the supportinglaboratories.
In addition, we lost the services of one of our key Committee members who had to withdraw
from the Committee due to personal circumstances. We are anticipating his return in theimmediate future.
71

5. Publications
1. Jülicher P, O’Kane M, Price CP, Christenson R, St John A. Health economic evaluations of
medical tests: Translating laboratory information into value - A case study example. Ann
Clin Biochem. 2021 May 14;45632211013852.
2. St John A, O’Kane M, Christenson R, Jülicher P, Oellerich M, Price CP. Implementation of
medical tests in a Value-Based healthcare environment: A framework for delivering value.
Clin Chim Acta. 2021 Oct;521:90–6.

9.03.08 Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety (WG-Leps)
Chair: Mario Plebani
1. Webinar and virtual sessions in National Congress:
a. Mexico webinar on “Detection and prevention of errors in laboratory medicine
January 2021”
b. XXV Latin-American Congress ALAPAC21 28-31th March 2021 “The IFCC Model ofquality indicators”
c. LI Mexican National Congress of Clinical Pathology 9th September 2021 “IFCC Quality
Indicators Model: Results and Challenges”
d. Organization of a module of the EFLM Syllabus project on “Quality management” withthree lecturers on the topic of the Model of Quality Indicators (to be released within theend of the year)
2. Organization of a webinar for the Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and ClinicalMolecular Biology (SIBioC) November 2021
3. Preparation of a paper updating the WG LEPS initiative (planned end of this yearspring 2020)
4. Identification of new leaders in Countries such as Turkey, Mexico, Chile to increase thenumbers of laboratories that may attend the program and move towards devolution of
the project. I would like to highlight the experience of some current leaders, particularly inQuebec and Canada with the involvement of a huge number of clinical laboratories
5. Continuous use of the new entering procedure for Quality Indicators (QIs) data inputting
by laboratories in the dedicated website (www.ifcc-mqi.com) and evaluation of collected
data to update the State-of-the-Art concerning the data of Quality Indicators.
6. Use of a web application (www.ifcc-mqi.com) for data collection that allows theautonomous management of Quality Indicator data belonging to a group of laboratories(for example, laboratories of the same nationality) by a “National Leader”.
7. Additional information
The COVID-19 pandemic created several difficulties, particularly due to the use of only
virtual supports to replace “in presence” meetings, in facilitating the development andfurther growth of the program
8. Publications
1) Jokic A, Rimac V, Vlasic Tanaskovic J, Podolar S, Honovic L, Lenicek Krleza J. The
concurrence of the current post-analytical phase management with the national
recommendations: a survey of the Working Group for Post analytics of the CroatianSociety of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Biochem Med (Zagreb).
2021 Oct 15;31(3):030704.
2) Ahmed S, Jahan F, Naeem Effendi MU, Ghani F. Impact of COVID-19 on the preand post-analytical clinical laboratory testing processes- A performance evaluation
study using six sigma. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 Oct;70:102842. doi: 10.1016/j.
amsu.2021.102842.
723) Alshaghdali K, Alcantara TY, Rezgui R, Cruz CP, Alshammary MH, Almotairi YA, Alcantara
JC. Detecting Preanalytical Errors Using Quality Indicators in a Hematology Laboratory.
Qual Manag Health Care. 2021 Sep 3. doi: 10.1097/QMH.0000000000000343
4) Brun M, Füzéry AK, Henschke B, Rozak K, Venner AA. Identifying sources of error
and selecting quality indicators for point of care testing. Pract Lab Med. 2021 Mar
21;25:e00216.

9.03.10 Harmonisation of Interpretive Comments EQA (WG-ICQA)
Chair: Magdalena Turzyniecka
WG-ICQA was closed in March 2021 in agreement with the IFCC Executive Board.
9.03.11 Personal Support (WG-PS)
Chair: Graham Beastall
On the advice of Dr. Beastall, Dr. Rifai recommended to Prof. Adeli to terminate this WG.

9.04.01 Visiting Lecturer Programme (IFCC-VLP)
Chair: Sedef Yenice
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, 3 VLPs and 8 Visiting Lecturers were approved.
Only one was held on-site. The VLP applications approved in 2021 are shown in the appended
table.

9.04.02 Working Group on Flow Cytometry (WG-FC)
Chair: Claude Lambert
Because of the pandemic, most of our activities had to be cancelled and the activity report isthen very poor.
Winter school of Cytometry: Applications in Immunology
was successfully organized in Geneva university but reported in Autumn and then renamed“Autumn School” from 18-22 October.
11 students attended the course from different countries, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Uruguay,Indonesia, Switzerland. 2 more students could not come because of travel restrictions.

73

Speakers were coming from Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Germany, Morocco, (Speakers
from Algeria could not come because of travel restrictions).
Different fields of immunology were addressed with applications in diagnosis and research.
Precautions were taken (mask, social distancing) in view of the infectious risks.
The course ended with an anonymous exam of 35 questions. 10/11 students passed the exam
successfully. One student (MD) missed the exam, probably because she arrived on the second
day only as her flight has been cancelled. She managed to come by driving from Poland.

Leipzig Flow cytometry IFCC/Fraunhofer IZI/ Beckman-Coulter course was held in Leipzig,
Germany, from 2nd to 4th November 2021.
9 topics were addressed: Basics of cytometry, Multicolor cytometry, Data acquisition, Functional
investigations, Sorting of cells, Data analysis, Antigen-specific T cells, Panel extension (FMO),
Multiplex data analysis.
The course included 9 hours as a lecture and 18 hours as practical hands-on exercises.
A certificate of attendance was delivered.
Egypt Workshop has been postponed and will be held on 8-9th of December at Al Azhar
University in Cairo.
This is a basic course for beginners, mainly in medical diagnosis cursus.
It will be limited to 20 participants and includes theoretical and practical training.
An online initiation to cytometry should be organized in December 2021 in French.
This course aims to initiate juniors to the technique (Masters, Ph.D. students, Junior biologists)
especially in the Maghreb and French-speaking Africa but also in Europe. The course will beorganized over 2 days.
Several speakers are selected from people who have attended the Courses before in order toencourage them for teaching this method in their place.
Practical will be organized by online demonstration and data analysis.
The course will be organized with the support of the Beckman Coulter company.
5. Additional Information
None of the following activities we were expecting could be organized because of the pandemic.
a. Munich Workshop March 2021		
cancelledb. A Latin America School in Brazil
cancelledc. Munich Workshop September		
cancelled
d. Chile or Argentina Workshop		
cancellede. Turkey					cancelledf. Sudan					cancelled

74

VLP 2021
PeriodCountry

Lectures title(s) or topic(s)26-28 August

Palestine/virtual

Dr. KHOSROW ADELI (CA) 1) Plenary session (30 mins):
Molecular, Biochemical and Serological Testing of COVID-19
2) Regular presentation (12 mins): Pathophysiology of
COVID-19 and Mechanisms Underlying Progression to Death.
- Regular presentation (12 mins): Technological advances inLaboratory Medicine: Predicting the Lab of the Future PROF.
ELEFTHERIOS DIAMANDIS (GR) 1)Plenary session (30 mins):
Clinical applications of proteomics 2)Regular presentation(12 mins): Circulating tumor DNA: A promising biomarker inthe liquid profiling of cancer PROF. TOMRIS OZBEN (TR) 1)
Plenary session (30 mins): Biomarkers associated with COVID
19 disease progression 2) Regular presentation (12 mins):
Blood and non-Internal Quality Control using patient samples:
Concept of Moving Averages

08-11 Sept

Bulgaria, Sofia, on site

PROF. KHOSROW ADELI (CA) 1) Technological advancesin Laboratory Medicine: Predicting the Lab of the future.
2) Medical Diagnostics Data Management: Emerging
Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered eApps andMachine Learning. PROF. SVERRE SANDBERG (NO) 1)
Porphiria an example of a Disease with Close Interaction
within Laboratorians and Clinicians. 2) An update of theEstablishment and Utility of Biological Variation Data. PROF.
MAURIZIO FERRARI (IT) 1) Expanding Space for Next
Generation Sequencing Clinical Applications. 2)Utilization ofClinic Profiling for Cancer Management.

22-24 September

Philippines/virtual

Dr. TONY BADRICK (AU) Internal Quality Control using patient
samples: Concept of Moving Averages GERALD KOST (DE)Diagnostic Testing for COVID-19: Mathematics, Prevalence,Special Situations, and Quality

Nader Rifai, EMD Chair

75

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS DIVISION (CPD)
The following members served on the CPD Executive Committee in 2021: Tahir Pillay (ZA,
Chair), Rajiv Erasmus (ZA, Public Relations Coordinator), Eduardo Freggiaro (AR, Publications/Distance Learning Coordinator), Katherina Psarra (GR, News Editor), J. Kappelmayer (HU, Vice
Chair, Editor eJIFCC), and Tricia Ravalico (US, Corporate Representative).
The IFCC website contributed greatly to supporting the laboratory in the pandemic with the IFCC
Information Guide on COVID-19, the web-publication that has grown with monthly updates,
and with the COVID-19 resource page.
The following is a summary list of the key CPD activities in 2021:
The planned face-to-face meetings in Seoul and Munich could not take place owing to thepandemic and the postponement to EuroMedLab Munich and WorldLab Seoul to 2022. Instead,
Zoom meetings were held.
• CPD Chair, Prof. Tahir Pillay (ZA), continued his first term.
• CPD Secretary, Dr Eduardo Freggiaro, began his second term.
• C-PR Chair, Prof Rajiv Erasmus (CA) continued his first term.
• eNews Editor, Dr Katherina Psarra (GR,) continued her first term.
• WG eJIFCC Chair, and eJIFCC editor, Prof János Kappelmayer (HU), began his second
term and was appointed CPD Vice Chair.
• Corporate Representative, Tricia Ravalico, began her second term.
• Calls for nominations were opened for CPD functional unit member position vacancies.
• The IFCC triennial Handbook 2021-2023 was prepared and published on 1st May 2021.
• We explored the possibility of using a manuscript submission system such as Scholarone, Editorial Manager or any other open-source platform to be adopted as soon as theeJIFCC increases the number of issues/year.
• News items on the website: more than 110 news items were published on the website.
• Press releases: 4 press releases were drafted and distributed via the AACC press room,with nearly 1500 accesses in total.
• the eJIFCC, the eNews Flash and the eNews are mailed to the IFCC distribution listthat includes more than 35.000 contacts of laboratory medicine specialists throughout
the world Circulation includes laboratory directors, clinical chemists, and other clinicallaboratory specialists and technologists, as well as leading manufacturers, distributors
and dealers in the field.

CPD Symposia at 2021-2022 meetings:• The planned CPD symposium at WorldLab Seoul 2021 is replanned for June 2022:
A New Era in Medical Laboratory Diagnostics Management: Application of Advanced
Mobile & Web Technology
Chair: Dr. Tahir Pillay, South Africa• Role of technology in patient management and precision medicine
Tahir Pillay – South Africa• Mobile technology and management of point of care instruments.
Ronda Greaves – Australia• Using mobile technology to manage big data collection.
Khosrow Adeli – Canada• New developments in web technology to enable medical diagnostics lab management.
Eduardo Luis Freggiaro – Argentina

76

Committee on Public Relations (C-PR)
Chaired by prof Rajiv Erasmus
Due to COVID 19, the activities of C-PR were severely curtailed.
However, the C-PR managed to discuss the following issues that if approved could be actioned
in 2021.
1. The C-PR expressed serious concerns regarding the poor communication between
National Representatives and their members. CPR has proposed several communication
strategies including WeChat and WhatsApp accounts and these were discussed in
the 2021 CPD meetings. In terms of the use of WhatsApp to increase communication
between National Reps and their respective members there were some concerns, and it
was decided that its use will be piloted before making a final recommendation.
2. The abbreviated slide deck that summarises the role of IFCC was extensively discussed
and slides amended accordingly.
3. The Lab Professional Week, 18-24th April 2021 was discussed at length and several ideas
were suggested that included holding webinars, presenting short videos and involving
national societies and regional federations. The C-PR announced the “Laboratory
Professionals Week 2021” to the IFCC members and collected the many contributions
received from them on a special webpage (https://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-communicationspublications-division-cpd/cpd-committees/happy-laboratory-professionalsweek-2021/). Thanks to the experience gained, the C-PR is assisting with the IFCC Global
Lab Week, with several members participating in the Group. The C-PR will be available forthe activities for the 70th Anniversary of the IFCC that will the celebrated in 2022.
4. New full members: Khushbu Patel (US) as YS; Maria del Carmen Pasquel (EC) was
appointed to replace Madgalena Krintus.
5. Press Releases were drafted and distributed via the AACC press desk with an excellent
result:• Virtual conference COVID 19• EuroMedLab Munich 2021
• UNIVANTS• IFCC Guide on COVID-19
6. Information regarding IFCC has been presented so far in the following meetings/workshopsa) Kenyan Association of Clinical Pathologistsb) Malawian Association of Medical Lab Scientists
7. It was noted that IFCC activities are being advertised via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube.
8. C-PR suggests that that the support of Corporates should be sought to advertise IFCC
activities. One way is to get the corporate members to also play a role as the informationambassadors in their respective national countries. Of course, these ambassadors need
to be endorsed by the national societies so as not to usurp their authority.
9. C-PR recommends translation of IFCC docs and courses into other languages –this caninvolve TF-YS.
10. C-PR recommends co-operation with other committees - it would be useful to have somecooperation with other committees of the IFCC in both directions so that information from
C-PR could be disseminated to committees and information that committees would liketo disseminate to IFCC/National Societies could occur.
11. The display posters will be updated for the future events.
12. Discussion is underway on how C-PR can add value to the IFCC eNews; It was suggested
that the PR Committee should focus on particular IFCC Committees and highlight theirachievement/activity which could then be published it in IFCC Newsletter/Website
The Committee emphasizes the importance of continuous education and proposes to translate
the eAcademy webinars into several languages.
77

C-PR members strongly supported the IFCC during a year that was extremely difficult.

Committee on Internet and e-Learning (C-IeL)
Chaired by Dr Eduardo Freggiaro
The CPD Committee on Internet and eLearning (C-IeL) is chaired by Dr Eduardo Freggiaro (AR),
who is in his second term.
The pandemic situation slowed down some of the planned activities. The scheduled faceto-face meeting was not possible owing to the cancellation of IFCC Worldlab congress. The
committee continued to communicate via WhatsApp.
The committee has 5 members. Deniz Topcu is the current Website Editor and Rojeet Shrestha
continued serving as Social Media Coordinator.
1. KNOVIO Platform was abandoned in favour of WorkCast, the webinars platform that was
adopted by IFCC
2. New content on eAcademy was mainly provided by the IFCC webinars and the Spanish
version of the AACC Pearls. These pearls will be offered in the eAcademy frame according
to the terms signed in the MOU.
Current numbers of available educational materials on eAcademy: XXX
3. Umbraco’s update:
The CMS of the website was updated again last year. However, the update of the
Umbraco version that manage the eAcademy website is still pending. After this version
update, website and eAcademy administrations will be unified.
4. Social Media Activities:
The number of followers in Facebook page is XXX. It means that IFCC ranks number 1
in professional societies of clinical chemistry.
IFCC Twitter currently contains 2,318 followers and 904 tweets. LinkedIn account has
2013 followers.
Instagram account has 556 followers and 409 posts.
5. Website activities:
The handover between editors was successfully completed.
Interactive membership map was updated for Peru
Corporate Member logo updates:
Addition: Technogenetics, Stago, Medix_Biochemica, GenScript, PHC Europe BVUpdate: Siemens Healthineers logo updated, PerkinElmer logo and website link
updatedRemoval: Agilent, Timedico-Sarstaedt
Continued Activities:
IFCC Information Guide on COVID-19 updates
Dedicated section was created for IFCC Interim Guidelines on COVID-19
In 2021 the top devices for the IFCC website were: desktop (63,6%), mobile (35,6%),
Tablet (0,8%)?

78

The most visited pages were:•Home page•
IFCC Congresses and Conferences•
Profiles of IFCC Corporate Members•
Education and Management Division (EMD)•
About page•
Resources & Downloads•
Guidelines
In 2021 more than 110 News were published on the homepage
The discussion in 2021 focused on:•
new web technologies for a more User friendly and Mobile friendly experienceand for an Explicit eAcademy integration & Social media integration•
the need to find new ideas and features for updating the IFCC App (i.e. interactive
clinical cases or clinical scenarios as proposed by C-CLM).
6. The C-IeL is exploring the feasibility of an IFCC Virtual Congress and will prepare a
proposal.
7. It also plans to liaise with the Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering inLaboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM) to explore possible joint ventures (i.e. Big Data on lab
medicine, Mobile Apps).

Working Group on Electronic Journal of the IFCC (WG-eJIFCC)
Chaired by Prof. János Kappelmayer

The Working Group electronic Journal of the IFCC (WG- eJIFCC) is chaired by Dr János
Kappelmayer (HU), who began his second term in January 2021.
In 2021, the eJIFCC has been engaged with trying to obtain an Impact factor. There have somechallenges in the communication with Clarivate. The submission was re-initiated in May 2021.
The journal is now subscribed to Ithenticate.
In Year 2021 111 manuscripts were submitted:
Number of items in one eJIFCC Issue: Highest number: 20; Minimum number: 8; Average
number: 12-13
The eJIFCC is published quarterly online. It traditionally consisted mainly of Thematic Issues
as the interest to submit free communications was quite low in previous years. By the end of
the 6-year period (2012-2017) for the former Editor-in Chief Gábor L. Kovács the number ofsubmissions has started to increase as the eJIFCC appeared on PubMed and later also in the
Scopus database. These were not easy achievements and required constant correspondencewith the appropriate bodies for years. We are now in a similar process with Clarivate to obtainour first official impact factor.
According to the most recent data, we received 27 submissions in 2022 (January 1-February25) that means that around 160-200 annual submissions are anticipated for this calendar year.
At this high number of submissions, the registration of the articles also requires more attention.
In view of this, we proposed to invest in the Editorial Manager program that will be installed thisyear. It would be easier to follow up and give information to the authors about each decision andprocesses. Presently, the majority of our submissions are from Asia and Africa and our rejection
79

rate is quite high between 80-90%. We have had several development plans since managing
the journal. One of the investments was the antiplagiarism search program called iThenticatethat we are using since February 1, 2021. All incoming manuscripts are pre-checked before
going under a review process.
We also maintain the Thematic Issues, Issue-2 2022 will be on COVID-19 diagnostics. However,this is now reduced to 1 or maximum 2 issues per year. The number of published pages has
also increased in the past four years and recently exceed 450 pages per year.
Selected recent scientometric data: One way to evaluate a journal’s quality is by the SNIP
score. It ensures contextual cites on impact by ‘normalizing’ cites on values. It considers
immediacy - how quickly a paper is likely to have an impact in a given field. A SNIP value of 1.0
means that a journal’s articles are cited at the average rate for all journals in the same subject
area; anything over 1.0 indicates more citations than the average in that field while a SNIP ofless than 1.0 is below the aver age. The 2020 SNIP score of the eJIFCC is 1.177, suggesting that
it is higher than the average in the field and is in the range of other well-established laboratory
journals. In the Scimago evaluation journals are evaluated by quartiles and in this evaluation
the eJIFCC first appeared as a Q3 journal in 2019 and improved to a Q2 journal in 2020. The
Scopus database evaluates Cite Scores that is the ratio of citations and publications for thesame four year period. The eJIFCC first obtained its Cite Score in 2019 at a value of 0.8 thatconsiderably increased in 2020 to 2.7. According to recent citation data it is 5.6 for 2021.

For further information: An overview on the scientometric advancement of the eJIFCC(published by János Kappelmayer, eJIFCC Chief Editor, Harjit Pal Bhattoa, eJIFCC Assistant
Editor, Gábor L. Kovács. previous eJIFCC Chief Editor).
In 2021 prof Kappelmayer, the eJIFCC editor-in-chief, started the discussion on purchasingan editorial manager system and hire a part time administrative assistant. Given the great
advancements in the editorial area, potential ways for improvement in the layout and in the user
experience are in discussion as well.
In 2021 following eJIFCC Issues were published:eJIFCC Volume 32 no 1 – 2021 Measurably better healthcare
1. Foreword: Measurably better health care – signs of a (r)evolution in progress towards a
new academic science?
Guest editors: Tim J. James, Ellie Dow
2. Laboratory medicine and healthcare excellence – till death do us part
Colleen Strain, Tricia H. Ravalico
3. Procalcitonin (PCT) level in the emergency department identifies a high-risk cohort for all
patients treated for possible sepsis
Georgia Lucas, Angela Bartolf, Nicholas Kroll, Agampodi-Umanda De Thabrew,
80

Zoya Murtaza, Siddarth Kumar, Abrar Gani, Andrea Annoni, Marie Parsons, Helen
Pardoe4. Reducing patient risk and enhancing care through the development and implementationof a new chest pain pathway, expedited by and for the COVID-19 era
Martin P. Than, John W. Pickering, Philip Adamson, Thomas Clendon, Christopher
M. Florkowski, John Lainchbury, Jacques Loubser, Alison Nankivel, Sally J. Aldous
5. Avoiding insufficient therapies and overdosing with co-reporting eGFRs (estimatedglomerular filtration rate) for personalized drug therapy and improved outcomes – asimulation of the financial benefits
Adrian Hoenle, Karin Johanna Haase, Sebastian Maus, Manfred Hofmann,
Matthias Orth
6. The use of faecal haemoglobin in deciding which patients presenting to primary carerequire further investigation (and how quickly) – the FIT approach
Judith A. Strachan, Craig Mowat
7. The Kidney Check program – championing patient-centered, culturally safe, preventive
kidney care in Canada’s rural and remote Indigenous communities
Sarah Curtis, David Collister, Heather Martin, AbdulRazaq Sokoro, Lorraine McLeod,
Caroline Chartrand, Barry Lavallee, Cathy Woods, Adeera Levin, Paul Komenda
8. Is COVID-19 impacting prostate cancer screening? A survey of prostate-specific antigen
test requests during a local outbreak
Anna Ferrari, Fabian Sanchis-Gomar, Camilla Mattiuzzi, Brandon M. Henry,
Giuseppe Lippi
9. Monitoring of diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. Are international
recommendations met?
José Antonio Delgado, Josep Miquel Bauça
10. Multicenter survey of physicians’ perception of interpretative commenting and reflective
testing in Nigeria
Lucius Chidiebere Imoh, Chinelo Pamela Onyenekwu, Kenn
11. E-gene RT-PCR crossing point value and other biochemical parameters as useful markers
of death risk in COVID-19 patients
Alba Bellés-Bellés, María Bernal, Javier Gómez-Arbonés, Albert Bernet, Silvia Picó,
Jessica Bueno, Carlos Chávez, Mercè García-González, Mercè Ibarz
12. Diabetic euglycemic ketoacidosis induced by oral antidiabetics type SGLT2i
Guillermo Velasco de Cos, María Isabel Sánchez-Molina Acosta, María Matilde Toval
Fernández
eJIFCC Volume 32 no°2 - 2021 POCT – making the point
1. Introducing the eJIFCC special issue on “POCT – making the point”
Guest editors: Sergio Bernardini
2. Controlling reliability, interoperability and security of mobile health solutions
Damien Gruson
3. Best laboratory practices regarding POCT in different settings (hospital and outside thehospital)
Adil I. Khan
4. POCT accreditation ISO 15189 and ISO 22870: making the point
Paloma Oliver, Pilar Fernandez-Calle, Antonio Buno
5. Utilizing point-of-care testing to optimize patient care
James H. Nichols
6. POCT: an inherently ideal tool in pediatric laboratory medicine
Siobhan Wilson, Mary Kathryn Bohn, Khosrow Adeli
7. Point of care testing of serum electrolytes and lactate in sick children
Aashima Dabas, Shipra Agrawal, Vernika Tyagi, Shikha Sharma, Vandana Rastogi,
81

Urmila Jhamb, Pradeep
8. Training and competency strategies for point-of-care testing
Sedef Yenice
9. Leading POCT networks: operating POCT programs across multiple sites involving vastgeographical areas and rural communities
Edward W. Randell, Vinita Thakur
10. Connectivity strategies in managing a POCT service
Rajiv Erasmus, Sumedha Sahni, Rania El-Sharkawy
11. POCT in developing countries
Prasenjit Mitra, Praveen Sharma
12. How could POCT be a useful tool for migrant and refugee health?
Sergio Bernardini, Massimo Pieri, Marco Ciotti
13. Direct to consumer laboratory testing (DTCT) – opportunities and concerns
Matthias Orth
14. Clinical assessment of the DiaSorin LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 Ag chemiluminescence
immunoassay
Gian Luca Salvagno, Gianluca Gianfilippi, Giacomo Fiorio, Laura Pighi, Simone De
Nitto, Brandon M. Henry, Giuseppe Lippi
15. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic: emphasizing the emerging role andperspectives from artificial intelligence, mobile health, and digital laboratory medicine
Pradeep Kumar Dabla, Damien Gruson, Bernard Gouget, Sergio Bernardini, Evgenija
Homsak
16. Catering for the point-of-care testing explosion
Adil I. Khan, Mazeeya Khan, Rosy Tirimacco
17. Predictive model of severity in SARS CoV-2 patients at hospital admission using bloodrelated parameters
Laura Criado Gómez, Santiago Villanueva Curto, Maria Belén Pérez Sebastian,Begoña Fernández Jiménez, Melisa Duque Duniol
18. Clinicians’ Probability Calculator to convert pre-test to post-test probability of SARSCoV-2 infection based on method validation from each laboratory
Zoe Brooks, Saswati Das, Tom Pliura
19. Prevalence of aminotransferase macroenzymes in rheumatoid arthritis patients andimpact on their management
Maja Šimac, Daniel Victor Šimac, Lidija Bilić-Zulle
20. Malignant hyperthermia syndrome: a clinical case report
Isabel Sánchez-Molina Acosta, Guillermo Velasco de Cos, Matilde Toval Fernández
eJIFCC Volume 32 no°3 – 2021- Focusing on POCT
1. Foreword from the editor-in-chief
János Kappelmayer
2. Identifying and reducing errors in point-of-care testing
Julie L. V. Shaw
3. Professional certification in point-of-care testing
T. Scott Isbell, Elaine Colwell, Elizabeth L. Frank, Brad S. Karon, Veronica Luzzi, Lou
Ann Wyer
4. Public health education should include point-of-care testing: lessons learned from the
COVID-19 pandemic
Gerald J. Kost
5. 5Synergy between point-of-care testing and laboratory consolidations
Tommaso Trenti
6. Cardiac biomarkers in COVID-19: a narrative review
Giuseppe Lippi, Fabian Sanchis-Gomar, Brandon Michael Henry, Carl J. Lavie82

7. Circulating microRNA-126 as an independent risk predictor of coronary artery disease:acase-control study
Wahid Ali, Sridhar Mishra, Aliya Rizvi, Akshaaya Pradhan, Marco A. Perrone
8. A combined analysis of serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and Cancer Antigen 15-3
enhances the diagnostic efficiency in breast cancer
Anupama Modi, Purvi Purohit, Ashita Gadwal, Dipayan Roy, Sujoy Fernandes,
Jeewan Ram Vishnoi, Puneet Pareek, Poonam Elhence, Sanjeev Misra, Praveen
Sharma9. Algorithm for reporting discrepant HbA1c result and troubleshooting a case of false low
HbA1c
Vivek Pant, Abha Shrestha, Devish Pyakurel, Keyoor Gautam, Santosh Pradhan
10. A puffy child – a rare case of steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome with ANLN mutation
Sangeetha Geminiganesan, Swathi Ganesan, Jaippreetha Jayaraj, Barathi G, Muthu
Kumar S, Nandha K Samy
11. Hope injections: the promises of regenerative medicine in curing type 1 diabetes mellitus
Nina Maria Fanaropoulou
eJIFCC Volume 32 no 4 - 2021
1. 1 An overview on the scientometric advancement of the eJIFCC
János Kappelmayer, Harjit Pal Bhattoa, Gábor L. Kovács
2. Call for manuscript submissions for a thematic eJIFCC issue on “Laboratory aspects of
COVID-19 disease”
Béla Nagy Jr.
3. The detection of hyaline casts in patients without renal dysfunction suggests increased
plasma BNP
Elisa Shikata, Ryosuke Hattori, Mitsuo Hara, Tomohiro Nakayama
4. Ups and downs of COVID-19: can we predict the future? Local analysis with Google
Trends for forecasting the burden of COVID-19 in Pakistan
Sibtain Ahmed, Muhammad Abbas Abid, Maria Helena Santos de Oliveira, Zeeshan
Ansar Ahmed, Ayra Siddiqui, Imran Siddiqui, Lena Jafri, Giuseppe Lippi
5. Profiling of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in COVID-19 disease
Erika Dzsudzsák, Renáta Sütő, Marianna Pócsi, Miklós Fagyas, Zoltán Szentkereszty,
Béla Nagy Jr.
6. Is it true hypoparathyroidism? A root cause analysis of unusually low Intact Parathyroid
Hormone (iPTH) at a clinical laboratory
Sibtain Ahmed, Lena Jafri, Syed Muhammad Akhtar Shah, Nasreen Bano, Imran
Siddiqui
7. The detection of postprandial hypoglycemia with 5-hour oral glucose tolerance test
Vivek Pant, Safala Mathema, Sandeep Jha, Sujay Dutta Paudel, Suman Baral
8. Impact of a novel strategy for critical values communication for the management ofpatients treated with clozapine
Ruth Cano-Corres, Siddarta Acebillo, Francesc Campos Barreda, Diego J. Palao,
Eugenio Berlanga-Escalera
9. Asymptomatic hypernatremia in an infant with midline defects
Sangeetha Geminiganesan, Padmasani Venkat Ramanan, Dhivyalakshmi J.,
Bhogavalli Lakshmi Harshita, Deepalakshmi Sriram83

Working Group on IFCC News (WG-eNews)
Chaired by Dr. Katherina Psarra

The Working Group eNews is chaired by Dr Katherina Psarra (GR), who completed her first termin December 2021.
In 2021 the eNews was confirmed as a very successful communication tool with a big
number of contributions received and published. Even throughout the pandemic situation the
IFCC members and officers kept sending their contributions, sharing their experiences andcommunicating their initiatives through the eNews. The eNews is published on the IFCC website.
The eNews sections is 2021 were confirmed as follows:• Editorial• IFCC president’s message• The voice of IFCC
• IFCC: the people• IFCC: the young scientists• Contributions to the IFCC eNews• News from regional federations and national societies• New IFCC members• IFCC’s calendar of congresses, conferences and events
January -February 2021: regular content with news from many national societies (Japan, Malawi,
COLABIOCLI, Malaysia, Hungary, Croatia, Russia), UNIVANTSMarch: regular content. The year ahead in the vaccine purgatory B. Gouget
April: regular content / Vaccination: the way out!
May: regular content / lab quality/ Coronavirus vaccine passports: a giant puzzle!
June: regular content / UNIVANTS
July – August: regular content / Dogs sniff out COVID-19 infections/ UNIVANTS
September 2021: regular content / message from the IFCC president / dr Gouget’s COVID The
unbearable summer with Delta
October 2021: regular content / message from the IFCC president / How participation in the
C-CMBC course influences/d his career
November 2021: less content / message from the IFCC president
December 2021: normal content / message from the IFCC president/ news from many societies
stressing the importance of the job during the pandemic (Syria, Serbia, Colabiocli, Israel, Spain)
The potential issue about a lack of congress news articles because of the pandemic did not
emerge because many reports were submitted from virtual events. In every issue there werenews items from the Spanish speaking countries and a lot of energy was conveyed through allthese reports.
There was a discussion about whether we should accept “scientific articles” by commercial
companies without payment of advertisements and it was decided against.
The Working group organized two meetings with a very reduced participation. Furthermore,very few members responded when asked to write something about their societies for the firstnewsletter of 2022. Therefore a renewal of the membership will be considered.
84

Relationship with LabMedica International
Communication has slightly improved but we usually receive their requests at the last minute.
This aspect needs to be improved.
eNews in the EFLM IFCC Corner
The “corner” on the EFLM newsletter (Editorial, IFCC President’s message, social media) takes
up relatively small space, however, the solution is to add links to the full article to provide
excellent access to the full content.
Working Group - Spanish
Chaired by Dr Raul Girardi(Ibero-american)

Nomenclature

andTranslations

The Working Group continued its activities under the Chairmanship of Dr Raúl Girardi.
The objectives of the WG-IANT are to:
1. Spread the activities of the group
2. Disseminate the activities of the IFCC
3. Participate in IFCC activities
WG-IANT activities:• The annual meetings were held virtually: the second meeting of the year 2021, initiallyscheduled in person for the EuroMedLab 2021 congress in Munich was moved to thisyear.
• Participation of members of the WG-IANT in the National Association of ClinicalLaboratorians of Panama.
• Participation of R. Girardi as Chair of the WG-IANT in 2021 IFCC Live Webinar: “Metrology
and Clinical Laboratory”.

RIA website:
Objectives:
1. Continuous update of information provided in the webpages
2. Publication of scientific information of interest
3. Deletion of outdated or obsolete information
Activities related to the RIA Web Page
• Publication of translations with permission of Prof. Khosrow Adeli of the IFCC Information
Guide on COVID-19• Publication of the first Spanish version of AACC COVID-19 Pearl of Laboratory Medicine• Publication of the official translation documents of the International Vocabulary ofMetrology (VIM) and the International System of Units (SI) of the BIPM,• Publication of the Coding of Laboratory Tests with Systematic Nomenclature in Spanish.
• Publication of the CECAN Special Cytochemical Stains Manual, Dr. Miguel Dorantes
Mesa State Cancer Center.
• A video was published with the words of Dr. Ana Rodriguez on The Importance of theClinical Biochemist in the Pandemic in the framework of the Quality week sponsored by
COLABIOCLI.
• Promotion of scientific activities related to IFCC:• IFCC Free Live Webinar on COVID-19 Guidelines on Molecular, Serological andBiochemical/Hematological Testing - 23 September, 2020
• IFCC Free Live Webinar on Advancing Internal and External Quality Assurance on
85

Global Scale - 15th October 2020
• SEQC-ML Scholarship – COLABIOCLI• IFCC Free Live Webinar on “Expanding Newborn Screening Globally: Reducing InfantMortality Through Early Diagnosis”• XXV Congress of the LATIN AMERICAN CONFEDERATION OF CLINICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY, COLABIOCLI, POLIFORUM LEÓN of the City of León, Guanajuato.
March 30 to April 2• Virtual Lab Congress 2021

DIV scientific publication
Objectives:
1. Continue the 3 annual publications.
2. Offer more scientific content
Activities related to DIV scientific publication:• The publication schedule for the months of February, June and October was met. Issues
15 to 20 of the magazine were published• The layout of the magazine was maintained:
Cover: no change
Editorial: an attempt is made to give a less colloquial sense with opinions or comments on thereality of biochemistry in Iberoamerica.
News and Novelties regarding the profession of Laboratory Medicine: an attempt is made to
reduce the number of this type of articles and to reduce their size by adjusting them to theregulations of the journal.
Research Articles: articles of different origin were publisheda. Originals by Ibero-American authors: 85%
b. Assigned with permission by other publications in Spanish: 15%
c. Translations of other IFCC publications with permission of the court: not necessary
Letters to the editor: those with comments of a scientific nature were privileged.
IFCC Young Scientists Section: The section had to be discontinued due to lack of collaborationfrom those responsible for the IFCC Task Force - Young Scientists in Lab Medicine.
Interviews: interviews with personalities related to the IFCC were privileged
Back cover: update of the data of its members. They were asked for a letter of endorsementfrom the Scientific Society they represent and permission to use their logo.
• The format of access to the publication on the website was changed without modifying
the budget:
pdf format: You can review or download the complete publication or download it insections, thus making it easier to read, being a system more in line with electronic devices.
FLIP format: without modification.
Introductory text: an introductory text was added similar to other publications to introduce theissue.
The content is more technical and scientific, reducing the amount and space occupied by othersessions. More descriptive and detailed articles were published in their scientific content, which
increased the number of pages in some numbers that were necessary, but this did not increase
the cost of publication.
Most of the items come from Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador. We work withthe representatives of each country to insist on stimulating the publication
86Corporate Member Activities
The TF-CM has been working on preparing a “welcome” package for new IFCC Corporate
members as well as focussing on social media communication. Tricia Ravalico also leads the
UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence program for Abbott in which IFCC has been a partner. A
special video montage featuring congratulatory messages from all over the world was preparedfor future winners of the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award. Tricia Ravalico also worked
with Rojeet Shreshtha to draft the creative brief for the IFCC Global Lab week.
Tahir Pillay CPD Chair

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES DIVISION (ETD)The ETD is an IFCC functional unit responsible for identifying and assessing emerging
technologies and for translating the emerging and disruptive diagnostic and data analysis
procedures from academic laboratories to clinical laboratories and from clinical laboratories
to market.
The ETD Responsibilities are: defining for each ET the clinical needs and criteria of educationof specialists in Laboratory Medicine and caregivers; defining for ET the appropriate
infrastructure and laboratory organization; defining for each ET pre-analytical, analytical andpost-analytical processes necessary for clinical laboratory applications; defining for each ET
quality programs and certifications required to meet criteria for accreditation up to ISO15189
standard; assess the clinical value of each test with regard to addressing unmet clinical need.
Division Membership and Organisation
In 2021 the ETD commenced its fourth year of operation and many of the Executive
commenced their second term servicing the IFCC ETD. At the end of 2021 the ETD in total
is composed by 76 members from 30 countries (Figure 1). All communication and meetings
continued to be conducted electronically during 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic witheach functional unit meeting at least once during 2021.
ETD Executive Committee (ETD-EC)
The Executive Committee consisted of the following members: Sergio Bernardini (Chair),
Paolo Fortina (US) (Vice-Chair), Ronda Graves (AU) (Secretary), Damien Gruson (BE) (member),Markus Roessler (DE) and Peng Yin (CHN) (corporate members). Four consultants: Maurizio
Ferrari (IT), Larry Kricka (US), Jason Park (US) and Helen Martin (AU). We also welcomed
Stephen Hill (CA) into the new position of Executive Board Liaison during the year.
The Executive met twice during 2021 via Zoom to work on projects and continue to develop
strategic plans and support the ETD committees and working groups’ productivity. Application
to the Executive Board (EB) was successfully made to include a new Working Group on
Metabolomics Translation. The working group on Volatolomics finished at the end of 2021 at
the recommendation of its Chair Dr Larry Kricka who indicated that their work was concluded
under their original terms of reference (TOR) and the technology currently was not progressing
to translation into broad clinical practice. The work generated from this working group is
published on the IFCC website as an ongoing resource. Unfortunately, the Committee for
Omics Translation was disbanded in 2021 following the resignation of its Chair Dr Gregory
Tsongalis and the inability to find a suitable replacement chair. During this transition period,
the ET Executive reflected on the TOR and felt it was too broad. This led to the decision to
focus efforts and establish a new Working Group on Metabolomics Translation late in 2021.

ETD Committees
1. Committee on Emerging Technologies in Pediatric Laboratory Medicine (C-ETPLM).
The committee is chaired by Dr Tim Lang (UK), with five full committee members, two87consultants, one ETD liaison and 16 corresponding members, including membership fromdeveloped and developing economies. The major achievement for the committee was
the successful delivery of the International Congress of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine(ICPLM) in 2021.
2. Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MBHLM).
This committee is chaired by Dr Bernard Gouget (FR), with four full committee members,
one ETD liaison and ten corresponding members, including corporate and young scientist
membership. This committee continues to have significant outputs via newsletters andsocial media during 2021.
ETD Working Groups
1. Guidance for the Implementation of Custom-made Genomic Panels (WG-GCP) chaired
by Dr Jennifer Morrissette.
2. Volatolomics (WG-Vol) chaired by Dr Larry Kricka.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Genomic Diagnostics (WG-AIGD) - chaired by Dr Larry Kricka.
4. Single Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics (WG-SCST) chaired by Dr Andrew South
5. Metabolomics (WG-M) chaired by Dr Elie Flux

IFCC Office
The ETD Executive wishes to acknowledge and thank Mrs Silvia Colli-Lanzi for her attention todetail and support throughout 2021.

Figure 1: The ETD in 2021 incorporated representatives
from 30 countries with the largest representation fromthe US and Germany.

2021 Achievements and Outputs
This section provides the record of projects and outputs for the Division’s Committees andWorking Groups

Partnerships and Collaborations
The partnership agreement with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems
Society, Inc. (HIMSS) was signed in 2021. The purpose of this Agreement between the IFCCETD and HIMSS Europe is to partner on innovation exchange for the purposes of education
opportunities. (HIMSS) is a global advisor and thought leader supporting the transformation88

of the health ecosystem through information and technology. As a mission-driven non-profit,
HIMSS offers a unique depth and breadth of expertise in health innovation, public policy,
workforce development, research, and analytics to advise global leaders, stakeholders, andinfluencers on best practices in health information and technology. Damien Gruson is the liaison
with HIMSS. The initial aim is to organize a joint conference in 2022/2023 (COVID considerations
dependent).
The C-ETPLM collaborated with the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism(SSIEM) and the International Society for Newborn Screening (ISNS) to conduct a survey
on COVID impact on Paediatric Laboratory Medicine. This survey is planned for publicationin 2022. In addition, the SSIEM supported the International Congress in Pediatric Laboratory
Medicine through the provision of scholarships for registrations.
There is a continuing contribution from the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology(ESPE) and the German Society of Pediatric Endocrinology corresponding members on
the C-ETPLM. This collaboration is concerning activities related to laboratory diagnosis andmonitoring for disorders of sex development. This is a joint project with clinical and translational
research experts. The initial proposal letter and discussions with ESPE by Prof Stefan Wudy
and A/Prof Ronda Greaves to further additional collaborations have not progressed with the
ESPE council.
The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Science
Committee and SD leadership agreed there should be close liaison and communication between
the two groups. The purpose is to share information on activities and look for areas of mutualinterest. Professor Eric Kilpatrick is the EFLM SC chair.
The ETD collaborates with the Communication and Publication Division (Chair: Tahir Pillay) toorganise surveys, promote its activities, and deliver webinars. The ETD has looked to develop
and share projects proposals and information with the Scientific Division (SD) (Chair: Philippe
Gillery) during 2021. There was the potential to develop a joint project between the C-ETPLM andthe SD on neonatal bilirubin standardisation during 2021. The purpose is to share informationon activities and look for areas of mutual interest avoiding overlaps and by working in synergy.
Congresses and Conferences organised during 2020 and expected in 2021
1. ETD–Exec - IFCC Global Conference on COVID-19 , February 15th : “Emerging tools
in fighting Covid19”- symposium n. 2 and “Emerging Tools in Fighting COVID-19”symposium n.10.
2. C-MHBLM - IFCC Global conference on COVID 19 -Feb 2021. Symposium 2: Emerging
tool in fighting Covid 19
3. C-MHBLM - 8th International Symposium « Critical care testing and blood gases » Biarritz– June 10-11th, 2021 IFCC session : Innovative technologies in Critical care testing
4. C-ETPLM - Joint IFCC C-ETPLM/AACC PMF Scientific Session 1.5 Hour Session titled,“Case Studies in the Use of Emerging Technologies in Pediatric Laboratory Medicine” at
2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting
5. ETD–Exec - Ronda Greaves presented Emerging Technologies in Laboratory Medicine:
One size does not fit all. International Conference on Laboratory Medicine “The Ethics ofQuality and Artificial Intelligence in Laboratory Medicine” Padua, Italy - September 23rd2021
6. ETD–Exec - Ronda Greaves presented Metabolomics in Laboratory Medicine. Virtual
Lab 2021. Fundación Bioquímica 4to. Congreso Virtual de Bioquímica Clínica”. 13th
November 2021.
7. C-ETPLM - The XV ICPLM was conducted virtually over two days meeting on 26th and27th November 2021. Abstracts from this meeting were published in the Journal ofLaboratory Medicine.

89

Publications
1. Emerging technologies in paediatric laboratory medicine. C. Mak, I. Papassotiriou,
J. Zierk, K. P. Kohse, R. F. Greaves, S. M. D. Geaghan, et al. Journal of Laboratory
Medicine 2021 Vol. 45 Issue 6 Pages 245-248. DOI: doi:10.1515/labmed-2021-0097.
https://doi.org/10.1515/labmed-2021-0097
2. Detection of Vitamin D Metabolites in Breast Milk: Perspectives and challenges formeasurement by Liquid Chromatography Tandem-Mass Spectrometry. C. Tuddenham,
R. F. Greaves, A. E. Rajapaksa, J. D. Wark and R. Zakaria. Clin Biochem 2021. Accession
Number: 34419456 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2021.08.003
3. Newborn bloodspot screening in the time of COVID-19. R. F. Greaves, J. Pitt, C.
McGregor, M. Wall and J. Christodoulou. Genet Med 2021 Vol. 23 Issue 6 Pages 11431150. Accession Number: 33442021 PMCID: PMC7804212 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-02001086-6.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7804212/pdf/41436_2020_
Article_1086.pdf
4. Serum Amyloid A Protein as a useful biomarker to predict COVID-19 patients severity
and prognosis. Pieri, M. Ciotti, M. Nuccetelli, MA Perrone, MT Cali`, MS Lia, M. Minieri, S.
Bernardini. International Immunopharmacology 95 (2021) 107512.
5. Clinical validation of a second generation anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and IgM automatedchemiluminescent immunoassay. Pieri, M. Nuccetelli, E. Nicolai, S. Sarubbi, S. Grelli, S.
Bernardini. Journal of Medical Virology 2021;93:2523–2528.
6. NGS in more labs? IFCC group aims to ease the way. Interview to Dr. Jennifer Morrissette,
IFCC working group chair. CAP Today
7. Digital Diagnostics and Mobile Health in Laboratory Medicine: an IFCC-C-MHBLM
Survey on Current Practice and Future Perspectives Frank Desiere, Katarzyna Kowalik,
Christian Fassbind, Ramy Samir Assaad, Anna K. Füzéry, Damien Gruson, Michael
Heydlauf, Kazuhiko Kotani, James H. Nichols, Zihni Onur Uygun, and Bernard Gouget.
The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine
8. Current and emerging technologies for the timely screening and diagnosis of neonatal
jaundice. Mercy Thomas, Ronda F. Greaves, David Tingay, Tze Ping Loh, Vera Ignjatovic,
Fiona Newall, Michelle Oeum, Mai Thi Chi Tran, and Anushi E. Rajapaksa. Critical Reviewsin Clinical Laboratories Sciences. Accepted for publication January 2022
IFCC eNews publications
The C-MHBLM has continued to regularly publish in the IFCC eNews during 2021 (Table 1).
Table 1: eNews publications from ETD-C-MHBLM for 2021.

Sergio Bernardini ETD Chair and Ronda Graves ETD Secretary90

TASK FORCES
Task Force on Ethics (TF-E)
Achievements during 2021:
1. A webinar on relevant topics on Ethics was done during pandemic titled• “Ethical dilemmas in laboratory medicine during pandemic”. October 2021
• Some unique ethical challenges arising from clinical practice with Australia’s remotedwelling Aboriginal people. Dr. Richard Davey• Ethical concerns and requirements regarding the use of COVID-19 diagnostic samples
for research. Dr. Federico Remes Lenicov• Addressing Health Disparities Highlighted by the COVID-19 Pandemic Dr. Joe Wiencek
2. An IFCC code of Ethics for Laboratory Medicine professionals was written by TF-E
members and edited and approved by the EB.
3. A brief article about IFCC code of Ethics for Laboratory Medicine professionals was
prepared and published in IFCC eNews.
4. The Toolkit was revised and updated to be uploaded to IFCC website. An improvement
for making it more useful was considered
Proposal of activities 2022 -2023
1. To prepare and edit 2022-2023 webinars on relevant topics on Ethics during pandemic.
2. To propose IFCC Code of Ethics as a requirement for National Societies to be IFCC
Member.
3. To prepare recommendations on relevant topics on Ethics such to be published in journals
of interest for Laboratory Medicine professionals.
4. To create an Independent Assessor Committee with objectives and functions similar to an
IBR as an additional activity of TF-E
5. To collaborate with a new Task Force on Outcome Studies in Laboratory Medicine (TFOSLM) focused on the impact of Lab Medicine on patients ‘healthcare.
6. To participate in IFCC General Conference and Congresses
7. To revise and update permanently the Toolkit to be uploaded to TF-E IFCC website
8. To prepare notes for spreading TF-E activities in IFCC eNews.
9. To collect Documents stratified by organization on COI, code of ethics & relationshipwith industry were incorporated. Committee members will approach organizations in theirregion to solicit more documents (partially done).
10. To held zoom meetings with FM, CM and consultants and authorities.
Nilda Fink - TF-E Chair

Task Force for Young Scientists (TF-YS)
I. TF-YS educational sessions & networking:• 1st. International Convention of Laboratory Medicine COINCIDELABC. “Actualización
Continua de Jóvenes en Medicina del Laboratorio”. Virtual congress, México, January
22, 2021.
• IFCC TF-YS online session during IFCC virtual conference - Critical role of clinicallaboratories in COVID-19 pandemic. February 2021.
• 1st EFLM/AFCB Conference “Laboratory Medicine for Mobile Societies” XXXIVth National
Days of Clinical Biology - Symposium: IFCC Young Scientists Task force Session “Youngscientists confronting COVID-19 pandemic”. Lecture: “Young scientists’ opportunities
during COVID-19 pandemic”. Virtual Congress, Tunisia, February 18 – 20, 2021.
91• 1 SEMANA LATINOAMERICA DE LA CALIDAD EN SALUD. Virtual conference. Mexico,
April 6-8, 2021.
• EFLM YS-TF Kick off meeting. June 15, 2021
• ALAM Congress and Paraguay National Congress. IFCC Young Scientist Task Force.
Virtual congress. Paraguay, August 25-28, 2021
• COLABIOCLI Conversatorio: Los jóvenes profesionales del laboratorio clínico los
desafíos a partir del COVID-19. October 5, 2021.
• COLABIOCLI Conversatorio: Liderazgo y desarrollo sostenible de los laboratorios
clínicos y el papel de los jóvenes profesionales. October 28, 2021.
• TF-YS Functional meeting at EUROMEDLAB. Munich, November 29, 2021.
• TF-YS + EFLM YS group + German YS group: Joint session at EUROMEDLAB. Munich,November 29, 2021.
• EUROMEDLAB at Munich. IFCC TF-YS symposium: Motivation in the Clinical Laboratory- Santiago Fares Taie (ARG); Time Management Tools for the Young Laboratory
Professional - Joe El-Khoury (USA); Basic Principles of Sample and Data Management- Giulia Sancesario (IT); Conflict Management amongst Young Laboratory Scientists Ashlin Rampul (ZAF). December 3, 2021.
• 47th Annual Conference of Association of Clinical Biochemists of India (ACBICON2021).
IFCC TF-YS: “Role of Laboratory Medicine in Emerging and Re-emerging Infections”.
Virtual conference, India December 13th 15th, 2021
• Young Scientist Session at CALILAB 2021, Argentina. POSTPONED
II. Webinar Series
On June 10th 2021, the TF-YS conducted the webinar titled “Emerging Clinical Mass
Spectrometry Applications”. For this webinar we had 1,695 registrants and 883 attendees.

For this webinar we gained an unrestricted grant of EUR 5,000 from Thermo Fischer.
III. Mentorship programme Interviews
Two mentorship programmes interview where published on the IFCC e-news during this period.
IV. Lab-Surfing
Lab-Surfing is a Laboratory professional social media designed and created in order tofulfil the objectives of IFCC-TFYS & unattended needs of Young Scientists (YS) globally. In
a continuing evolving Laboratory Medicine profession with new technologies and methods
every year, YS find exchange programmes and communication essential to widen theirhorizons and sharpen the laboratory skills.
V. Capillary programmeThis programme intend to increase the participation of TFYS corresponding members
during national meetings. It is an initiative of Dr Giulia Sancesario in her plan for the TFYS.
92

We conducted a Survey to all corresponding members to improve participation and better
understanding of the TF-YS activities and support.
VI. El Microscopio
Active participation in the selection of interviews and creation of questions for the different topics.
VII. Professional Scientific Exchange Programme (PSEP).
We promoted the PSEP in lectures and social media. Due to travel restrictions thisprogramme is not active.
VIII.YS Worldwide Survey
Dr. Claudia Imperiali is coordinating the YS Survey to dilucidated the differences among
careers around the world. This is an ambitious project that will include answers from the
5 continents. The results will be published in IFCC Journal.
IX. Social MediaDr Ashlin Rampul and Dr. Intan Wibawanti Masfufa will focus on social media: Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter to improve visibility and information about the projects that are beenpromoted by the IFCC TF-YS.
Today we interact via Whatsapp, Instagram, Google Groups mailing lists, Lab-Surfing.
com and Facebook page.
X. Leadership Workshop for YS of Latin America
Promote the development of a critical mass of young leaders, with leadership skills andstrategic planning of projects with social impact.
The Workshop concluded successfully with the participation of 20 YS from Latin America.
After this workshop, the COLABIOLCI YS-TF was created to attend the needs of theregion. Similar trends initiated in Africa, North America and Europe.

Santiago Fares Taie - Chair IFCC-TF-YS
Giulia Sancesario - Co-Chair IFCC-TF-YS
Task Force History (TF-H)
The IFCC Milestones 2002-2020, co-writing with Prof. Mathias M Muller, IFCC President 20002005, are designed to be both sufficiently comprehensive but also practical for those interested
in more of the history and rationale of IFCC. The different chapters can help readers deepen theirunderstanding on evolution of the leading organization in the field of lab medicine. The chaptersoffer quick summaries on the activities and research since the beginning of the millennium andprovide a list of potentially useful educational and assessment resources.
The IFCC Milestones are also an opportunity to celebrate the inspirational specialists in lab
medicine all over the world who are working on a voluntary basis in the IFCC functional units.
Together, with the dynamic millennium generation, they have bright ideas that might not makefront-page news but they are providing fundamental knowledge on the biological diagnosis,
improving clinical decision making and ultimately will end up saving lives.
Milestones will need to be reviewed and refined over time. All of the activities described reflects
the achievements of the IFCC from the “on-the-ground” experience. The
cross-checking of the information, rigorous evaluation, and analysis of
the outcomes of the functional units can be useful tools to enable inshaping the future IFCC strategy in a broadened perspective.
Mathias M. Mülller and Bernard Gouget, TF-H Chairs

93

Task Force Corporate Members (TF-CM)
The aim of IFCC TF-CM is to enable Corporate Members to make significant and growing
contributions to the activities of IFCC, and to elevate key topics and priorities for the bettermentof industry collaborations, laboratory medicine and health care. Specific objectives include:• Assisting IFCC in promotion of science, innovation, and advancement of the essential
contribution of laboratory medicine to health care
• Facilitating discussion among Corporate Members and identify common topics of interest
and/or concern• Improving the engagement of Corporate Members with the IFCC
• Serving as the “voice of industry” and be more accessible to all IFCC teams andleadership, enabling a more diverse understanding and appreciation of needs amongcorporate members and the IFCC
• Increasing awareness with other Corporate Members of IFCC TF-CM and to• encourage their participation in IFCC activities
Meetings held::
Eleven virtual meetings were held in 2021 between January 8th and December 21st with amonthly cadence of interactive exchanges. No in-person meetings were held in 2021 due tothe COVID-19 pandemic and associated conference cancellations/delays.
Topics Focused on in 2021:• Expanding and enhancing active corporate membership- >75% attendance across all monthly meetings; each more than doubling the active
engagement from 2020
- Fourteen companies are now represented through year-end with full and/or
corresponding membership• Setting expectations for new and renewed corporate representatives- Developed an instructional guide for new and renewing members to be launched as awelcome package in Q1 2022.
- Developed multiple surveys including an assessment of top IFCC benefits for corporate
members.
• Understanding and communicating the needs of corporate members, enabling enhanced
recognition for valued contributions- Cultivation and implementation of an industry-led scientific workshop at the virtual
COVID-19 Congress- Development of appreciation certificates to companies with continued IFCC
sponsorship and to corporate representations for their valued support
Topics planned for 2022:• Meeting Effectiveness – Advancing science and maximizing partnerships following
lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Asset Activation – Successful implementation and launch of the 2021 programs/deliverables to achieve target objectives• Advancing Laboratory Medicine – Ideation and implementation of new ideas to further
excellence in health care.
Meetings Planned for 2022:
Virtual meetings will resume monthly, effective January 2022 with at least 2 face to face meetingsplanned in 2022, pending COVID-19 travel limitations.
Tricia Ravalico, TF-CM Chair
94

Task Force on COVID-19
Background
The leading objectives of this TF encompass the provision of regular updates on epidemiology,
pathogenesis and laboratory diagnostics of COVID-19, the development of practical
recommendations for harmonizing the use of diagnostic tests for COVID-19 and biosafetymeasures for managing the specimens, as well as the organization of international studies
to improve the knowledge on pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapeutic management of
COVID-19
Educational sessions, workshop, functional meeting conducted:• IFCC Global Conference on COVID-19. Virtual Meeting, 15-17 February 2021.
• IFCC guidelines on molecular diagnostic testing of SARS-Cov-2 viral infection. 6th Annual
Academic Session of the College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka (CCPSL AAS
2021). Hybrid Conference, 25-27 July 2021.
• Measuring inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19. Lippi G. Sociedad Española deMedicina de Laboratorio (SEQC-ML). Webinar, 27 October 2021.
• Laboratory Medicine in the era of COVID-19. 19th Panhellenic Congress of Clinical
Chemistry. Athens (Greece) & Virtual conference. 4-6 November 2021.
• Monitoring humoral response after COVID-19 vaccination. 57th PAMET (Philippine
Association of Medical Technologists) Virtual Annual Convention. Virtual Conference, 1-4
December 2021
Articles published:• Lippi G, Adeli K, Plebani M. Commercial immunoassays for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2
spike and RBD antibodies: urgent call for validation against new and highly mutatedvariants. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2021 Dec 16. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2021-1287. Epub aheadof print. PMID: 34911171.
• Bohn MK, Lippi G, Horvath AR, Erasmus R, Grimmler M, Gramegna M, Mancini N, Mueller
R, Rawlinson WD, Menezes ME, Patru MM, Rota F, Sethi S, Singh K, Yuen KY, Wang CB,
Adeli K; IFCC Taskforce on COVID-19. IFCC interim guidelines on rapid point-of-careantigen testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals.
Clin Chem Lab Med. 2021 Apr 28;59(9):1507-1515. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0455. PMID:
33908222.
• Loh TP, Lord SJ, Bell K, Bohn MK, Lim CY, Markus C, Fares Taie H, Adeli K, Lippi G, Sandberg
S, Horvath A. Setting minimum clinical performance specifications for tests based on
disease prevalence and minimum acceptable positive and negative predictive values:
Practical considerations applied to COVID-19 testing. Clin Biochem. 2021 Feb;88:18-22.
doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2020.11.003. Epub 2020 Nov 20. PMID: 33227233; PMCID:
PMC7678449.
Other activities:
Developing and maintaining the IFCC Information Guide on COVID-19, an online resource
providing key information on laboratory guidelines, biosafety, and other important resources
to assist member societies around the world and their clinical laboratories as they face thechallenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Giuseppe Lippi, TF-COVID-19 Chair95

Task Force on Global Newborn Screening (TF-NBS)
Joint Task Force of IFCC and International Society of Newborn Screening (ISNS)• Had inaugural Task Force meeting in January of 2021
• Created survey to assess current state of NBS and to identify potential candidates forcollaboration• Distributed survey to different mailing lists (including IFCC members, newsletters andlocal societies) and posted on IFCC website• Analyzed survey responses- 425 responses from 84 countries- 66% of responses came from regions outside of North America, Europe or Australasia- Needs identified by responders included:◊ Support with development of education materials and guidelines◊ Training of laboratory, follow up and clinical personnel◊ Providing Laboratory Review/Quality Audit- Identified potential candidates for follow up by region:◊ Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda◊ Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan◊ Latin America: Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru
Plans for 2022
• Creation of follow-up surveys and Zoom calls in Q1 2022
• Assessing the situation in two or three places including the extent of any governmental
support during Q2 2022
• Agreeing concrete plans during Q3 and Q4 2022
• Ensuring that the elements of the pathway for sample collection, transport and clinicalreferral, confirmatory testing are in planned Q1 2023
• Starting deployment of equipment and training in Q2 2023
• Method validation/verification, training for sample taking, transport logistics and definingreferral pathways etc. during Q3 and Q4 2023
• Start screening as a one or two year pilot in Q1 2024 depending upon local circumstances
Van Leung-Pineda Co-Chair and James Bonham Co-Chair/ISNS - TF-NBS

Task-Force on Global Lab Quality (TF-GLQ)
Background
One of IFCC’s important goals is to improve general lab quality in Clinical & Medical Laboratories
worldwide, and in particular in developing countries. In previous years, the “Committee ofAnalytical Quality” (C-AQ) and the Working Group “Developing Quality Competence in Medical
Laboratories” (DQCML) were chartered with this task.
At the end of 2020 both initiatives were terminated and replaced by the Task-Force on Global
Lab Quality (TF-GLQ).
The TF-GLQ was chartered to identify countries around the world willing to improve their IQC
lab standards and to participate in EQA/Proficiency Testing programs. Initially, 10 countries with5 labs each were to be identified for a pilot phase, in which IQC and EQA materials would be
provided by the IFCC free of charge for the participating laboratories. On-site training courses,
conducted by TF members, are planned during the 1-year pilot phase.
After the 1-year pilot phase, an in-depth analysis – based on pre-defined performance indicators(KPI) – shall be conducted. If the program appears to be successful, it is intended to roll out an
expanded program to additional countries & labs.
96

Achievements in 2021
• Conducting a global IQC&EQA survey in order to identify suitable countries & labs
participating in the initial pilot phase.
• Based on the result of the survey, developing a priority list of 10 countries willing of
improving their IQC and EQA programs.
• Identification of 5 labs in each of those 10 countries to participate in the 1-year pilot phase.
• Identification of country contacts and in particular, country coordinators to act as “country– IFCC” liaison managers for the pilot program.
• Developing a list of assays of high probability of demand/usefulness for the 1-year
pilot phase, considering country specific needs.
• Defining criteria to identify most suitable IQC and EQA materials providing vendors.
• Identification and prioritization of potential vendors for the IQC and EQA programs (tworounds of bidding processes were performed).
• Selection of the provider(s): Oneworld ACCURACY (1WA) for the EQA program; selectionof an IQC materials provider still pending.
Meetings held in 2021
Including the inaugural TF-GLQ meeting, eight TF meetings were held (most at a monthly basis,
mostly for 2 hours each), plus several ZOOM meetings with the EB and vendors.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EuroMedLab Meeting in Munich, planned for the end of
November/beginning of December 2021 was cancelled. As a consequence, the TF-GLQ did notmeet in person in 2021, but exclusively via ZOOM conferences.
Plans for 2022
• Finalize selection process of IQC materials provider.
• Develop jointly with 1WA the EQA program for the 1-year pilot phase.
• Start jointly with 1WA and monitor the roll-out of the EQA program.
• Develop and conduct general IQC and EQA training programs for participating countries.
(Prioritization, number and duration of such trainings to be worked out).
• Develop and conduct WEBINARS on IQC and EQA for participating countries.
• Oversight over both IQC and EQA programs.
• Conduct an IFCC Webinar on IQC and EQA.
Meetings planned for 2022
Monthly TF-GLQ ZOOM meetings are being continued during 2022.
The 1st physical meeting of TF members is planned at the IFCC WorldLab in Seoul in June
2022. A 2nd physical meeting of TF members is planned at the occasion of the IFCC General
Conference in Brussels in October 2022.
Egon Amann, Qing Meng, TF-GLQ Co-Chairs

Taskforce on Global eLearning/eAcademy (TF-GEL)
Scope & Mandate• Prepare initial terms of reference for a new taskforce on global eLearning/eAcademy• Recruit Webinar Coordinator(s) with relevant technical and scientific expertise• Initiate Live Monthly Webinars starting in January 2021, broadcast globally across different
time zones, with each webinar consisting of a panel of 2-3 speakers and panel discussion• Initiate development of recorded webinars for publication on the eAcademy platform• Create new online courses, certificate programs, practical workshops, and tutorials
delivered through Workcast or eAcademy
97Deliverables
Development of eLearning programs in the field of laboratory medicine, which include:• Live Webinars – Global Broadcast• Recorded Webinars for the eAcademy Platform• Online courses and certificate programs• Online practical workshops and tutorials
The taskforce has met regularly throughout 2021 and has helped coordinate typically twice
monthly webinars. A full programme of international webinars for 2022 has already been
established. The meetings appear to be attracting significant interest with there being in
February and March 2022, 3821, 4461 and 5028 registrants respectively.
In the coming year, in addition to the ongoing webinar delivery, we are working to develop anddeliver the means to provide IFCC accreditation for these webinars. We are also now reviewing
international learning platforms with a view to enabling the IFCC to develop and deliver online
courses and certificate programs, as well as online practical workshops and tutorials.
Available
dates

98

Contact

Title/Topic

January 17-21

POSTPONED

Dr. Andrew South

Single Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics: clinicalapplication

February 02
CONFIRMED 4pm CETDone 3821
registrants

Dr Ronald Booth

Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL), Troponin for theBrain: Measurement and Applications in Multiple
Sclerosis and other neurological conditions.

February 16
CONFIRMED 9am EST

Done 4461
registrants

Dr. Giuseppe Lippi

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants and mutations
on COVID-19 diagnostics

March 02
CONFIRMED 4 pm CETDone 5028
registrants

Dr. Fred Apple

Laboratory & Analytical Aspects of HighSensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays

March 23
CONFIRMED 1pm CET

Dr. Nino Tabadze

COVID -19 and Laboratory Medicine Role in

April 06
CONFIRMED 5pm CET

Dr. Fred Apple

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays –Clinical Applications

April 26
CONFIRMED 3pm CETProf. Jordi OrdonezLlanos

Analytical and Clinical Aspects of Natriuretic
PeptidesMay 11CONFIRMED 3pm CET

Dr. Joe Wiencek

A Global Perspective on Health Inequities inLaboratory Medicine

May 23
CONFIRMED time?

Dr. Sedef Yenice

Data-driven Operations and Machine Learning
Applications in Clinical Laboratories

Jun 8 CONFIRMED
2pm CET

Aasne Aarsand

Biological variation

June 22

Prof Zhen Zhao

Experts’ insights and experiences for clinicallaboratory investigators: building translational
research programs

July 6 CONFIRMED3 PM GMT 5pm CET

Dr. Ana Lena

DDIMERS AND DIFFERENT CLINICALAPPLICATIONSJuly 20
CONFIRMED 5pm CET

Dr. Raúl Girardi

Traceability of measurements, quality andlaboratory accreditation. Three topics of interestfor clinical laboratory professionals in IberoAmerica

GeorgiaAvailable
dates

Contact

Title/Topic

September 7
CONFIRMED 3PM GMT

Dr. Ana Lena

Importance of the Preanalytical Phase indifferent areas of the Laboratory

September 21
CONFIRMED 2pm CET

Dr. Snežana Jovičić

Challenges in laboratory diagnosis of endocrine
diseases

October 05

Dr. Van Leung-Pineda

Aspects of Newborn Screening

October 19
CONFIRMED time?

Prof. Sedef Yenice

From Data to Decisions: Data and Analytics
Leadership in Clinical Laboratory Management

November 9
Confirmed

Dr Andrew South

Single Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics: clinicalapplication

November 23
Confirmed 10am CET

Dr. Samue Vasikaran

The role of key laboratory tests in theinvestigation and management of metabolicbone disease

Tester F. Ashavaid

Challenges in implementing Pharmacogenetics
in routine Clinical

December 05-09(confirmed slot)

Date needto confirmed
from Speakers

Adrian Park - TF-GEL Chair

Task Force on Outcome Studies in Laboratory Medicine (TF-OSLM)
The IFCC Task Force on Outcome Studies in Laboratory Medicine (TF-OSLM) was formed in
October, 2021. The important mission of the task force is to enhance the visibility of Laboratory
Medicine through outcome studies. The task force is comprised by the following members
corporate representatives and corresponding members:
Members
Name				Position			Country		Term		Time in Office
Z. Zhao				Chair			US		1st2021 10 - 2024 12
M. A. Serdar			
Member			TR		
1st2021 10 - 2024 12
C. I. Suárez Sánchez		
Member			CL		
1st2021 10 - 2024 12
V. Gounden			Member			ZA		
1st2021 10 - 2024 12
E. M. Simbaqueba Sánchez
Corp. Rep./IL-WerfenUS		
1st2021 10 - 2024 12
J. A. Snyder			Corp. Rep./SiemensUS		
1st2021 10 - 2024 12
C. Strain			

Corp. Rep./Abbott

CA		

1st

2021 10 - 2024 12

Corresponding members:Name				K. Rodriguez-Capote		
M. Banerjee			
M.M.Suchitra			
M. Wakui			V. Pant Nepalese 		
E. Koldberg Amundsen		

Full and Affiliate Member Societies
Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC)
Association of Clinical Biochemists of India (ACBI)
Association of Medical Biochemists of India (AMBI)
Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC)
Association for Clinical Chemistry (NACC)
Norsk Selskap for Medisinsk Biokjemi (NSMB)

R. I. Álvarez Carrasco		

Asociación Médica Peruana de Patología Clínica (AMPPC)On January 24, 2022, the newly created task force got together for their first meeting in a virtual
conference call. Dr. Khosrow Adeli, the IFCC president, gave a kick-off speech to share thevision of the task force and provide history of previous efforts led by IFCC and international
partners to promote Laboratory Medicine. The taskforce members discussed roadmap andtimelines, as well as major milestones to help move things forward. Specifically, the TF-OSLM
99

will take two pronged approaches led by two subcommittees, which had two subsequent virtual
meetings on February 10 and 11, 2022.
The first subcommittee will lead the effort to identify existing peer reviewed, high quality
publications that demonstrate the value of laboratory medicine in healthcare overall and create arepository/database of publications that is accessible by members of IFCC. This subcommittee
members include C. I. Suárez Sánchez (Member, CL), J. A. Snyder (Corp. Rep./Siemens, US),
C. Strain (Corp. Rep./Abbott, CA), K. Rodriguez-Capote (Corr. Member, CSCC), M.M.Suchitra(Corr. Member, AMBI), E. Koldberg Amundsen (Corr. Member, NSMB) and Z. Zhao (Chair, US).
The second subcommittee will lead the effort to develop a funded research program forinvestigators in hospitals located around the world to conduct new retrospective and prospective
research with outcomes that assess the value of laboratory medicine in healthcare overall. The
taskforce could help centres in setting up studies to properly collect such data (common study
protocols and formats) and publish their findings. This subcommittee members include M A.
Serdar (Member, TR), C. I. Suárez Sánchez (Member, CL), V. Gounden (Member, SA), E. M.
Simbaqueba Sánchez (Corp. Rep./IL-Werfen, US), M. Banerjee (Corr. Member, ACBI) and Z.
Zhao (Chair, US).
Together, the task force will develop publications, presentations, webinars and othercommunications materials to help IFCC members use this data to effectively promote thecritical value of laboratory medicine in healthcare to key CPD, C-VPLM, TF-CM and others, as
required.
Zhen Zhao - TF-OSLM Chair

Task Force on Global Reference Interval Database (TF-GRID)On December 01 2021, the newly created TF-GRID (IFCC Task Force on Global Reference
Interval Database, chaired by Jakob Zierk from Germany) came together for their first meeting in a
virtual conference call. The task force’s overarching goal is the establishment and disseminationof digital IFCC reference interval resources to be used by scientists and clinicians worldwide.
Specifically, the task force has identified five major tasks within their scope and mandate, which
will be led by small subgroups within the task force:• First, an IFCC website which provides an overview of all major global and local reference
interval studies and initiatives will be developed. The aim of this website is to provide an
IFCC-sponsored entry point to clinicians and scientists looking for reference intervals. Thistask will be led by M. K. Bohn (Member/YS, CA), P. Ridefelt (Member, SE), R. Müller (Corp.
Rep., Abbott, DE), J.M. Rhea-McManus (Corp. Rep., US, Siemens), A. Al-Farwi (Corr.
100

Member, SCLA), S. Sharma (Corr. Member, ACBI), and E. C. Cheung Wong (Member, US)• Second, the task force will create a global IFCC reference interval database. This database
will give end users access to specific reference intervals, stratified by the relevant covariates,
and also allow comparison of patient’s test results to existing reference intervals. (Bothwebsites from the first and second task will be mobile-friendly.) The members leading
this task are M. K. Bohn (Member/YS, CA), P. Ridefelt (Member, SE), P. Christensen (Corr.
Member, DSKB), J.M. Rhea-McManus (Corp. Rep., Siemens, US), E. C. Cheung Wong
(Member, US), and E. Kupatadze (Corr. Member GLMA).
• Third, the task force will create web-based tools to allow end-users to calculate reference
intervals using various direct and indirect methods. This task is led by A. B. Leichtle(Member, CH), A. Coskun (Member, TR), L. Franszon (Corr. Member, ISLM), and H.
Marques Tiburcio (Corr. Member, DSKB)• Fourth, the task force will analyze existing global reference interval data to assess
opportunities for reference interval harmonization, and to identify areas where reference
interval studies are needed most. N. Mayanskiy (Member, RU), E. A. Chaler (Corr. Member,
CUBRA) and R. Müller (Corp Rep, Abbott, US) are leading this task.
• Fifth, a workshop on indirect reference intervals is planned, with the aim to disseminate
both theoretic and practical knowledge on indirect reference interval approaches. Thistask is led by A. B. Leichtle (Member, CH), A. Coskun (Member, TR), and A. Al-Farwi (Corr.
Member, SCLA).
The task force’s first in-person meeting is currently scheduled for the EuroMedLab meeting in
Munich, until then the group is having monthly virtual meetings.
Jacob Zierk, TF-GRID Chair

101

FOUNDATION FOR EMERGING NATIONS

The activities of the FEN were again severely impacted during 2021 because of the Covid-19
pandemic.
The FEN Board:• Approved the annual report and accounts for 2021
• Achieved tax exemption from the Swiss Regulatory Authority
The pandemic meant that it has not been possible for five scholarship recipients to visit their
host laboratories in S Korea and the UK. The scholarships have been held over into 2022.
Fundraising for the FEN is contingent on the completion of ongoing projects. Therefore, noattempts were made to raise fresh funding during the year.
The Board acknowledges the excellent support of Paola Bramati.
The Board hopes that 2022 will be a more productive and effective year
Graham Beastall FEN Chair102

REGIONAL FEDERATIONSREGIONAL FEDERATIONS AFFILIATED WITH IFCC
There are six main Regional Professional Laboratory Medicine organizations which can beconsidered IFCC regional partners:• AFCB - Arab Federation of Clinical Biochemistry• AFCC - African Federation of Clinical Chemistry• APFCB - Asia-Pacific federation of Clinical Biochemistry• COLABIOCLI - Latin-American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry• EFLM - European Federation Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine• NAFCC – North American Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine

AFCB
Arab Federation of Clinical Biology
Activity Report of the 4 AFCB member societies (ALAM, STBC, SCLA and PMTA)
Given the epidemic situation (SARS-CoV-2), the majority of the training sessions organized by
the 4 Arab companies which sent their 2021 report were provided by webinar
I. Algeria ALAM
• 7 webinars• 2 face-to-face
THEME

Date

TopicsObservation

Toxicology

29/01/2021

Biological markers of alcohol
consumption

webinar

Genetic - Hematology

25/02/2021

Non-BCR-ABL myeloproliferative
syndrome: from NFS to NGS

webinarAllergology

31/03/2021

Biological diagnosis of respiratory
allergywebinarImmunology

2 et 3 avril 2021

- Monoclonal gammopathies- Autoimmunity

face-to-face

Virology

15/04/2021

COVID Screening andSequencing

webinar

Genetic

27/04/2021

Screening for trisomy 21 andother chromosomal abnormalities
by cfDNA (DPNI)

webinar

Hematology

11/05/2021

Thalassemia: interest of NFS andiron balance

webinar

Hematology

20 et 21 mai 2021

- Blood group systems- Explorations in haemostasis

face-to-face

Cancerology

27/05/2021

Endopredict: breast cancer
expression profile

webinar

Virology

10/06/2021

Arboviruses

webinar

Genetic

24/06/2021

Exome

webinarGynecology - Biology

24/07/2021

Pre-eclampsia and biology

webinar

Bacteriology

16/09/2021

Microbiota

webinarFertility

30/09/2021

Genetic assessment of female
and male infertility

webinarHepatology

14/10/2021

Fibrotest

webinarHepatology

28/10/2021

Onco-genetics: breast cancer
angle new panel

webinar103

THEME

Date

TopicsObservation

Hepatology

17/11/2021

Urodiagwebinar

Infectiology

09/12/2021

Maternal-fetal infections + CMV

webinar

II. Palestine PMTA
• Long Courses
Lecture Name

104

Clinical Leadership and Management Course
Lecturer

Date

Clinical Leadership and Management

Dr. Osama Najjar

15/1/2021

Laboratory Personal Management Techniques

Mr. Nidal Alawneh

16/1/2021

Corrections in Hematology Parameters

Mr. Ayman Najjar

17/1/2021

Team Development in the Lab

Dr. Amjad Hussein

18/1/2021

Time Management Skills to Benefit Lab

Dr. Wafa’ Menawi

19/1/2021

The Leader as Visionary Motivator

Dr. Osama Najjar

23/1/2021• Webinars, workshops, and scientific meetings
Lecture Name

Lecturer

Date

Laboratory Informatics Dealing with Laboratory Data to enhance
Laboratory Results

Mr. Basem Abu Al Rub

10/2/2021

Medical Laboratory Quality Management and Accreditation/
session1

Mr. Abd Al Raouf Saleem

21/3/202

Medical Laboratory Quality Management and Accreditation/
session2

Mr. Abd Al Raouf Saleem

22/3/2021

Design of Experiment(DOE) an easy Short Method to AccessResearch Results

Mr. Ahmad Saya’ra

3/11/2021

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Silent
Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women

Dr. Ikram Fayyad

9/12/2021

Elisa Techniques Principles, Types and other Labeled Immunoassays

Dr. Noor Abu Tayem

11/12/2021

Elisa Standard Curve and Sources of Error

Dr. Noor Abu Tayem

12/12/2021

How to Deal with Data Obtained from Elisa

Dr. Noor Abu Tayem

13/12/2021

Phenotype and Genotype Identification of Catalase Negative
Staphylococcus aureus

Dr. Ma’moun Aubeidia

22/12/2021

Impact of Delay Biopsy and Pathology Report Turned Around Timeon Cancer Disease

Mr. Basem Abu Al Rub

29/12/2021• Official Meetings
Meeting Name

Date

General Conference Meeting

4-6 June, 2021

PMTA Social Solidarity Fund Meeting

3-4 July, 2021

Laboratory Services Pricing Committee

August, 2021

III. Tunisia STBC
• 7 webinars• 7 face-to-faceRegional meeting EFLM /AFCB/STBC• AFCB 1st EFLM-AFCB Conference “Laboratory Medicine For Mobile Societies” andXXXIVth National Days of Clinical Biology (Virtual congress)
STBC/FIFBCML• 1st Tunisian Days of Practical Biology November 12th et 13th 2021 Tunis
Education
Date

Place

Theme

16/04/2021

webinar

Biological monitoring of COVID-19 patients in
intensive care450

04/06/2021

webinarVerification / Validation of Methods in Clinical Biology

304

11/06/2021

webinarAnti-nuclear antibodies

210

16/06/2021

webinar

Biologist's Wednesday (Case-reports presentationand discussion)90

21/09/2021

Tunis

Diagnostic methods for Helicobacter pylori infections

32

08/10/2021

webinarInvestigation of food allergies

20

20/10/2021

webinar

Biologist's Wednesday (Case-reports presentationand discussion)100

29/10/2021

Sfax

Microbiological surveillance of the environment inhealth care facilities

29

26/11/2021

Tunis

Spermogram88

10/12/2021

Tunis

Free light chain assay: biological samples andinterests

63

07/01/2022

webinarHemoglobin electrophoresis: interpretation difficulties

25

28-29/01/2022

Tunis

Master of Quality Management in partnership with
the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir:
Implementation of a quality documentation system40

11/02/2022

Tunis

Microscopic diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis
and malaria

18

18-19/02/2022

Tunis

Master of Quality Management in partnership with
the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir:
Management of equipment

Name of the meeting

Regional meetings
Date

1st EFLM-AFCB Conference“Laboratory Medicine For Mobile
Societies”
XXXIVth National Days of Clinical
Biology (Virtual congress)

February 18th, 19th & 20th 2021

1st Tunisian Days of Practical
Biology

November 12th et 13th 2021
Tunis

Participation

Society’s contribution forthe meeting
EFLM
STBC
AFCB
FIFBCML
STBC

105

IV. Syrian Clinical Laboratory Association (SCLA)• SCLA has participated actively in the effort to combat COVID-19 in collaboration with
the Ministry of Health and other health providers. SCLA played a major role in the
diagnosis and follow up of patients as well as tracing contacts.
• JIB to discuss the role of Laboratory Medicine in some Mediterranean & European
countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Syria had presented a full report under theheading: “Syria between Rock and a Hard Place” which was published in the IFCC
news.
• SCLA took part in the online meeting which was organised by IPCLM between 27-29
August 2021 and Dr Adnan Alkhatib delivered a lecture title (What is the Cut-off ofVitamin D)• SCLA took parts in various activities concerning the misuse of Antibiotics; theseincludes:- Dr. Shannan has delivered few lectures on the danger of misusing antibiotics on theMicrobiome & Microbiota during the Syrian Physicians Syndicate which was held in
Aleppo October 2021 and during the Syrian Pharmacists Syndicate which was heldin Latakia October 2021.
- Dr. Shannan had also participated in a local television programme in the effort toraise awareness among the public of the danger of Antibiotics misuse.
• Dr. Adnan Khatib has delivered a lecture about the laboratory tests for the evaluation of
the activity of the anticoagulants treatment during a one-day symposium organised by
the Syrian Cardiovascular Society and the Syrian Oncology Society on type, appropriateuse, misuse and the evaluation of anticoagulants in various cardiovascular diseases.
Abderrazek Hedhili, AFCB Representative

106

AFCC
African Federation of Clinical Chemistry
Dear Colleagues,
It gives me great pleasure to present this report. This has been a very difficult period for the
AFCC due to the COVID 19 pandemic in which we did not have any activity in 2020 and indeed
we lost nearly 15 months. In fact due to this pandemic we could not achieve many of the
proposed activities that were presented as our operational plan for 2020/21
Conference participation
President was invited to the inaugural conference of Malawian Association of Medical Lab
Scientists in Feb 2020 and the Egyptian Quality Improvement Conference (MRC Chemical
Pathology)
Towards the end of 2020, AFCC was asked to participate in an IFCC supported conference on
COVID-19 which was held virtually in February, 2021.
AFCC provided auspices to the Egyptian MRC (Chemical Pathology) Congress
Support for 1st Cardiometabolic Health and Diabetes Africa Congress (22-25 Feb 2022)
AFCC will be supporting this congress and will also assist in its planning through Prof Erasmus.
It is proposed that AFCC will support 40 scientists, members of the Board and nominees from
Task Force on Young Scientists (total number expected is between 60 and 70)
Webinar Presentations (see below)
1.The AFCC Young Scientists organized a webinar in March 2021
2. Subsequently a number of webinars were organized in collaboration with several academic
institutions and the Empower School of Health, Switzerland
Future Webinars : It was suggested that a Webinar Committee be appointed , members to be
drawn from the AFCC member societies. A suggestion has also been made by the Egyptian
Society for Quality Improvement (to be discussed)
IFCC Webinar on POC in Resource Poor Countries – July, 2021
Turkish Society - Lab Ethics- June, 2021
Africa Health -Biomarkers for Diabetes – Oct 2021
Kenyan Association of Clinical Pathology (KACP) – Point of Care Testing – Oct, 2021
AFCC Contribution to IFCC COVID 19 Conference – Feb, 2021
AFCC Young Scientists Webinar to celebrate Lab Professionals Week – April, 2021
AFCC Ethical Lab Practice Workshop , March 2021
Quality Issues in Medical Laboratory- Elephant in the room May, 2021
Lab Professional Week:The Medical Lab Career Opportunities, April, 2021
AFCC Webinar on Lab Logistics – July 2021
MRC /Chemical Pathology Conference, Alexandria University, Egyptian Society for Lab
Improvement – April, 2021
Auspices
POCT Africa International Conference (auspices AFCC) – May, 2021
20 young scientists were sponsored to attend this conference
Website Revamp
As recommended by the board the website was revamped by a company in Zambia who initiallycollaborated with a company in Nigeria. The latter withdrew from the project. A contract drawn
up by the company to maintain the website was not approved by the Board
107

Appointment of Committees
The formation of 3 subcommittees was recommended.
a. Education and Training – Mr G Akalu
b. Standardisation and Traceability - Prof Anetorc. Point of Care Testing - Prof Erasmus
Organization of BSZ AFCC Regional Conferences
The conference was postponed to Nov 11th due to the COVID 19 epidemic. The conference
was organized virtually in collaboration with Ministry of Health Zambia and the University ofZambia. Their assistance is acknowledged as well as the LOC chaired by Mr V Daka and thechair of the Scientific Committee, Prof Sody Munsaka
The President facilitated the academic program by suggesting the names of 20 international
speakers
The LOC was able to get 6 sponsors while the AFCC president managed to get 1 sponsor
IFCC supported the conference by approving the participation of 3 IFCC Committees (Emerging
Technologies, Lab Mx and POCT).
The conference was well attended and a huge success
Sponsorships
AFCC supported young scientists to:a. IFCC Conference on COVID
b. POCT Africa Conferencec. BSZ AFCC Conference
Communication
It has been a difficult task to keep up with multiple emails, requests and notices. This has
resulted in lapses in communication. It is strongly suggested that a secretariat be formed andstaffed by a part time person. Proposals have been sent to Biomedical Society of Zambia andEthiopian Medical Lab Association
AFCC Rep to IFCC Global Lab Week GroupMr. H. lumano will represent the AFCC
Revenue
No revenue has been received in 2021 though the allocation of funds from IFCC was increased
The new system for receiving funds is now linked to specific activities for which invoices aresent to the IFCC office once the activity is approved by IFCC Treasurer.
Collaboration with AACC and EFLM
This has commenced and is expected to grow further in 2022.
Proposed MOU with Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities
A MOU has been prepared to wards collaboration and co-operation between Egyptian Supreme
Council, Siemens Middle East and AFCC to promote training and education throughout Africa
Rajiv Erasmus, President108

APFCB
Asia-Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
The APFCB Executive Board consists of: Dr Sunil Sethi (SACB), President; Dr Leslie Lai(MACB), Immediate Past-President; Dra Endang Hoyaranda (IACC), Vice-President; Dr Helen
Martin (AACB), Secretary; Dr Leila Florento (PAMET), Treasurer; Mr Alexander Wong (Siemens),
Corporate Representative.
The APFCB has 4 Committees: Scientific Committee chaired by Dr Samuel Vasikaran (AACB);
Education and Laboratory Management Committee chaired by Dr Tony Badrick (AACB),
Communication Committee chaired by Dr Raja Elina Raja Azzidin (MACB) and Congresses andConferences Committee chaired by Dr Praveen Sharma (ACBI)
A. Members of APFCB:
The members of the APFCB which is now 39 years old are as follows:
Full/ordinary Members, Affiliate Members and Corporate Members status 2021
The following National Societies are full/ordinary members of the APFCB:
1. Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB)
2. Chinese Society of Laboratory Medicine (CSLM)
3. Hong Kong Society of Clinical Chemistry (HKSCC)
4. Association of Clinical Biochemists of India (ACBI)
5. Indonesian Association of Clinical Chemistry (IACC)
6. Iranian Society of Clinical Laboratory Doctors (IACLD)
7. Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC)
8. Korean Society of Clinical Chemistry (KSCC)
9. Malaysian Association of Clinical Biochemists (MACB)
10. Mongolian Association of Health Laboratorians (MAHL)
11. Nepal Association for Medical Laboratory Sciences (NAMLS)
12. Pakistan Society of Chemical Pathologists (PSCP)
13. Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)
14. Singapore Association of Clinical Biochemists (SACB)
15. Association for Clinical Biochemistry, Sri Lanka (ACBSL)
16. Chinese Association for Clinical Biochemistry, Taiwan (CACB)
17. Thailand Association of Clinical Biochemists (TACB)
18. Vietnamese Association of Clinical Biochemistry (VACB)
The following are the Affiliate Members of APFCB:
1. Association of Medical Biochemists of India (AMBI)
2. College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka (CCPSL)
3. Macao Laboratory Medicine Association (MLMA)
4. Nepalese Association of Clinical Chemistry (NACC)
5. Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories (PCQACL)
The following are the Corporate Members of APFCB:
1. Abbott Diagnostics
2. Becton Dickinson Diagnostics
3. Beckman Coulter
4. Bio-Rad
109

5. DiaSys Diagnostic Systems GmbH
6. RCPAQAP
7. Roche Diagnostics
8. Sekisui Chemical Co (Japan) 16.
9. Siemens Healthineers
10. Snibe Diagnostics
11. Sukraa Software Solution Pvt Ltd
12. Sysmex
13. Thermo Fisher Scientific
14. Waters Corporation
B. Scientific Committee activities in 2021
Activities of the Scientific Committee conducted in 2021 include new activities and carry-overactivities from previous years.
1. Working Group on Diabetes Testing Harmonisation in the APFCB Region
The Diabetes Testing Harmonisation WG chaired by Dr Mithu Banerjee has conductedsurveys of diabetes testing and reporting practices in four countries in the Asia-Pacificregion. Results of the survey conducted in India were presented at the APFCB Congressin 2019 and have been published.1 The results of the survey in the Philippines were
presented previously at the PAMET conference in 2018. Survey results for Sri Lanka were
presented at the Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Chemical Pathologists of
Sri Lanka (July 2021). A survey has also been conducted in Singapore.
2. Masterclass in Interpretative Commenting on Clinical Chemistry Reports – Webinars
Since August 2020, the APFCB Scientific Committee has organised a monthly webinar
series on Interpretative Commenting.
The list of 2021 webinars were as follows: Calcium and Parathyroid; Endocrine Dynamic
Function Tests – Adult; Lipid Testing; Cardiac Troponin; Diabetes Testing; Dynamic
Function Tests Part 2; Anti- Muellerian Hormone; Serum Protein Electrophoresis; Essentialof Porphyrias; Tumor Markers
3. Task Force on APFCB-WASPaLM TF-CKD
APFCB / WASPaLM Task Force on Chronic Kidney Disease which is chaired by Dr Pavai
Sthaneswar has undertaken a survey of testing and reporting practices for CKD-related
laboratory indices in India
4. Working Group on Mass Spectrometry Harmonisation
The Mass Spectrometry Harmonisation Working Group which is chaired by Dr Ronda
Greaves has undertaken a multicentre study of the influence of internal standard on theanalysis of 17-hydroxyprogesterone by LCMSMS, in association with RCPAQAP – AACB
and IFCC Emerging Technologies Division Paediatric Hormone Working Group.
5. Working Group on the Harmonisation of Reference Intervals
Chaired by Dr Tze Ping Loh, this working group has plans to derive and compare indirectreference intervals from paediatric to geriatric subjects from laboratories within the AsiaPacific region.
6. Working Group to Analyse Laboratory Data for Improving Diagnostics.
Mohamed Saleem is chairing a ‘results of benchmarking surveys in the region’ which will
be used to support healthcare goals for improved disease management.
C. Education and Laboratory Management Committee
1. APFCB Travelling Lecturer
The APFCB Visiting Lecturer for 2021/22 is Dr Helen Martin from Australia.
2. APFCB-Roche -12th Chemical Pathology Course – Vietnam
This is an ongoing annual event organised by Roche in collaboration with Rhonda Greaves
from Australia. The course is endorsed and supported by IFCC, APFCB, VACB, AACB,110

HACB, HAMLT, Bach Mai Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital and other medical organisations
and associations.
3. APFCB – Becton Dickinson Pre-Analytical Improvement Project
The collaboration of APFCB with BD to provide our members with a digital guideline forpre-analytical procedures has now been finalised which contains the following webinars:
Introduction to pre-analytical issues; Phlebotomy Attributes; Specimen Collection via
Venepuncture; Specimen Collection via Vascular Access Device; Specimen Transportation
4. APFCB-AACC Workshops
The APFCB has been collaborating with the AACC with their Global Lab Quality initiative(GLQ) as part of the Asia Pacific Working Group (APWG). Due to the pandemic, the next
program will be run in 2022
5. Symposia
The C-ELM organised a two-day virtual workshop on Laboratory Testing of Covid-19, to
help lab professionals with appropriate guide in Covid-19 testing
6. The APFCB worked together with some of the Corporate Members to produce webinars:
MindRay – Laboratory Management and ISO 15189; ThermoFisher – Measurement
Uncertainty; Beckman-Coulter – Sepsis Diagnosis and Management; Snibe – to beorganised in 2022; Roche – Patient Based Real Time Quality Control
D. Communications and Publications Committee activities in 2021
1. Website development
2. Publication of online activities
The C-CP team collaborates with other committees and the corporate sector to coordinate
online activities. Understanding the need to support more virtual events in future, the
C-CP is currently looking into further upgrading the capability of the APFCB website.
3. Publication of APFCB NewsThe newsletter is published twice yearly and contains reports on the activities of the APFCB
and IFCC as well as reports from member societies. Two e-news were published in 2021:

https://www.apfcb.org/APFCB%20News%202021%20issue%202.pdf

https://www.apfcb.org/APFCB%20News%202021%20Issue%201.pdf

E. Congresses and Conferences Committee activities in 2021
During 2021, the committee members evaluated and granted APFCB auspices for the scientificevents:Conferences: 15th IACC Working Conference- June 2021; CCPSL AAS 2021 – July 2021; LCME
2021 – KSLM – October 2021
111

Corporate Member Events/Webinars: Roche Experience Days – November 2021; Webinar on
Managing Covid-19 pandemic in 2021: The Henry Ford Experience – Beckman Coulter – June
2021; Digital Webinar on Observability in Healthcare – Roche – June 2021; Series of Educational
Webinars focused on Asia Pacific Region related to Prenatal & Pre-eclampsia Screening, Clinical
Biochemistry, Toxicology and 3rd Party QC – Thermo Scientific- September 2021; Leveraging theLatest Trends in the Digital Healthcare Revolution – Roche – September 2021
F. Report of activities of Corporate Members for 2021
1. Receivables Reconciliation from Corporate Members
2. Appointment of Corporate Representatives to APFCB Committees
In this Term, the APFCB saw an increase in interest levels from Corporate Members toparticipate in our activities. As such, the APFCB EB had agreed to double the numberof nominations of corporate representatives to the APFCB Committees, to 2 members
serving each Committee –3. Zoomification of Corporate Member Activities
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many corporate members have also taken to digital
engagements. This ensured that the APFCB continued to receive a robust level of support
for its educational activities, a trend that will likely persist moving into 2022. The APFCB
saw a tremendous increase in the number of scientific articles and advertisements
submitted for each APFCB e-newsletter. In addition, several corporate members also took
the opportunity to organise virtual webinars and events. Examples of events that weresuccessfully organised virtually include: APFCB Interpretive Commenting Masterclass
Webinar Series – supported by Siemens Healthineers; APFCB Preanalytical Masterclass
Webinar Series – supported by BD; APFCB Preanalytical Guidelines – supported by BD
Reported by APFCB EB and Chairs:
Sunil Sethi, Leslie Lai, Endang Hoyaranda, Helen Martin, Leila Florento
Alexander Wong, Samuel Vasikaran, Tony Badrick, Raja Elina Raja Azzidin, Praveen Sharma

112

COLABIOCLI
Latin-American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry
1.0 AFFILIATED NATIONAL SOCIETIES
1.1 ARGENTINA, BIOCHEMICAL CONFEDERATION OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
1.2 BOLIVIA, BOLIVIAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
1.3 BRAZIL BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF CLINICA ANALYSIS
1.4 CHILE. CHILEAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
1.5 COLOMBIA. NATIONAL COLLEGE OF BACTERIOLOGY OF COLOMBIA
1.6 COSTA RICA. COLLEGE OF MICROBIOLOGISTS OF COSTA RICA
1.7 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. DOMINICAN COLLEGE OF BIOANALYSES
1.8 ECUADOR. ECUADORIAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY (1.9 GUATEMALA. ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL CHEMISTS AND BACTERIOLOGISTSOF GUATEMALA
1.10 HONDURAS- COLLEGUE OF MICROBIOLOGISTS AND CLINICAL CHEMISTS OFHONDURAS
1.11 MEXICO. MEXICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES
1.12 PANAMA. NATIONAL COLLEGE OF CLINICAL LABORATORY WORKERS OF
PANAMA
1.13 PARAGUAY. ASSOCIATION OF BIOCHEMISTS OF PARAGUAY
1.14 SPAIN. SPANISH ASSOCIACION OF CLINICAL LABORATOY
1.15 URUGUAY. URUGUAYAN BIOCHEMICAL ASSOCIATION
1.16 NICARAGUA ASOCIATION OF MICROBIOLOGISTS AND CLINICAL CHEMISTS OF
NICARAGUA.
2.0 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD MEMBERS 2020-2021
President, Alvaro JUSTINIANO-GROSZ (BOLIVIA)
Past president, Stella RAYMONDO (URUGUAY)
Vice-President, Luis Fernando BARCELOS (BRAZIL)
Treasurer, Rosa Ines SCALIER (BOLIVIA)
Treasurer, Lisandra MORALES JURADO (BOLIVIA)
1st Member, Jovanna BORACE (PANAMA)
2nd Member, Fernando ANTUNEZ (URUGUAY)
3rd Member, Ma Elena ARREDONDO (CHILE)
Accounts Review Commission
Alejandra ARIAS (ARGENTINA)
Fernando VALLEJOS (ECUADOR)
Jezabel VITE-CASANOVA (MEXICO)Regional Representative at IFCC.
Ana LENA-RODRIGUEZ (2021-2023)
2.1 STRATEGY PLAN. (2020-2022) REVIEWED ON 2021
• STRENGTHENING THE INSTITUTIONAL IMAGE.
• STRENGTHENING COLABIOCLI MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS.
• EMPHASIS ON THE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS.
• PROMOTE THE STRENGTHENING OF NATIONAL REGULATORY REGULATIONSAND FRAMEWORKS, WITH THE AIM TO RECOGNIZE THE QUALITYMANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN LABORATORIES.
• STRENGTHEN NATIONAL STRUCTURES THAT PROMOTE CONTINUOUSQUALITY IMPROVEMENT

113

• STRENGTHEN THE ROLE OF CLINICAL BIOCHEMICAL PROFESSIONALS,
CLINICAL LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS OR THEIR EQUIVALENTS AS PARTOF THE HEALTH TEAM
• IDENTIFY AGENDA ITEMS TO EXPAND LAB TERRITORY• DEVELOP ONGOING TRAINING PROGRAMMES, FACILITATING ACCESS FOR
DIFFERENT COUNTRIES• STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNIVERSITIES AND SCIENTIFICINSTITUTIONS
2.2 COLABIOCLI BUDGET PREPARED FOR THE TERM 2020-2022. REVIEWED IN 2021
2.3 COLABIOCLI EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS• NO PRESENCIAL MEETINGS WERE ORGANIZED DUE TO COVID 19 PANDEMIC.
• MONTHLY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS VIA ONLINE DURING 2021.
Agenda: Rules on Ethics from Affiliated societies were condensed to prepare general guidelines.
Procedures to provide auspices to academic programs. Rules to access the Proficiency Testing
programs from SBAC-PNCQ. Regional clinical laboratories census.
3. LEGAL STATUS. The bank account continues being in Uruguay to avoid taxes charges
based on country economy differences.
4. COURSES, WEBINARS. CONSERVATORIES, OTHER
4.1 COURSES
4.1.1 Strategic Planning in laboratories and Leadership of young professionals.
4.1.2 Quality Management in University Teaching
4.1.3
Modular Course Nº1: Laboratory Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases
Modular Course Nº2: The Value of the Pre-Analytical Phase in the Laboratory
Modular Course Nº3: The Integral Management System of the Blood Bank
Modular Course N° 4: Medical Mycology and advances in laboratory
4.3 WEBINARS IN COLLABORATION WITH AFFILIATED SOCIETIES
4.3.1 Leadership and Middle Management in times of Pandemic.
4.3.2 Adequacy of Laboratory processes in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
4.3.3 Clinical Utility of Neuronal Antibody Determination.
4.3.4 The value of the Clinical Laboratory in patient care.
4.3.5 Clinical Utility of Neuronal Antibody Determination.
4.4 CONSERVATORIES
4.4.1 Presentation of the 2nd Cycle of Conversations COLABIOCLI 2021
4.4.2 Vaccines
4.4.3 Biosecurity in the framework of the second wave of the pandemic
4.4.4 Accreditation of Laboratories in times of pandemic
4.4.5 Data Confidentiality in Times of Pandemic: Two Perspectives of the Same Challenge
4.4.6 Current situation of laboratory diagnosis in the second wave of the COVID-19
pandemic
4.4.6 Evolution of External Quality Assessment Programs in Latin America
4.4.7 What young people learned from COVID-19
4.4.8 Evolution of External Quality Assessment Programs in Latin America
4.4.9 The Universities Training of Biochemical Professionals and Equivalent Degrees in
LATAM today and the challenges of the virtuality.
4.4.10 Principles of Bioethics to be applied during laboratory care114

5. HEALTH AND BLOOD BANK WEEKNo activities.
5.0 ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS WITH THE PANAMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION(PAHO)
5.1 No changes.
6.0 DISSEMINATION OF THE LATINAMERICAN TRAINING PROGRAM Update of thedatabase of experts in different areas from affiliated countries.
7.0 PAN AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL VIROLOGY (PASCV). Interest to organize
a course at the XXV COLABIOCLI Congress in Leon 2022
8.0 SBAC DIGITAL. VIRTUAL EVENT OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY. 50 SCHOLARSHIPSWERE GIVEN TO EACH AFFILIATED SOCIETY OF COLABIOCLI. THEMES OF ACTULITY
AND COVID 19.
9.0 WORKING GROUPS AND COMMISSIONS.
9.1 Commission of Academic Union and Management Affairs
Chair: Carlos Navarro (Argentina)
Iratxe López Pelayo. (Spain)
Magaly Magariños Egüez (Bolivia)
Manuel Arca (Argentina)
Graciela Borthagaray. (Uruguay)
Alba Marina Valdés de García (Guatemala)Daniel Razo Morales (Mexico)
Eduardo Antonio Rodríguez Vega (Panama)
Rosanna Clotilde Elías Peña (Dominican Republic).
https://colabiocli.com/comision-academico-gremial-y-de-gestion/
9.2 Pre-Analytical Working Group
Chair: Eduardo Aranda (Chile)
Beatriz Varela (Uruguay) Secretary.
Patricia Ochoa (Argentina) Member
Ma. Elena Arredondo (Chile) Member
Michelle Brennam (México) Member
Patricia Ochoa (Ecuador) Member
Silvia Flores (Perú) Member
https://colabiocli.com/grupo-de-trabajo-wg-pre-latam/
9.3 Accreditation Management working group.
Chair: Rosa Sierra-Amor. (Mexico)
Carlos Peruzzetto (Argentina),
Leonardo Aguirre (Chile),
Edgard Espinoza (Ecuador),
Beatriz Varela (Uruguay),
Sandra Quintana (Mexico)
Thamara Andrade (Ecuaador),
Corresponding Members:
Magali Magariños (Bolivia)
Daniela Carrasco (Chile)
Gina Laitano (Honduras)
Rodrigo Ayala (Paraguay)
Ana Ma. Piana (Uruguay)
Consultants:
115

Milena Monari (Chile)
Roberto Carboni (Chile)
Observer:
Victor Baltazar (Mexico)
https://colabiocli.com/grupo-de-trabajo-gestion-de-acreditacion/
9.4 Bioethics Working Group.
Chair. Nilda Fink (Argentina),
Graciela Queiruga (Uruguay)
Olga Torre (Guatemala)Marta Ascurra (Paraguay)
Garbiñe Saruwatari-Zabala (Mexico)
Fernando Momo (Argentina)
9.5 Young Scientist Latin America Group.
Proposal for the creation of the Latin American Group of Young Scientists. Professionals
in Biochemistry and equivalent degrees in Latin America. Creation of the Latin American
Working Group of Young Professionals 2021-2022
9.6 Creation of the Blood Bank Working Group
Chair Ma. Jezabel Vite Casanova (México)
10. SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships were given to several professionals from COLABIOCLI affiliated societies toattend various activities and events as described here bellow:
10.1 Theoretical Course of ”Medical Mycology” 3 scholarship holders: Bolivia, Paraguay
and Costa Rica
10.2 1st.International Symposium of updating in the laboratory. 4 scholarship recipients:
Paraguay, Costa Rica, and 2 from Bolivia
10.3 Neonatal Screening ”What can prevent a drop of blood.” 3 scholarship recipients:
Guatemala, Costa Rica and Paraguay
10.4 XIII Virtual Ibero-American Conference AEFA-OF, 1 scholarship from Panama.
10.5 Online Course Internal Medium. 3 scholarship recipients: Panama, Guatemala
and Bolivia.
10.6 Course in Forensic Sciences. 3 scholarship recipients: Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica.
10.6 Virtual Diploma in Selected Topics of Diagnostic Hematology by Laboratory (Advanced
Level). 3 scholarship recipients: Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama
10.7 Diploma in Resolution of High Impact Clinical Cases in the Hematology Laboratory”(face-to-face modality).
10.8 Diploma of ”Uro analysis and Analysis of Body Fluids”. 2 scholarship recipients:
Spain and Panama
10.9 Diploma of ”Clinical Pathology by Clinical Laboratory”. 2 scholarship holders. Costa
Rica and Panama
10.10 International Diploma of ”Diagnostic Hematology”. 2 scholarship recipients: Uruguay
and Panama.
10.11 Virtual international diploma of ”Clinical Microbiology ” (1st. Generation)”. 2
scholarship recipients: Paraguay and Guatemala
10.12 Virtual international diploma of ”Clinical Microbiology ” (1st. Generation)”. 2
scholarship recipients: Paraguay and Guatemala
10.13 Virtual international diploma of ”Clinical Microbiology ” (1st. Generation)”. 2
scholarship recipients: Paraguay and Guatemala

116

11 XXV LATIN AMERICAN CONGRESS OF CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND II CONGRESS
OF THE MEXICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES.
Periodic meetings for the organization of the COLABIOCL LEON Mexico 2022 Congress.
12. CONGRESS OF COLABIOCLI AFFILIATED SOCIETIES.
XXVIII INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE CLAHT GROUP, ENDORSEMENT OF
COLABIOCLI. Scientific event developed virtually by the National College of Bacteriology
of Colombia with the endorsement and sponsorship of COLABIOCLI
13. IFCC• The organization of an IFCC Virtual Conference on Covid 19 for February 2021, included
the participation of five Latin American scientists.
• COLABIOCLI history report for IFCC Miles stones Handbook.
• Support of visiting professors for Latin American congresses of COLABIOCLI.
• Financial support of young scientists from different national societies within the region,
to attend the IFCC/COLABIOCLI young scientists forum¨• Financial support for scientific events, courses, workshops or symposia organized bynational societies within the region and/or regional federation.
• Payment of transport services of quality control materials to the countries that decideto participate in the COLABIOCLI – PNCQ agreement * Financial support of the national
representatives of the IFCC of the region to attend the meetings of the IFCC (General
Conference of the IFCC, WORLDLAB)• Financial support of virtual webinars and e-conferences, by the regional federation or
national societies within the region.
14. RULES AND PROCEDURES
Rules and procedures had been put in place for COLABIOCLI Scholarships, Proficiency
Testing programs for affiliated societies, Young scientist below 40 years old scholarships
applications, Auspices of Academic activities given by COLABIOCLI and the data basefor the Latin American training program.
15.0 COLABIOCLI COLLABORATORS
15.1 Portugal was accepted as collaborator of COLABIOCLI by the Executive Board. The
National society will be formally presented at the next COLABIOCLI Assembly taking
place during the Brazilian Society congress in November 2021.
15.2 Brazilian Proficiency Testing PNCQ under the auspices of the Brazilian Society ofClinical Analyses signed an agreement with COLABIOCLI to provide 30 proficiency
testing programs to laboratories from COLABIOCLI Affiliated societies during one year.
An education program was organized virtually on THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EXTERNALQUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS (EQAS), and on the IMPLEMENTATION OF
INTERNAL QUALITY CONTROLS IN CLINICAL LABORATORIES.
16.0 COLABIOCLI Web page.
STRENGTHENING THE ENTITY ON SOCIAL NETWORKS AS WELL AS LAUNCHING
THE NEW WEBSITE AND ITS MOODLE PLATFORM.
16.1 PRONOUNCEMENT OF COLABIOCLI OFFICIALLY REGARDING PERMANENTSUPPORT FOR BIOCHEMICAL PROFESSIONALS AND EQUIVALENT TITLE WORKINGIN CLINICAL ANALYSIS LABORATORIES AT TIMES OF PANDEMIC, WEIGHING
THEIR LEADING ROLE IN DIAGNOSING AND SUPPORTING THE MANAGEMENT OF
PATIENTS WITH COVID 19.

117

17.0 OTHER BUSINESSCALL FOR COMPETITION OF ”VIDEO COLABIOCLI”:
Develop short and concise videos, capable of showing with creativity and clarity, practicalaspects of our profession, and that revalue the role of the Clinical Laboratory Professionalin the multidisciplinary Health teamÁlvaro Justiniano Grosz, President
Ana Lena Vera, Regional Representative

118

EFLM
European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
The prime goal of the EFLM in 2021 was to further develop the two-way communication with
EFLM National societies and their members. Based on the satisfaction survey among member
societies in 2019, EB approved in February 2021 the update of the Action plan with 30 points,
the majority of which are either completed or in progress to be completed in 2022. The focus
was placed on the educational events and recourses. For members of the EFLM Academy,
EFLM organized two online postgraduate courses: Biostatistics in Laboratory Medicine (1September–3 November 2021), and Leadership Skills (13-23 September 2021). Courses were
well attended and rated as excellent by the majority of participants. In October, the educational
grant was signed with Snibe for organization of a series of webinars entitled “EFLM Lessons in
Immunochemistry”. Eight webinars will be organized throughout 2022 and 2023, and the first isgoing to be launched in February/March 2022.
In February 2021 the Task Group “EFLM Syllabus Course” (TG-ESC) was established under
the leadership of the EFLM President, Prof. Ana-Maria Šimundić, in order to produce the online
educational resource covering the EFLM Syllabus. The TG-ESC has 20 members, who, together
with 7 external course coordinators, produced a comprehensive course of 43 modules, with all
the lectures in English language. The launch is scheduled for 20 January 2022.
The EFLM Education and Training Committee put an effort in updating and reorganizing the
EFLM Speaker’s Bureau. It is now available on the EFLM website, and it represents a list of>100 outstanding speakers who are current or former EFLM officers, as well as colleagues
recommended by EFLM National Societies that qualified with their accomplishments andcommitment to education.
The promotion of the EFLM Academy was also one of the main actions of the EFLM in thepast year. For this purpose, from 3 May to 7 June 2021, small group meetings were organizedwith EFLM National Societies and EFLM Officers, where the new benefits of the Academy
were presented and enrollment procedures explained. Also, the EFLM wanted to hear about
the possible obstacle and challenges of National Societies for enrollment of their members.
The result of these meetings is that the number of enrollments to the Academy has increased,
either through the block enrollment of the National Societies or through the enrollment of theindividual members.
The EFLM activities in 2021 included also young scientists. EFLM Task Group Young Scientists(TG-YS) was established as the coordination framework of young scientists, residents, and all
young professionals in laboratory medicine in Europe. The mailing list of young scientists isestablished, and on June 18, 2021 an online kick-off meeting of EFLM TG-YS was held.
EFLM established, for the first time, scientific grant for 2 scientific projects, in the maximum
amount of 10 000 € each. They are to be awarded to one applicant coming from a country
enjoying the “Vic Blaton” scholarship program (launched in August 2020), and to the othercoming from any other country in Europe. The call for applications was distributed on 1
December 2021, and the deadline for submission is 31 January 2022.
In order to increase trust between its members and officers, and also transparency, objectivity
and availability of information of its own activities to its members, the EFLM introduced aseveral changes into the Statutes and Procedure Manual. The new rule established in the EFLM
Statutes is that no member may exercise more than 8 years in the EB. In the revised versionof the EFLM PM a limit of one EB member per country was introduced, and the elections forthe term 2022-23 followed that rule. Also, the policy on geographic equality and inclusion wasestablished. In addition, a set of predefined, objective and transparent criteria for evaluating
proposals for all calls for various vacant positions for EFLM officers, travel and scientific grants

119and awards, should be defined, and the decisions should be elaborated, and made available
with the calls.
On May 6th 2021, EFLM organized the “EFLM Intro Day” for all officers (WGs, committees,
national society presidents, and national society representatives), in order that they better
understand the mode of communication and operation within the EFLM, and to learn about
EFLM rules and policies. It was the opportunity for the new officers to be introduced with the
EFLM policies, and for those already in positions to refresh this information. Also, in order tocommunicate better with its members, the reconstruction of the EFLM website initiated in 2021
and it will probably be completed in 2022.
The communication between EFLM functional unites and between EFLM and National Societies
has been improved through frequent meetings of the EB and the EFLM President with thecommittee chairs and EFLM WGs, as well as by consulting NSs to develop strategic and actionplans. Annual reports on the work of the WGs are now available at the EFLM website.
The new award, the EFLM Academy Award has been established to promote excellence and toaward the extraordinary individuals who have made substantial contribution to the educationin laboratory Medicine in Europe. It is going to be granted annually to the author of the mostdistinguished educational activity or a project in the past 5 years. Call for nominations was
distributed in the first week of November 2021, and the winner will be announced in the firstissue of EFLM Newsletter in 2022.
In 2021, EFLM has signed Memorandum of Understanding and established collaboration with
the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC), European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS),
European, Middle Eastern and African Society for Biopreservation and Biobanking (ESBB),
European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), and European Renal Association (ERA).
Upon the call of the IFCC to nominate a representative to serve on the Global Lab Week IFCC
Working Group, EFLM has nominated Lejla Alić as its representative.
To secure IVD support for some specific EFLM projects, EFLM has prepared an informative
brochure with a number of sponsoring opportunities for IVD companies. The feedback was
excellent and many companies agreed to support some EFLM projects and educational
programs.
EFLM launched a new e-learning platform that is hosting all the e-learning events: live and ondemand webinars, Syllabus Course, and recorded events, as well as other EFLM resources.
EFLM established the new task force, EFLM Task Force: Green Labs, chaired by the PresidentElect, Tomris Ozben, aimed to implement sustainable practices in medical laboratories, bydecreasing their deleterious environmental impact and implementing efficient actions, taking
steps to minimize energy, water and hazardous chemical use, as well as waste generation
without compromising the quality of healthcare, and all this in order to make clinical laboratories
safe and sustainable spaces.
COMMITTEES
Committee – Communication (C-C)
C-C has one working group (WG Promotion & Publications) and two task groups (TG European
Laboratory Day and newly established TG Young Scientists). During the year 2021 we were
proud to perform following activities:• Preparatory work needed to realize website redesign and user experience improvement.
We created the “Brand identity” document and basic requirements that served as thebasis for communication with companies. We received 4 offers and evaluation of the next
5 offers is pending.
• We started realization of the idea of EFLM Young Scientists by the kick-off meeting in
June 2021. Then the task group was formed with more than 20 members and Terms ofreference. It is waiting for the chair appointment.
• We produced 6 issues of EFLM Newsletter where we continued with the traditional
sections and added one new section: Coffee with the EFLM President where interviews of
120

•
•
•
•

the EFLM President with EFLM officers are published. These interviews are also publishedin the form of podcast.
We continued with the regular presence of EFLM in social media (Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn and Instagram) propagating key information from EFLM life.
We prepared propagation materials for EuroMedLab EFLM booth (posters, plan of social
media and interviews)
We produced the Sponsoring opportunities for IVD companies brochureand helped withthe production and propagation of EFLM Academy leaflet..
We collected data and published EFLM Functional Units Annual report that summarizes
EFLM visible activities in detail.

Committee – Education and Training (C-ET)
In 2021 C-ET members were involved in EFLM Bursaries evaluation for the Euro MedLab Munich.
For regular EFLM bursaries provided for EFLM-academy members up to the age of 35, C-ET
members evaluated 33 applications. C-ET members also evaluated 10 applications for EFLM
Scholarship Program in memory of Prof. Vic Blaton addressed to a defined group of EFLM National
Societies selected according to UN and World bank classification criteria. According to the resultsof evaluation C-ET proposed to EFLM EB 10 regular and 5 Vic-Blaton bursaries.
Working group on congresses and postgraduate education (WG-CPE). Due to the pandemic
and according to the EFLM EB recommendation, instead of alive, WG-CPE were involved inorganization of two online postgraduate courses: Leadershıp Skılls (13-23 September 2021)
and Biostatistics in Laboratory Medicine (from 1 September to 3 November 2021). WG-CPE
granted 3 on-line and 15 face-to face auspices for different educational events in 2021. In 2021
WG-CPE also established new list of lecturers for EFLM speakers-bureau. WG-CPE was also
involved in organization of the new EFLM course “Lessons in Immunochemistry” which will beorganized in a form of 8 webinars, 4 in 2022 and 4 in 2023.
Working group on Laboratory medicine Credit Points (WG-LMCP). To institute an EFLM credit
system, the WG-LMCP were working on the development of a “Provider Application and
Manual for EFLM Accreditation of Educational Programs” in conjunction with an administrative
system called the Continuing Professional Education Credit System (CPECS). Preparation of the
supplemental documents (14 documents including instructions, forms, checklists, and reports)
to the manual continues and will be available soon. All of those documents will help to control
the activities of high-quality continuing education content for laboratory specialists leading to
CPD points, to evaluate applications and allocate credit points to various educational activities/
programs and to provide a certificate of credit upon successful completion of an EFLM CPD.
Working group on Distance Education (WG-DE). According to the well-established tasks, theWG on e-learning and Distance Education (WG-DE) maintained and upgraded the e-learning
platform. Due to enlargement in technical requirements and EFLM EB decision, in the second
half of 2021 technical support for webinars were transferred to professional congress organizers.
Due to that WG-DE members start to cooperate with PCO for establishment of new updated
model EFLM distance learning. In 2021 they organize and support 7 EFLM webinars and prepare
full program of 17 new webinars to be held in 2022.
Committee – Profession (C-P)
The C-P activity in 2021 focused mainly in five objectives:
1.
Progress with achieving recognition of Specialists in Laboratory Medicine
2.
Growing the EFLM Register (EuSpLM)
3.
Growing the EFLM Academy
4.
EFLMLabX
5.
TG: EFLM Syllabus Courses

121

A proposed Common Training Framework for specialists in Laboratory Medicine under Directive
2013/55/EC (Recognition of Professional Qualifications (CTF) document is a joint statementon the proposed Common Training Framework in EU-based national societies (NS). It was
published in CCLM in December 2020/print version in January 2021. This document represents
an important achievement in the progress of recognition of Specialists in Laboratory Medicine.
Today, we have 21/27 EU Member States that can meet the equivalence of EFLM Standards(EoS). 15/21 EU Member States that meet EoS could also meet the stricter requirements of the
proposed EFLM Common Training Framework under EU Directive 2013/55 /EC (Recognitionof professional qualifications - with the regulatory status of the profession). We are ready topresent the CTF document to the EU Commission in 2022 (due to Covid pandemic, it was
postponed) to continue achieving EuSpLM recognition.
In support of this process, the launch of the EFLM Academy in December 2019, which is now
open to anyone (not just EFLM members) interested in laboratory medicine, proved to be a
success. To raise the numbers of Academy and EuSpLM register members, especially throughblock enrolled NS, C-P and EB have organised (from April to June 2021) 18 individual meetings
with EFLM NSs, to present the benefits of Academy (block and individual) membership. With
the beginning of 2022, there will be adding a lot of new essential benefits, including free accessto additionally six important Journal (Clinical Chemistry Journal, Journal of Applied Laboratory
Medicine, Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences Journal, Clinical Biochemistry
Journal and Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation), free access to CLSI
documents (for block enrolled members). As a result of an important project of TG: EFLM
Syllabus Courses, in 2022 will be free access to more than 300 lectures on all Syllabus topics,
free access to EFLM webinars and much more. There are a few differences in the additional
benefits of membership of the EFLM in comparison to non-EFLM Academy membership:
enrolment in the EFLM EuSpLM register, which will only be possible by applying to the EFLM
Academy and eligibility for EFLM grant applicants. All information about Academy and its
benefits are available on the EFLM website https://www.eflm.eu/site/page/a/1558. As a resultof these efforts, the number of registrants for the Academy increased steadily until the end of2021 (+35% in comparison with the year 2020). The total number of members of the Academy
is 5921 (with and without EuSpLM): through NS block enrolment (maximum share of registrants)(Total: 5822 (98%) members, without EuSpLM certificate: 3037 (52%) members from total 5822;
individual registration (Total: 99 (2%)), without EuSpLM registration: 82 out of 99). The total
number of members of the Academy without EuSpLM, joined by both channels, is 3119.
The WG-Register confirmed 2802 applications for EuSpLM Register in 2021, which was mainly
achieved by block entry (99%) and additionally (1%) from individual applications.
By the end of 2021, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Academy/EuspLM register groupenrolment had been agreed with 32 national societies (11 new in 2022: Estonia, France, Greece,
Kosovo, Romania, Romania-Affiliate, Serbia-Affiliate, Slovak Republic, Thailand, Turkey (TBS),
Turkey (KUBD) and 3 in a way to sign: Germany, Netherlands, UK).
Unfortunately, the EFLMLabX practice exchange project has been postponed in mostapplications due to the Corona pandemic crisis. Three practices were still realised. The project
achieved significant support through the introduction of an EFLM Bursaries programme. Still,
because of pandemic, only three have been applied and confirmed, and one of them (fromTurkey) also realised.
In 2021, the TG: EFLM Syllabus Courses under the new leadership of Ana-Maria Simundic
had finished a huge project of Syllabus Courses in cooperation with several professionals fromall over Europe as coordinators of 43 modules. With esteemed lecturers from different fields of
LM and many European countries and beyond, we have prepared and recorded more than 300
lectures on all topics of the Syllabus. EFLM will launch the project, and courses available in122January 2022 on the EFLM Academy website, for Academy members only.
For the better visibility of the C-P projects, the Chair of C-P E. Homsak, together with othercolleagues, presented the importance and progress with achieving recognition of Specialists
in Laboratory Medicine and the educational EFLM tools (EFLMLabX and Syllabus Courses)
at the EFLM Conference in Prague (4th Symposium CELME 2021: Cutting Edge Laboratory
Management in Europe) in October and through the IFCC Webinar, held in November 2021.
C-P updated the site accordingly with any changes.
Committee – Quality and Regulations (C-QR)
The Working Group Accreditation and ISO/CEN standards published an article on Improving
the laboratory result release process in the light of ISO 15189:2012 standard (Clin Chim Acta
522:167-73 (2021)). The WG also submitted a paper on an approach for determining allowable
between reagent lot variation. Risk management and process care are leading principles in thedevelopment of documents. All members of the different countries contribute actively to makethese widely acceptable. Due to the ongoing pandemic all activity was conducted throughremote meetings, and e-mail conversations.
The Committee Chair is active in ISO-TC212 WG1, especially in relation with the new edition of
ISO15189, as we did with the former editions. This is pivotal standard for quality management
in medical laboratories.
The Committee Chair is active in the EA Health Care Working Group to contribute toharmonization of accreditation according to ISO15189 in the European countries. The WG is
focused on influencing the development and interpretation of ISO and CEN standards and inparticular the implementation of the new EU IVD Regulation.
The Committee Chair is also active in the EFLM Task Force: European Regulatory Affairs (TFERA). This Task Force follows up on the implementation phase of the new EU IVD regulation.
Committee – Science (C-S)
This was another year where the activities of the Science Committee were heavily affectedby the pandemic. Although face-to-face meetings were rare and time at a premium, the eight
Working Groups (WGs) under this Committee (Autoimmunity Testing, Biological Variation,
Cardiac Markers, Harmonisation, Patient Focused Laboratory Medicine, Postanalytical Phase,
Preanalytical Phase and Test Evaluation), the two Task Groups (TGs) (Biological Variation
Database and Performance Specifications Based on Outcome Studies) and the three Task andFinish Groups (TFGs) (Practical Approach to Uncertainty, Urinalysis, HIL interference) have still
been working as hard as is possible considering the circumstances.
It became increasingly obvious that the activities within the Guidelines WG warranted some of
the constituent TGs/TFGs becoming Working Groups in their own right, hence the formation of
the Cardiac Markers and Autoimmunity Testing WGs which coincided with the dissolution of the
Guidelines WG. It was also decided that all Groups, where they agreed, could have their termsof office extended by a year to help them complete tasks disrupted by the pandemic.
Nonetheless, despite the obvious challenges in the past year, groups have remained productive
and some are actually meeting more often now that videoconferencing has become the defaultmeans of gathering. Certainly, Committee publications and guideline development continue
apace, with highlights including the 9 papers published or accepted in 2021 by just the Biological
Variation Working Group alone.
After the maximum three terms of office as Committee Chair, Eric Kilpatrick is stepping down
as of 2022, with him being delighted that it is Michel Langlois - a previous WG Chair – who issucceeding him.

123

MEETINGS
In 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only one EFLM event was held live: the 4th Symposium
CELME 2021: Cutting Edge Laboratory Management in Europe in Prague (CZ) from 30 September
to 1 October 2021.
The 1st EFLM-AFCB Conference “Laboratory Medicine for Mobile Societies” and XXXIV National
Days of Clinical Biology was held live on-line 18 - 20 February 2021 while the 24th IFCC-EFLM
European Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine - EuroMedLab 2021 was
moved at the very last moment to 2022 (Munich (DE), 10-14 April 2022).
Two very successful EFLM courses have been also held on-line:• 1st EFLM online Postgraduate course: Biostatistics in Laboratory Medicine - on-line, 1
September - 3 November 2021
• 2nd EFLM online Postgraduate course: Leadership skills in Laboratory Medicine - on-line,
13-23 September 2021
WEBINARSEFLM has organized seven Webinars during 2021:• Verification of quantitative methods – Date: 26 January 2021 - Speaker: Dora Vuljanic (HR)• Reference intervals verification by indirect methods – Date: March 2021 - Speaker: Dora
Vuljanic (HR)• Haemostatic disorders in COVID-19 patients – Date: 20 April 2021 - Speaker: Tatiana
Vavilova (RU)
• Myths and facts about vitamin – Date: 15 June 2021 - Speaker: Ali Unlu (TR)• Stem cells therapy and applications – Date: 14 September 2021 - Speaker: Yael Porat (IL)• The general principles of laboratory biosafety – Date: 23 November 2021 - Speaker:
Gijsbert van Willigen (NL)
• Why we are not using old and novel bone markers as a routine biochemical marker? –Date: 21 December 2021 - Speaker: Sepici Dincel Aylin (Turkey)
PUBLICATIONS
How to meet ISO15189:2012 pre-analytical requirements in clinical laboratories? A consensus
document by the EFLM WG-PRE
Vermeersch P, Frans G, von Meyer A, Costelloe S, Lippi G, Simundic AM
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2020-1859
European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): within- and between-subject biological variation
estimates for serum thyroid biomarkers based on weekly samplings from 91 healthy participants
Bottani M, Aarsand AK, Banfi G, Locatelli M, Coskun A, Díaz-Garzón J, Fernandez-Calle P,
Sandberg S, Ceriotti A, Carobene A and on behalf of the European Federation of Clinical
Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Biological Variation
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2020-1885
Quality benchmarking of smartphone laboratory medicine applications: comparison of laboratory
medicine specialists’ and non-laboratory medicine professionals’ evaluation
Jovičić S, Siodmiak J, Duque Alcorta M, Kittel M, Oosterhuis W, Moberg Aakre K, Jørgensen
P, Palicka V, Kutt M, Anttonen M, Velizarova MG and Marc J, European Federation of Clinical
Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Patient-Focused Laboratory Medicine
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021;59:693–9
Presentation and formatting of laboratory results: a narrative review on behalf of the European
Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group “postanalyticalphase” (WG-POST)
Cadamuro J, Hillarp A, Unger A, von Meyer A, Miquel Bauçà J, Plekhanova O, Linko-Parvinen
A, Watine J, Leichtle A, Buchta C, Haschke-Becher E, Eisl C, Winzer J, Kristoffersen AH

124

Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2021 doi 10.1080/10408363.2020.1867051
Within- and between-subject biological variation data for tumor markers based on the European
Biological Variation StudyCoşkun A, Aarsand AK, Sandberg S, Guerra E, Locatelli M, Díaz-Garzón J, Fernandez-Calle P,
Ceriotti F, Jonker N, Bartlett WA, Carobene A, on behalf of the European Federation of Clinical
Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Biological Variation
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2021-0283
The European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): a summary report
Carobene A, Aarsand AK, Braga F, Carobene A, Aarsand AK, Bartlett WA, Coskun A, DiazGarzon J, Fernandez-Calle P, Guerra E, Jonker N, Locatelli M, Plebani M, Sandberg S andCeriotti F.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2021-0370
Systematic review and meta-analysis of within subject and between-subject biological variation
estimates of serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium
Coskun A, Aarsand AK, Braga F, Carobene A, Díaz-Garzón J, Fernandez-Calle P, Jonker N,
Gonzalez Lao E, Marques-Garcia F and Sandberg S, on behalf of the European Federation ofClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Biological Variation and Task
Group for the Biological Variation Database
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2021-0723
The European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS): Biological Variation Data for Coagulation
Markers Estimated by a Bayesian Model
Aarsand AK, Kristoffersen AH, Sandberg S, Støve B, Cosçkun A, Fernandez-Calle P, DíazGarzón J, Guerra E, Ceriotti F, Jonker N, Røraas T, and Carobene A, on behalf of the European
Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Biological Variation
Clin Chem 2021 doi: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab100
Improving the laboratory result release process in the light of ISO 15189:2012 standardÇubukçu H, Vanstapel F, Thelen M, A Bernabeu-Andreu F, van Schrojenstein Lantman M,
Brugnoni D, Mesko Brguljan P, Milinkovic N, Linko S, Vaubourdolle M, O’Kelly R, Kroupis C,
Lohmander M, Šprongl L, Panteghini M, Boursier G, European Federation of Clinical Chemistry,
Laboratory Medicine EFLM Working Group Accreditation, ISO/CEN standards WG-A/ISO
Clin Chim Acta 2021;522:167-73
Implementation of the new EU IVD regulation - urgent initiatives are needed to avert impending
crisisCobbaert C, Capoluongo ED, Vanstapel F, Bossuyt PMM, Pal Bhattoa H, Nissen PH, Orth M,
Streichert T, Young IS, Macintyre E, Fraser AG and Neumaier M
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2021-0975
Within- and between-subject biological variation data for serum zinc, copper and selenium
obtained from 68 apparently healthy Turkish subjectsCoşkun A, Carobene A, Aarsand AK, Aksungar FB, Serteser M, Sandberg S, Díaz-Garzón J,
Fernandez-Calle P, Karpuzoğlu FH, Coskun C, Kizilkaya E, Fidan D, Jonker N, Uğur E, Unsal I,
on behalf of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working
Group on Biological Variation and Task Group for the Biological Variation Database
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2021-0886

125Biological variation estimates of thyroid related measurands - meta-analysis of BIVAC compliant
studiesFernández-Calle P, Díaz-Garzón J, Bartlett W, Sandberg S, Braga F, Beatriz B, Carobene A,
Coskun A, Gonzalez-Lao E, Marques F, Perich C, Simon M, Aarsand AK, EFLM Working
Group on Biological Variation and Task Group for the Biological Variation Database
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi:10.1515/cclm-2021-0904
Long-term within- and between-subject biological variation of 29 routine laboratory measurands
in athletesDiaz-Garzon J, Fernandez-Calle P, Aarsand AK, Sandberg S, Coskun A, Carobene A, Jonker
N, Itkonen O, Bartlett WA, Buno A, European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory
Medicine Working Group on Biological Variation
Clin Chem Lab Med 2021 doi:10.1515/cclm-2021-0910
Snežana Jovičić, EFLM Executive Board Secretary126

NAFCC
North American Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
The NAFCC was formed in 2014 by the AACC and CSCC. The role of the NAFCC is to provide
representation of the two North American societies to the IFCC executive board.
Dr. Stephen Hill is the current representative and will serve until December 2023.
The AACC and CSCC joint meeting was held in Atlanta GA, September 26 – 30. It was a hybridof in person and virtual
The AACC is planning for their 2022 annual meeting in Chicago IL, July 24 –28, and the CSCC
is planning for their annual meeting in Niagra Falls ON, June 5 8.
Stephen Hill, NAFCC Representative127Full Member Societies

ARGENTINACONFEDERACIÓN UNIFICADA BIOQUÍMICA DE LAREPÚBLICA ARGENTINA (CUBRA)NATIONAL MEETINGS• All meetings were carried out via zoom.
• Government Board CGP 19th March; 13th April; 15th September 2021 in Buenos Aires– Argentina.
• Live Webinars, organized by Cubra´s Permanent Scientific Committee were carried out in
2021 in Buenos Aires – Argentina.
• Meetings of the Permanent Technical Commission of the Unique Biochemical
Nomenclator of C.U.B.R.A. (CTP-NBU-CUBRA) 03rdNovember 2021 in Buenos Aires –Argentina.
EDUCATION• Member of the Executive Committee of the Commission of National Biochemical
Certification (COCERBIN).
• Member of the “Advisory Commission for the Evaluation and Updating of the Unique
Biochemical Nomenclature”, within the Superintendence of Health Services.
REGIONAL RELATIONS
Colegio Bioquímico de Catamarca
Colegio Bioquímico del Chaco
Colegio Bioquímico de La Pampa
Colegio Bioquímico de La Rioja
Colegio Bioquímico de San Juan
Colegio Bioquímico de Santiago del EsteroColegio Bioquímico de TucumánColegio de Bioquímicos de la Provincia de Río Negro
Colegio de Bioquímicos de Corrientes
Colegio de Bioquímicos de Neuquén
Colegio de Bioquímicos de Entre Ríos
Colegio de Bioquímicos de Formosa
Colegio de Bioquímicos de Jujuy
Sección 1ª de Bioquímica del Colegio Oficial de Farm. y Bioq. de Capital Federal
Colegio de Farm. y Bioquímicos de la Provincia de Santa Cruz
Bioquímicos del Interior A.C. Salta
Círculo Bioquímico de la Provincia de Misiones
Asociación Bioquímica de Salta
Asociación Bioquímica de Mendoza
Asociación Bioquímica del Este
Asociación Bioquímica de San Luis
Asociación Bioquímica de Villa Mercedes
Asociación Bioquímica de San Rafael128

Federación de Bioquímicos de la Provincia de Córdoba
Federación Bioquímica de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
Federación Bioquímica de la Provincia de Chubut
Federación Bioquímica de la Provincia de Santa Fe
ABA - Asociación Bioquímica Argentina
FBA - Fundación Bioquímica Argentina
COORDINADORA de Colegios de Bioquímicos de Ley de la República Argentina
CGP - Confederación General de Profesionales
IRAM - Instituto Argentino de Normalización y Certificación
ECUAFyB - Ente Coordinador de Unidades Académicas de Farmacia y BioquímicaUCOPS - Unión de Confederaciones de Profesionales de la Salud
Agrupación Bioquímica de Cuyo
FEBIPA - Federación Bioquímica Patagónica.
FOBINEA - Foro de Bioquímicos del Noreste Argentino.
FEBINOA - Federación Bioquímica del Noroeste Argentino
Ministerio de Salud de la Nación – Superintendencia de Servicios de Salud
Ministerio de Educación de la Nación
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSIFCC International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.
COLABIOCLI Confederación Latinoamericana de Bioquímica Clínica.
CLAPU Confederación Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Asociaciones de Profesionales Universitarios.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZELAND
AUSTRALASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR
CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND
LABORATORY MEDICINE (AACB)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

AACB 58th Annual Scientific Meeting

27-28 October 2021

Theme: “Get your head in the cloud”

EDUCATION
RCPA-AACB Chemical Pathology Course – Virtual format, February 2021 – covered AACB
Education curriculum topics for both the AACB and RCPA.
State Branch-based scientific meetings held monthly either face-to-face or in webinar format.
Roman Lectures – Postponed until 2022 or 2023 depending on travel restrictions
REGIONAL RELATION
Asia Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
AACB will host the 2024 APFCB congress in Sydney,19-24 October. Preparations are wellunderway with a PCO, and Local Organising Committee appointed.
AACB offers a discounted membership for members of APFCB affiliate societies, including
on-line subscription to Clinical Biochemist Reviews and access to all member only educational material.

129

AACB members contributing to APFCB in 2020-2021:
Committee

Committee

APFCB Executive Board
Secretary

Helen Martin

Scientific Committee Scientific Committee
Chair

Samuel Vasikaran

Scientific Working Groups
Mass Spectrometry Harmonisation

Ronda Greaves (Chair)

Laboratory data for improving diagnostics

Mohamed Saleem (Chair)

Education and Laboratory Management
Chair

Tony Badrick

Vietnam Course

Ronda Greaves

APFCB Publications
General and case studies editor

Mohamed Saleem

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSAACB members contributing to IFCC in 2020-2021:
Committee

Committee

Corresponding member

IFCC Executive
Congress & Conference committee

Helen Martin

Task Forces
Task Force on COVID -19

Andrea Rita Horvath

Task Force on Global Laboratory
QualityRenz Bais

Task Force on Ethics

Richard Davey

Scientific Division
Traceability in Laboratory Medicine

Tony Badrick

Reference Intervals and Decision
LimitsKen Sikaris

Graham Jones

Harmonisation of Autoimmune Tests Louise Weinholt
Bone Metabolism

Samuel Vasikaran

Standardisation of Albumin Assayin Urine

Graham Jones

Fecal Immunochemical Testing

E Symonds

Molecular Diagnostics

Daniel Burke

Standardisation of thyroid function
testsPaul Williams

Education and Management Division
Value Proposition for Laboratory
Medicine

Andrew St John (Chair)

Clinical & Molecular Biology curriculum

Tony Badrick
D KundePoint of Care Testing

Rosy Tirimacco

Analytical Quality

Tony Badrick

Samarina Musaad

Communications and Publications
Public RelationsPeter Vervaart

Internet and e-learning
Electronic Journal of IFCC - eJIFCC

130

V VilaylathRonda Greaves

AACB members contributing to IFCC in 2020-2021:
Committee

Committee

Corresponding member

Andrea Rita HorvathPeter Vervaart
Emerging Technologies Division
Executive Committee

Ronda Greaves
Helen Martin

Emerging Pediatric Laboratory Medicine

Ronda Greaves

AUSTRIA

AUSTRIAN SOCIETY OF LABORATORY MEDICINE AND
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY (ÖGLMKC)
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

Symposium Labormedizin
4. und 5. Mai 2022
in Seggau

Medicine in times of Corona - Stimulator or drag shoe
for laboratory medicine?

CANADACANADIAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHEMISTS (CSCC)
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

CSCC Annual Conference 2021

September 26-30, 2021

CSCC/AACC Joint Annual Meeting
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Upcoming meeting in 2022:
CSCC Annual Conference

June 5-8, 2022

CSCC Annual Meeting
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Upcoming meeting in 2023:
CSCC Annual Conference

June 18-21, 2023

CSCC Annual Meeting held jointlywith CCMG
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Upcoming meeting in 2024:
CSCC Annual Conference

May 26-29, 2024

CSCC Annual Meeting held jointlywith SQBCMont Sainte-Anne, Quebec

NATIONAL MEETINGS
2021 Travelling Lectureship Series
Speaker: Dr. Roger Strasser, AM, Professor of Rural Health, University of Waikato, New Zealand; Founding Dean Emeritus, Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Topic: The Future of Rural Health Care in Post-Pandemic Canada
Dr. Strasser gave three lectures in October 2021
The lectureship is sponsored by Bio-Rad Laboratories

131

CSCC Webinar Lectureship on Cardiovascular Disease
Speaker: Dr. Jorge Herrman, Physician and Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic Collegeof Medicine; Director of the Cardio-Oncology Clinic; Research Director Ischemic Heart Disease program
Topic: Cancer Therapies and Cardiovascular Toxicities
June 3, 2021
Lectureship sponsored by Abbott
CSCC Webinar Lectureship on Critical Care Medicine
Speaker: Dr. Robert Fowler, MD, MDCM, M.Sc., Professor of Medicine, Sunnybrook Hospitaland the University of Toronto
Topic: The Lessons of Outbreaks and Pandemics
June 10, 2021
Lectureship sponsored by Roche
2020-21 Education Roundtable Webinar Series
17 CSCC “Education Roundtable” in webinar format were held twice a month from September 2020 to May 2021. In addition to single participants, many members formed groups attheir institution to attend the webinars. Sessions averaged about 50 phone lines and 200-250
participants.
2021 Industry Workshop Webinar Series
Five Industry Workshop Webinars were held in 2021 between June and October. These aresponsored scientific sessions that have been very successful and are of great interest to theindustry sponsors. Average attendance was approx. 100 participants per session.
Special Interest / Working Groups
CSCC has 11 special interest / working groups which are communities with an interest inadvancing a specific area of knowledge, learning or technology where members cooperate toaffect or to produce solutions within their particular field. The activities usually consist of communication between conferences and informal sessions within the CSCC conference. These
groups also develop position statements and guidelines, and present educational webinars.
Leadership In Quality Management Certificate Program
The purpose of this Program is to bring Clinical Biochemists, as laboratory leaders, to a level
required to provide competent leadership and oversight to the quality management systems(QMS) in their laboratory. The certificate Program is presented as an on-line course in quality
management. CSCC trainee members are offered the option to register in the program at nocharge. This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the CACB/CSCC
Professional Development Program.
Participants have two years to complete the program.

CACB Professional Development Program
The Maintenance of Competence Committee oversees the continuing professional development (PD) program designed by the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry to encourage and support the lifelong learning needs of its Fellows and other healthcare professionals
who are in the practice of clinical chemistry. The program uses accreditation of continuing
professional development events, establishes an ongoing PD program for continuing education credits, and conducts audits of PD credit submissions as a means of meeting this goal.

132

Clinical Biochemistry Journal
CSCC is the owner of the scientific journal Clinical Biochemistry which is published by Elsevier. There are 12 issues per year and the website is: https://journals.elsevier.com/clinicalbiochemistry
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the
meeting

Alberta Society of Clinical Chemists
2021 Annual Meeting

October 22, 2021
VirtualHosted and planned by the Alberta
regional society of CSCC

Ontario Society of Clinical Chemists
2021 Annual Meeting

November 8&9, 2021
Kingston, Ontario

Hosted and planned by the Ontario
regional society of CSCCREGIONAL RELATIONSCSCC has 8 Provincial Sections – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Each Section holds its own
meetings and small conferences. The Sections report annually to the Society Council. A Provincial Grant is available for each section to help fund their activities.
CSCC will hold its annual conference as a joint meeting with the Canadian College of Medical
Geneticists (CCMG) in 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
CSCC will hold its annual conference as a joint meeting with La Société québécoise de biologie clinique (SQBC) in 2024 in Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSCSCC held its annual meeting jointly with the American Association for Clinical Chemistry(AACC) in 2021.
CSCC paid the IFCC membership dues of the Cuban Society.
CSCC, with AACC, is a member of the North American Federation of Clinical Chemistry andLaboratory Medicine (NAFCC) of IFCC. The NAFCC is represented at the IFCC Executive Board meetings. Dr. Stephen Hill of Ontario Canada is the current NAFCC representative.
Dr. Khosrow Adeli, Past-Chair of the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry, is the current President of IFCC.
Dr. David Kinniburgh, Past-President of CSCC, is the current Secretary of IFCC.
There are several Canadian members on IFCC committees and each of these members is
asked to provide a report to each CSCC Council meeting.

ADDITIONAL RELATION
External Representation
CSCC has diverse representation on external professional groups, including IFCC, the Canadian Standards Association, the JCTLM Working Group for Traceability, Education and Promotion, the Canadian Society of Nephrology Task Force on eGFR Reporting, and the Diabetes
Technology Society (iCode).

133

CSCC had a number of interactions with other Canadian pathology and lab medicine groups
including:• Participation in ‘Choosing Wisely Canada’ http://www.choosingwiselycanada.org/• Participation in ‘Lab Tests Online’ with AACC https://labtestsonline.org/
CSCC supports LabCanDx (formerly MEDEC), the national association for the Canadian medical technology industry, in their efforts to promote the value of laboratory medicine.
CSCC supports participation in ToxLRN which is an initiative by Health Canada to create a
network of toxicology laboratories in Canada.
CSCC provides support and professional encouragement for Trainees and Young Scientists,such as a travel grant funding and a special reception at the annual conference. CSCC also
provides Trainee Elective Visit Grants which support short-term elective visits to other labs toprovide lab medicine trainees with a unique opportunity to augment their skill sets.
CSCC holds an annual charity run at its annual conference and proceeds are donated to a local charity.
CSCC publishes a bi-monthly newsletter

CHILE

SOCIEDAD CHILENA DE QUÍMICA CLÍNICA (SCHQC)

NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

Due to the COVID pandemic our scheduled National
Congress meeting May 2021 was shifted to April 2022

EDUCATION
Webinar: Automatización en el Laboratorio Clinico, 03 diciembre 2021 Claudio Zuarez.
International Course: Estrategias y Herramientas para la gestión del Laboratorio: 10, 17 ,24
Nobiembre y 01 diciembre 2021 Leonardo Aguirre.
Conversatorio: Situación actual del diagnostico del laboratorio clínico en la segunda ola de lapandemia COVID-19 03 agosto 2021 Maria Elena AREDONDO.
Conversatorio: Acreditación del laboratorio en tiempos de pandemia. 01 junio 2021 Roberto
CARBONI.
Webinar: Valor del laboratorio clínico en el cuidado del paciente. 19 Mayo, Claudio Suarez.
Conversatorio: Vacunas. 06 abril 2021 Rosa E. Oyarce.
IFCC Global Conference on COVID-10. Critical role of clinica laboratories in the COVID-19
pandemic. 16 February 2021. Cecilia Tapia
REGIONAL RELATIONSSChQC has collaborations with several associations of medical laboratory.
• COLABIOCLI(Confederacion Latioamericana de Bioquimica Clinica) as a full member• APTM (Asociación Panamericana de Tecnologos Medicos)134• WG: Preanalityc Phase LATAM- COLABIOCLI Eduardo ARANDA (member) and Maria
Elena ARREDONDO (member)• WG: Accreditation Management-COLABIOCLI Leonardo AGUIRRE (member)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Cooperation with other Societies members of COLABIOCLI and IFCC
• •2° Vocal EB COLABIOCLI: Maria Elena ARREDONDO• •Natinal representative IFCC: Eduardo ARANDA• •IFCC TF OSML Claudio SUAREZ (member)

CHINA (TW) - REPUBLIC OF CHINA (ROC) – TAIWANCHINESE ASSOCIATION FOR CLINICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY (CACB)REGIONAL RELATIONS
A contribution of national society report to APFCB News 2021 Issue 2 published in November
2021.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCACB held the election for the new Executive Board 2021-2024 and its annual meeting on
Oct 3rd, 2021. Dr. Huey-Jen Hsu, Chief Technologist and Leader of the Sample Collection
Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, was elected
as the CACB President. The immediate past-president Ms. Hsiao-Chen Ning will serve as
Executive Director. Dr. Woei-horng Fang continues to serve as Executive Director and National
Representative for the same period. Dr. Ching-Ying Kuo was reappointed for a second term as
The Secretary General.
Planning of 2022 events:
CACB held its Executive Board meeting and the year-end dinner gathering on December 13th,
2021 and planned for the upcoming 36th Joint Annual Conference of Biomedical Science(JACBS). The scientific symposium will focus on “Precision Laboratory Medicine and Sustainable Healthcare”. Four speakers have been invited to present the progress on identifying
novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various diseases. The speakers include Dr.
Khosrow Adeli, IFCC President and Professor at The Hospital for Sick Children/University of

CACB newly-elected president Dr. Huey-Jen
Hsu (center in the front) and Board members
2021-2024.

135

Toronto; Dr. Wen-Chien Chou, Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at National
Taiwan University Hospital; Dr. Sui-Yuan Chang, Professor of Clinical Laboratory Sciences andMedical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University and Dr. Wen-Hui Ku, CEO of Taipei Institute of Pathology

CACB president Dr. Huey-Jen Hsu (centerin the front), Board members and guestsof honor at the Executive Board meetingand Year-end dinner gathering on
December 13th, 2021

CZECH REPUBLICCZECH SOCIETY OF CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY (CSKB)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

XI. Young Biochemists Meeting

3.-4. NOV 2021

General biochemistry, education, Cases studies

XV.National Congress

10.-12 OCT 2021

General clinical biochemistry

CELME 2021

30. SEP- 1.OCT 2021

Laboratory management

Atherosclerosis 2021

15.-16 SEP 2021

Lipids diagnostics, prevention, treatment

VITATOX

4 -6 OCT 2021

Vitamins, antoxidants, drug monitoring, toxicology

EDUCATION
Pre-graduate education: 5-6 years, Medicine: M.D. (medical doctors), Ing. (engineer in chemical sciences) or RNDr. (doctor in natural sciences) or Mgr. (master in natural sciences),
PharmDr. (pharmacy doctor)
Post-graduate education in Clinical biochemistry: 5 years, compliant with EFLM standards
both M.D. and Ing, RNDr, Mgr., PharmDr. may obtain EuSpLM (European Specialist in Laboratory Medicine), additional post-graduate education is needed for Haematology, Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics and Pathology.
Continuous Professional Development: All categories may obtain certificates with CPD credits, registered by central authorities, at congresses and seminars.
Patients´ education: Czech version of Lab Test online is available and being regularly updated
under supervision of the Czech Society of Clinical Biochemistry (https://www.labtestsonline.cz)

136

REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

40th Regional Days in Karlova Studanka

9. -10. DEC.2021

Program supervision and auspices

Advent seminar in Liblice

25. -26. NOV 2021

Program supervision and auspices

Laboratory Potential in Medicine

25 OCT 2021

Program supervision and auspices, speakers

Monoclonal Gamapathy Working Day

5 OCT 2021

Program supervision and auspices, speakers

5th CSF Diagnostic Day in Ostrava

10 SEP 2021

Program supervision and auspices

Interlab 2021

1 JUN 2021

Program supervision and auspices

Laboratory Technicians Day –Covid 19 and Laboratory

31 MAY 2021

Program supervision and auspices, speakers

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
10 members in 13 IFCC Committees and Working Groups
7 members in 11 EFLM Committees and Working Groups
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Czech Society of Clinical Biochemistry (CSKB) supervises external quality control programme
SEKK (www.sekk.cz)
Official CSKB society journal is “Klinicka biochemie a metabolismus”, reviewed since 1971,
ISSN: 1210 – 7921, English article are acceptable. CSKB also co-edits FONS journal, ISSN
1211-7137.
National guidelines, opinions, instructions in 2021:
Recommendation for validation and verification of laboratory examination procedures in medical laboratories
The recommendation for expressing uncertainties of quantitative measurement results in the
medical laboratories
Recommendations for the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (estimation of glomerular filtration and of proteinuria examination)
Guidelines for the management of diabetic kidney disease
Recommendations on internal quality control
Recommendations on use of cardiac troponins I and T in cardiology
Recommendations on laboratory aspects of cardiac troponin determination

137

ESTONIAESTONIAN SOCIETY FOR LABORATORY MEDICINENATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

XXII Summer School

Date

Topic

August, 26-27

Intervals of repeat tests, markers of Alzheimer Disease,
IVDR regulations, demands for the preanalytical process,quality goals, harmonization of protein electrophoresis in
Estonia, HPV screening in Estonia, VIPIT, bacteriophages inmedicine

EDUCATION
Due to COVID-situation in 2021, a lot of planned events were cancelled
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSESLM is the member of the following international organizations: IFCC, EFLM, BALM,
ESCMID, EUCAST
Marina Ivanova is the national representative in EUCAST
Helle Järv is a member of EUCAST subcommittee AFST
Kadri Klaos is the member of EUCAST subcommittee AMST
Marika Jürna-Ellam is the member of EUCAST subcommittee ECMM
Agnes Ivanov is a member in the IFCC Working Group “Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety”(WG-LEPS) and corresponding member in IFCC TF-POCT
Marge Kütt is a corresponding member in the EFLM Working Group „Patient Focused Laboratory
Medicine“ (WG-PFLM)
Anna Velts-Lindh is a corresponding member in the IFCC working group TF-YS „Task Force
Young Scientists“. Galina Zemtsovskaja is a corresponding member in IFCC working groups:
Committee on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Biomarkers (C-CB); Committee on Bonemetabolism (C-BM); Harmonization of Interpretive Commenting EQA (WG-ICQA)
Mikk Tooming is a corresponding member of IFCC working group Committee on MolecularDiagnostics (C-MD)
Kalle Kisand participated in activities of the scientific committee of EUROMEDLAB MUNICH
2021 (2022)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Together with Estonian Society of Bioanalysts, ESLM published issue No 7 (2021) of the journal„Eesti Laborimeditsiin“ („Estonian Laboratory Medicine“) (in March).
There are 2 sections in ESLM:• Section of clinical microbiology• Section of laboratory physicians
There are working groups in the fields of• Laboratory terminology,• LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes),• Laboratory Quality,• Kidney Biomarkers,• Cardiac Markers,• Laboratory Hematology,• Diagnostics of Urogenital Infections138• Protein electrophoresis• Flow cytometry• Method Harmonization

The following guidelines were compiled:• Algorithm of protein tests in monoclonal gammopathies
17 laboratories are sending out-patient´s laboratory test results electronically to the National
Digital Health Record.
New forms of visual display of dynamical changes of test results are available since 2021 in
National Digital Health Record.

FRANCESOCIÉTÉ FRANÇAISE DE BIOLOGIE CLINIQUE (SFBC)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date~ BioMed J / September 16 & 17,
2021 / Paris

National meetings with SFBC
auspices (+ SFBC members in thescientific committee)~ JFBM / October 6-8, 2021 /Rennes~ Journées de Biologie Praticienne/
November 19 & 20, 2021 / Paris

Topic~ Practical daily clinical biology~ Practical daily clinical biology~ Practical daily clinical biology

EDUCATION• Educational Committee chaired by Pr V. Sapin- Continuous professional development (DPC) and continuous medical education(CME) through SFBC scientific meeting sessions. V. Sapin is president of the
National organism of Professional Development called “Biologie Clinique”• Committee on Evaluation of Professional Practices (C-EPP) : chaired by Dr I. AimoneGastin (Nancy)- National Agreement SFBC as Validating Society for “EPP”- Relations with the Federation of Medical Specialities (FSM)
REGIONAL MEETINGS and WEBINARS
Participation of SFBC members in International meetings• IFCC Global Conference COVID-19 (February 15-17, 2021) / Virtual Conference / 3 posters:• Quick results for biochemistry parameters in COVID 19 Disease: POCT or central laboratory
testing: feedback from five teaching hospitals, around the world (Barguil Y et al., 2021)• COVID-19: management by overseas and French-speaking clinical laboratories: feedback from the SFBC Biochemical markers of COVID-19” working group (Barguil Y et al.,2021)
• Biological prescription in suspect or positive patients for COVID-19 in France and French
speaking territories (Beauvieux MC et al., 2021)

139

REGIONAL RELATIONSEFLM: Participation of SFBC members
Functional unit
WG: Accreditation and ISO/CEN
standards (WG-A/ISO)
TG: European Laboratory Day (TG-ELD)
TFG: Urinalysis (TFG-U)
WG: Register
WG: Guidelines (WG-G)
TF European regulatory affairs

Name
Guilaine
MichelBernard
AudreyMarineHugo
Bérénice
Bernard

Surname
BOURSIER
VAUBOURDOLLE
GOUGET
MERENSPESTEL-CARONROUXSCHELL
POGGI

Position
Chair
Expert/Consultant
Chair
MemberCorresponding member
Member - Young Scientist
Member - Young Scientist
Corresponding Member

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS• SFBC Committee on International Relations:- Prof. P. Gillery- Prof. J. Goudable- Dr B. Gouget- Pr M. Delpech- Dr L. Pieroni- Prof. V. Sapin• SFBC representatives:- IFCC: Prof. P. Gillery- EFLM: Prof. J. Goudable- WASPaLM: Prof. P. Gillery, Dr G. Boursier- FIFBCML: Prof V. Sapin, Prof M. Delpech, Dr L . Pieroni• Participation in the International Advisory Board of IFCC/EFLM meetings:- IFCC WorldLab Seoul 2022 (Pr P. Gillery, ISC Member)- Workshop “Barriers to global standardization of clinical laboratory testing: referencematerials and regulations” (Pr P. Gillery, Member Organizing Committee), virtual meeting, December 2021
- EFLM/IFCC EuroMedLab Munich 2022 (Pr P. Gillery, Chair of the Scientific ProgrammeCommittee, Joëlle Goudable, ISAB)- WorldLab - EuroMedLab Roma 2023 (Pr P. Gillery, Member of the Scientific ProgrammeCommittee)- IFCC Council, and chair Arabic Federation /FIFBCML session (Dr B. Gouget)• SFBC: founding member of the FIFBCML: Fédération Internationale Francophone de
Biologie Clinique et de Médecine de Laboratoire.
• Participation of SFBC members at National meetings of IFCC full member societies
Participation of SFBC members in IFCC Committees and Working Groups Scientific Division (SD)
Executive Committee
P. Gillery, Chair, 2020-2022
Committees– Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests (C-STFT)
V. Raverot, Member 2020-2022– Molecular Diagnostic (C-MD)
K. Peoc’h, corresp. Member– Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (C-TLM)
A. Vassault, corresp. Member– Bone markers (C-BM)
V. Delatour, Consultant
			J.P. Cristol, corresp. Membe140

Working groups– Standardization of Procalcitonin assays (WG-PCT)
V. Delatour, Chair, 2018-2020
			
A. Boeuf, Member			
H. Briand, Member			
A.M. Dupuy, Member			
P. Hausfater, Member– Standardization of Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin
		 (WG-CDT)
F. Schellenberg, Member– CSF Proteins (WG-CSF)
S. Lehmann, Member				
V. Delatour, Member– Commutability in Metrological Traceabiliy (WG-CMT)
V. Delatour, Member– Apolipoproteins by Mass Spectrometry (WG-Apo MS)
V. Delatour, Member– Standardisation of Albumin Assay in Urine (WG-SAU)
L. Pieroni, Corresp. Member– Standardisation of Pregnancy-Associated Plasma 		Protein (WG-PAPPA)
R. Garnotel, Corresp. Member– Standardization of Troponin I (WG-TNI)
G. Lefèvre, Corresp. Member– Standardisation of Hemoglobin A2 (WG-HbA2)
M. Arock, Corresp Member Education and Management Division (EMD)
Committees– Committee on Point of Care Testing (C-POCT)– Committee on Education in the Use of Biomarkers of
		 Diabetes (C-EUBD)– Committee on Chronic Kidney Disease
Working Group– Flow Cytometry (WG-FC)

M. Vaubourdolle, Member
P. Gillery, Corresp. Member
J.P. Cristol, Corresp. Member
C. Lambert, Chair, 2019-2021

 Emerging Technology Division (ETD)

–
		
–
–

Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineeringin Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM)
Committee on Omics Translation (C-OT)
Emerging technologies in Pediatric Laboratory
Medicine (C-ETPLM)

 Task Forces (TF)

– Task Force on History (TF-H)– Task Force on Global Newborn Screening(TF-NBS)– Task Force on Global Lab Quality (TF-GLQ)				– Task Force for Young Scientists (TF-YS)

B. Gouget, Chair, 2021-2023
M. De Tayrac, Member, 2019-2021
A. Mailloux, Corresp. Member

B. Gouget, Co-Chair, 2019-2021
E. Lebredonchel, Member(Y.S), 2021-2023
J.M. Giannoli, Member, 2021-2023
A. Perret-Liaudet, Member,		
2021-2023
A. Vassault, Member, 2021-2023
M. Lenski, corresp. Member

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSFBC Board 2020
Executive Board:• President 					Pr Vincent SAPIN• Vice-President				Pr Katell PEOC’H• Past-President				Pr Marc DELPECH• General Secretary				Dr Marie Christine BEAUVIEUX							Dr Caroline MOREAU

141• Treasurer 					Dr Philippe CHATRON							Dr Laurence MOULY• Scientific Committee:				
Dr Delphine COLLIN-CHAVAGNAC							Dr Katell PEOC’H							Dr Constance DELABY• Editors in Chief ABC: 				Dr Laurence PIERONI• Educational Committee: 			
Dr Isabelle AIMONE-GASTIN• International Relations:				
Pr Philippe GILLERY							Pr Joëlle GOUDABLE							Dr Bernard GOUGET							Pr Marc DELPECH							Dr Laurence PIERONI							• National Relations: 				Dr Marie-Françoise GAUDEAU-TOUSSAINT							Dr Carole POUPON							Dr Laurence MOULY							Dr Mathieu KUENTZ							Pr Jean-Louis BEAUDEUX							Dr Jean-Philippe BASTARD• Young Scientist & Resident: 			
Dr Guilaine BOURSIER• SIDIV (French Medtech):			
Mme Caroline BOULVININDIAASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTS OF INDIA (ACBI)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

47th Annual National Conference of Association ofClinical Biochemists of India.

12 – 15th December
2021

Theme: ”Towards a
better Tommorrow”

Address of Prof. LM
Srivastava, President ACBI

142

Inaugural Ceremony
in progress

Souvenir release

EDUCATIONACBI National Conference – Kolkata
Workshops:
a. Next Generation Sequencing,b. Flowcytometry,c. Statistics in Biomedical Research,d. Early Clinical Exposure,e. Pre-analytical Requirements and Ensuring Quality of Examination
Dr. Tarnath Shetty Memorial Oration (Popular Lecture Series) :Prof. Dr. Suhrita Pal, Hon’ble
Vice Chancellor, WBUHS, on “Personalized medicine: An overview”.
Plenary lecture: Dr Anant Mohan, Professor & Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine,
AIIMS, New Delhi on “COVID-19: The progress made and future challenges”.
K.L. Gupta Memorial Oration Award: Padma Shri Prof Dr. Mammen Chandy, Director, Tata
Medical Center, Kolkata on “Recent advances in cancer diagnosis and precision medicine”.
Seth G.S. Medical College & K.E.M. Hospital Oration Award: Dr. Barnali Das, Kokilaben
Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai on “Clinical Chemistry & Immunoassay Test Results:
Harmonization and Standardization of Discordant Notes”.
Symposia: Laboratory diagnostics of Covid• Dr Rahul Dev Sarkar: role of ISARIC 4C score, D-Dimer, LDH, Ferritin, Procalcitonin,
Troponin, IL-6 and CRP to predict diseased outcome in patients.
• Dr. Ranajit Das: Genomic variation underlies the severity of COVID-19 clinical manifestation
in individuals of European descent”,• Dr Sohini Sengupta: clinical outcome for using Remdesivir/ Tocilizumab during Cytokine
Storm in severe COVID-19 infection.
• Dr Indranil Halder “Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Scenario Of Covid 19”.
Symposia: Recent advances in cancer diagnosis and precision medicine• Dr D. Raghunadharao: Precision Diagnosis and Personalised Cancer Treatment• Prof. Jaishree Vaijanathappa: nanovectors for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs• Prof Tapasya Srivastava Epigenetic Signature of Active Methylation in the Hypoxic Niche
of Gliomas• Prof. Mingma Lhamu Sherpa gDNA from urine and oral samples
Symposia: Neurological diseases• Prof. Sanjeev Jain Genetics guides to biological understanding of psychiatric disease• Prof. M. Faruq: Genetic mapping of neurodegenerative disorders• Prof Subrata Sinha: Neuronal differentiation pathway involved in dyslexia
Symposia: Renal Disease• Prof Sandeep Mahajan: acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers,• Dr Mithu Banerjee role of creatinine estimation for early diagnosis and tagging of AKI• Dr Purvi Purohit generating timely lab alerts through laboratory information systems
to detect early renal damage in AKI patients
Symposia: Biomedical Innovation & Development• Dr Debashree Chakraborty computational tools that are available for studying protein
stability143• Dr Priyadarshi Dey therapeutics that is able to control the amyloidogenesis process andinhibit fibril formation• Dr Partho Sarathi Ray the miR-21-GSN-PDCD4 regulatory network as a crucial mediatorof a macrophage quorum sensing mechanism for the control of inflammatory responses• Dr Souvik Maiti Francisellanovicida Cas9 (FnCas9) Editor Linked Uniform Detection
Assay (FELUDA)IFCC symposium on emerging technology• Prof. Sergio Bernardini, Chair IFCC-Emerging Technology Division: application ofaugmented intelligence tools in medicine• Dr. Bernard Gouget, Chair IFCC Committee on Mobile Health and bioengineering in Lab
Medicine: smart technologies to tackle COVID-19• Prof. Damien Gruson: laboratory medicine assisted by AI companions for data integration
Symposia: Cardiovascular and Coagulation disorders• Dr. Sanja Stankovic, Serbia: pharmacogenetics (PGx) of cardiovascular drugs, available
PGx information and genetic tests• Dr Renu Saxena: Pathogenesis of thrombotic stroke in young• Dr. Anita Khalil: infantile markers of cardiovascular diseases• Dr. Vimal Mehta atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease• Dr. Devaki R Nair laboratory investigations required for step wise diagnosis of dyslipidemia.
Awadhesh Saran Memorial Oration: Prof Saumitra Das, Director, NIBMG Kalyani :Hepatitis C
Virus: Life in the liver.
Dr. T. N. Pattabiraman Oration Award: Dr Shyamali Pal Proficiency Testing - Purpose andPerspective
Symposia: AACC-India Section: Technology Advances & Challenges• Dr Stephen R. Master, Philadelphia, USA: fundamental rational for expanding the
traditional laboratory emphasis on single-analyte diagnostics into higher-dimensional
analytical frameworks• Dr. Joe El-Khoury, Yale School of Medicine: evaluation of Pneumatic Tube Systems• Dr. Lakshmi V. Ramanathan, ew York: Interferences in immunoassays
Symposia: Molecular Diagnostics and Genetics• Dr Ashwin Dalal: Various techniques used in molecular diagnosis of genetic muscle
diseases• Dr Anju Shukla: applications of microarray CGH and exome sequencing in genetic
diagnostics• Dr Govindraj: integrative approach for diagnosing mitochondrial disorders
Symposia: IFCC- Global e-Learning/eAcademy• Dr Hikmet Can Çubukçu, Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, Turkey: Overview of
e-learning in the context of e-learning platforms in laboratory medicine• Prof Rania El Sharkawy: new e-learning trends in Clinical Laboratories in the post COVID
era• Dr Adrian Park from Addenbrooke’sHospital, Cambridge, UK: Role of IFCC Taskforce on
Global E-learning;• Dr Prasenjit Mitra: scenario of eLearning in India
Symposia: Pediatric Biochemistry & Inborn Errors of Metabolism• Prof. K Vaidyanathan molecular diagnostics in inherited metabolic disorders• Dr Anibh M Das biochemical, pathophysiology, clinical symptoms and therapy of144

hepatorenal tyrosinaemia.
• Dr Kallol K Set Prof. James R Bonham, President of International Society for Neonatal
Screening from Sheffields Children’s Hospital, NHS, UK Newborn Screening for Inherited
Metabolic Disorders
Mrs & Dr. G P. Talwar Oration Award Lecture Prof. Partha P. Majumder Genomics of ImmuneResponse to Typhoid and Cholera Vaccines
Symposia: IFCC-TFYS Artificial intelligence in clinical diagnosis’
Symposia: Clinical Immunology’
Symposia: Hormone related Disorder
IFCC- CCLM Symposium on Laboratory Management and Leadership• Prof Praveen Sharma Value based Laboratory Medicine Practice: Opportunities andChallenges• Dr. Ed Randell High Impact initiatives that improve laboratory utilization.
• Dr Raja Elina RajaAziddin significant role of laboratory medicine specialists in clinicaldecision making• Dr. Merve Sibel Gungoren the potential benefits of laboratory data and informatics tools
for test utilization management.
Free Paper Sessions by 36 delegates
Oral Award categories :Thirteen young investigators presented their work and vied forthe awards.
236 poster presentations
AFMC Quiz contest
Industrial Workshop and Scientific activities: MolBio Diagnostics Pvt, Agappe Diagnostics
Ltd, Transasia BioMedicals Ltd, Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt
Ltd, Roche diagnostics.
Due to ban on physical meetings during the year, the association organized a series ofwebinars to keep our members engaged and informed. Eminent scientists from India
and abroad were invited to participate in the webinars. The following webinars wereorganized;

145

REGIONAL RELATIONS
Many members of ACBI are also actively participating in the affairs of APFCB. Dr Praveen
Sharma (Jodhpur), Dr. Pradeep Dabla, Dr Purvi Purohit, Dr Prasenjit Mitra as chairpersons/members of various divisions & sub-committees.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Many members of ACBI are actively participating in the affairs of IFCC. Dr Praveen Sharma,
Dr. Pradeep Dabla, Dr Prasenjit Mitra, Dr Seema Bhargava, Dr Barnali Das & Dr Sudip Datta arechairpersons/members of various divisions & sub-committees of IFCC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe 48th Annual National Conference of the association will be held in New Delhi in NovemberDecember 2022. The organizing secretary is Dr Seema Bhargava.
The following were elected as office bearers of ACBI for the year 2022:
PRESIDENT:
Dr. Subir Kumar Das,
Professor & Head,
Department of Biochemistry
College of Medicine & JNM Hospital, WBUHS
Kalyani, Nadia 741235, West Bengal

146

VICE PRESIDENT (I) & ORGANIZING SECRETARY, ACBICON 2022
Dr. Seema Bhargav
Chairperson and Senior Consultant
Department of Biochemistry & Professor
GRIPMER, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
New Delhi, India
VICE PRESIDENT (II)Dr. Kanan Vaidyanathan
Professor & Head
Department of Molecular Biology
Amrita Institute of Medicine
Kochi - 682 026 Kerala, India
ADVISOR
Prof. K.P. Sinha
Director, Biochem Lab
East Boring Canal Road
Patna-800001, India
SECRETARY:
Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Sinha,
Professor & Head,
Department of Biochemistry,
Government Medical College,
Bettiah. W. Champaran, India
TREASURER:
Dr Krishna Ranjan Prasad,
Professor, Dept.of Biochemistry, Katihar Medical College
A-12 Sector D, Kankerbagh Colony
Patna - 800 020. Bihar, India
JOINT SECRETARY:
1. Dr. Prasenjit Mitra
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry
PGIMER, Sector - 12
Chandigarh – 160 012, India
2. Dr Tanmay Saha
Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Biochemistry
College Of Medicine & JNM Hospital
WBUHS. Hospital Road
Kalyani- 741235. WB, India
ZONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
North Zone:
Dr. Dharamveer Yadav
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry
S.M.S. Medical College
Jaipur – 302 004, India
147

South Zone:
Dr Medha Rajappa,
Additional Professor of Biochemistry,
Department of Biochemistry,
Second Floor, Academic Centre,
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate
Medical Education & Research (JIPMER)
Dhanvantari Nagar, Puducherry-605006, India
West Zone:
Dr Barnali Das
Consultant, Laboratory Medicine,
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital& Medical Research Institute
Mumbai – 400053, India
Central Zone:
Dr. Sukhes Mukherjee
AssociateProfessor, Dept of Biochemistry
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Bhopal- 462020
Madhya Pradesh, India
East Zone:
Dr. Vanita Lal
Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry
AIIMS, Panchayat Training Institute
Daburgram, Jasidih
Deoghar- 814142, Jharkhand, India.

HONG KONG

HONG KONG SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHEMISTRY(HKSCC)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

HKSCC Annual General Meeting

23rd January 2021

-1. QA and QC Monitoring in LC-MS
Analysis by Dr. Richard Kin-ting
KAM (PWH)HKSCC Online Seminar

5th June 2021

2. Result interpretation in
RCPAQAPs: Experience sharing by
Ms. Judy Po-shan LAI (QEH)
3. EQAP Problem Discussion
Forum (Submitted cases fromparticipants) by Dr. Iris Hiu-shuen
Chan (PWH)

148

EDUCATION
A seminar was hold on 5th June via Zoom platform. There were three presentations by invited
local speakers: ‘QA and QC Monitoring in LC-MS Analysis’ by Dr. Richard KT Kam, Princeof Wales Hospital, ‘Result interpretation in RCPAQAPs: Experience sharing’ by Ms. Judy PS
Lai, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, ‘EQAP Problem Discussion Forum (Submitted cases fromparticipants)’ by Dr. Iris HS Chan, Prince of Wales Hospital.
A 2-day Industrial Presentation Webinar was hold on 9th October 2021 and 27th November
2021. Eleven presentations were delivered by representatives of eleven industrial partners
include:• Biomarkers In Traumatic Brain Injury - Exploring Utility in Clinical Care by Abbott• Intelligent Automation system defines the next generation of clinical laboratory by
Beckman Coulter• Pre-analytical challenges: Impact HIL on patient results & importance to detect – QC
approach around serum indices by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• From underlying risk to early recognition and prevention of Heart Failure in Type 2 Diabetics
by Roche Diagnostics (Hong Kong)• How SCIEX ZenoTOF 7600 can help improving MS/MS data quality by SCIEX• MicroSlide technology, A1c Slide design/performance and clinical uses of A1c by Ortho
Clinical Diagnostics• The application of M2BPGi for assessing HCC by Sysmex Hong Kong Ltd• Implementing Cascadion: Analytical and clinical perspectives by Thermo Fisher Scientific• New LC-MS Test Method to Advance Critical Infectious Disease Research by Waters
China Ltd
• Rapid lab-quality BMP test benefits risk stratification and prioritization of high-risk acutely
ill patients by Werfen

HUNGARYHUNGARIAN SOCIETY OF LABORATORY MEDICINE(MLDT)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

60th National Congress of the
Hungarian Society of Laboratory
Medicine

26-28 August, 2021

Clinical chemistry, molecularbiological diagnostics, diagnostics
of diabetes, diagnostics of
COVID-19, extra-analytical phaseof laboratory investigations,
postgradual education

QualiCont Forum 2021

7 May, 2021

External quality assessment, tumor
markers, direct oral anticoagulants,
COVID-19 in children

EDUCATION
COVID-19 vaccination and immune response, 5 May, 2021, online, postgraduate education –SARS-CoV-2 variants, immune response, antibodies, antibody lab tests.
REGIONAL RELATIONSRegionally, Hungarian specialists in laboratory medicine conventionally have good relations
with similar experts in Croatia, Austria and Romania. Some colleagues working in Hungarianlabs originally come from Romania.

149

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSIFCC Communications and Publications Division, Vice Chair: Prof. János Kappelmayer
IFCC, eJIFCC, Editor: Prof. János Kappelmayer
IFCC Communications and Publications Division, Working Group-eJIFCC, Members:
Prof. Tamás Kőszegi, Prof. Gábor L. Kovács
IFCC Scientific Division, Committee on Bone Metabolism, Member: Dr. Harjit Pal Bhattoa
EFLM Science Committee, Working Group: Postanalytical Phase, Expert/Consultant: Dr. Éva
Ajzner
EFLM Education and Training Committee, Working Group: Congresses and Postgraduate
Education, Member: Dr. Zsuzsa Bagoly
EFLM Communication Committee, Working Group: Promotion and Publications, Chair:Dr. Harjit Pal Bhattoa
EFLM EuroLabNews, Editor: Dr. Harjit Pal Bhattoa
EFLM Profession Committee, Task Group: EFLM Syllabus Course, Member: Dr. Harjit Pal
Bhattoa
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There were also some other postgraduate educational courses in our field (laboratory medicine)organized by medical universities independently of our national society.

IRELANDASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTSIN IRELAND (ACBI)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

43rd Annual Conference

12th November 2021

Sepsis, Fertility, Renal

EDUCATIONACBI Webinar 1st April 2021: Dr Michael Cornes. The Cress Checklist.
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

ACB Republic of Ireland regional
scientific meeting

29th January 2021

Jointly organised with ACBIREGIONAL RELATIONSEFLM working group corresponding members
Pre-analytical Phase: Dr Seán Costelloe
Register: Navidad Rico Rios
Distance education and e-learning: Dr Graham Lee
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSIFCC Committee on Point of Care testing corresponding member: Ruth O’Kelly

150

JAPAN

JAPAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHEMISTRY (JSCC)
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic
1 Special Lectures:
1. Past, present and future of Shinshu University Hospital,
Department of Laboratory Medicine- (Honda T)
2 Educational Lectures:
1. Japanese thrombophilia and its test method: A new coagulation
test that can recognize the hypercoagulable state
2. Egg regeneration technology and future development
1 International symposium:
1. Current status of COVID-19 in Europe, Asia and JapanThe 61th Annual
Meeting of the Japan
Society of Clinical
Chemistry

2021/11/5-11/7

11 Symposia:
1. Practice of biochemical test operation using plasma
2. Contribution of clinical chemistry in Organ on a Chip
3. Study the old to understand the new: A discovery story from
Kyushu engraved in the history of medicine
4. Quality assurance in gene-related tests
5. Difficulties in developing clinical diagnostic agents
6. Future quality assurance of clinical chemistry
7. Fusion and application of knowledge and technology gained inpharmaceutical research to clinical chemistry research
8. Pitfall case report / discussion meeting in clinical examination
2021
9. Future of clinical chemistry with new liquid biopsy
10. Future map of medical big data
11. Future map of LC-MS in clinical examination

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSIn all annual meeting of JSCC and regional meetings in Japan, educational lectures on various
clinical chemistry related subjects, such as standardization, analytical methods, and laboratory
related trouble shootings were performed by the specialists of clinical chemistry. In addition,clinical chemistry related companies held various types of symposiums and educational
meetings in all over Japan all the year round.
Educational Lecture for Certified Clinical Chemistry and Immunochemistry Quality Assurance
Medical Technologists and Professions were held in Tokyo on Nov 7, 2021.
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

Hokkaido branch: The 31st branch general & regularSep 4, 2021
metting

Each branch supervises the meeting ofeach region

Kanto branch: The 29th branch gen-eral meetingJun 12, 2021

Each branch supervises the meeting ofeach region

Chugoku & Shikoku branch: The 31st branch
general & regular meetingFeb 13, 2021

Each branch supervises the meeting ofeach region

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSSD Committees:• Reference Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests (C-STFT): Akira Hishinuma, Member151• Nomenclature, Properties and Units (C-NPU) in collaboration with IUPAC: Koh Furuta, Member
SD Working Groups:• Immunosuppressive Drugs (WG-ID): S Masuda, Member• Pancreatic Enzymes (WG-PE): Shigeru Ueda, Member• Fecal Immunochemical Testing (WG-FIT): S Takehara, Y Doi, M Fujimura, T Fukuda, H
Hayashi, T Ichiyanagi, T Kosaka, Y Masuda
Education Management Division (EMD) Committees:• Education in the Use of Biomarkers in Diabetes (C-EUBD): Asako Sato, Member
Emerging Technologies Division (ETD) Committees:• Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM):
Kazuhiko Kotani,
MemberInternational Journal Editor
Associate Editors for Annals of Clinical Biochemistry: Kazuhiko Kotani
Editorial Board of Clini Chimica Acta:
Nobuo Okumura, Editorial Board
Masato Maekawa, Editorial Board
Takashi Miida, Editorial Board
Minoru Tozuka, Editorial Board
Katsuyuki Nakajima, Editorial Board
Akihiro Inazu, Editorial Board
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
About 1,950 members including MD and PhD belong to JSCC and 9 blocks were divided aseach centre of JSCC.
The annual meeting is held once a year and more than 300 papers are discussed in the meetingand the regional meetings were held once a year in each region and interesting symposiums
and special lectures are planned by an annual president of the meeting.

KOREA

KOREAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHEMISTRY (KSCC)

NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic
Session 1-1. Practical Issues in Specimen Collection

Korean Society of Clinical Chemistry(KSCC) Biannual Spring Meeting

May, 21, 2021

Session 1-2. Laboratory Tests for Endocrine
Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Session 2-1. Utilization of Healthcare Data
Session 2-2. The Latest Laboratory Guidelines andPractices152

Name of the meeting

Date

Topic
Session 1-1. Current State of Laboratory Quality
Management VI

Korean Society of Clinical Chemistry(KSCC) Biannual Fall Meeting

October, 21, 2021

Session 1-2. The Latest Trends in Drug of Abuse
Testing
Session 2-1. Education Workshop
Session 2-2. The New Biomarkers

EDUCATION
The first half
RC1. Laboratory Statistics
RC2. Laboratory Management
RC3. Tumor Markers
RC4. Cardiac Markers
RC5. Lipids & Lipoproteins
The second half
RC1. External quality assessment in clinical chemistryRC2. Interpretation and corrective action of proficiency test results
RC3. Basic requirements for total laboratory automation
RC4. Useful information resources in clinical chemistryRC5. Standardization status of clinical chemistry tests
RC6. Practical methods for evaluating assay performances
RC7. Understanding POCT
RC8. Preanalytical variables
RC9. Enzymes part I
RC10. Enzymes part II
RC11. Urine dipstick test and sediment analysis
RC12. Analysis of body fluids in clinical chemistry
REGIONAL RELATIONS
1. One council member for International Affairs in KSCC has the correspondence activity
for the international (IFCC) or for the regional (APFCB) works.
KSCC sent the 2021 annual report to APFCB on January 24, 2022.
2. Announcement of members of the web seminar hosted by APFCB.:APFCB Masterclass in Interpretative Commenting, Topic: Diabetes Tests (2021. 4. 28)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. KSCC recommended Jehoon Lee, President of KSCC, as a member of ISAB. WorldlabEuromedlab 2023 International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB).
2. KSCC was delegated of logistics of authority from IFCC-EFLM to facilitate participationin the EuroMedLab (24th IFCC-EFLM European Congress of Clinical Chemistry andLaboratory Medicine).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe Officer Bearer of KSCC 2022
1. President: Jehoon Lee
Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Eunpyeong St.
Mary’s Hospitale-mail: lyejh@catholic.ac.kr, kscc1111@gmail.com

153

2. Secretary General: Hyung-Doo Park
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center,
Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
e-mail: hyungdoo.park@samsung.com
3. Treasurer: Sung Eun Cho
Green Cross Laboratories
e-mail: secho0824@gmail.com
4. Scientific Affairs Director: Sollip Kim
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Inje University, Ilsanpaik Hospital,e-mail: lalacopine@gmail.com
5. International Affairs Director: Jaewoo Chung
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospitale-mail: jwchung@dumc.or.kr
6. Secretary: Kyung A Choi
Office Address: A1105-Asterium Seoul, 372 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04323,
Republic of Korea
e-mail: kscc@kscc.or.kr
7. Official email of KSCC: kscc1111@gmail.com

LATVIALATVIAN SOCIETY OF LABORATORY MEDICINE (LLSB)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

Association meeting

31.03.2021.

Topical issues in immunology

Association meeting

20.05.2021.

SARS-Cov-2 - actualities

Association meeting

25.11.2021.

Hemostasis

LIBYA

LIBYAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICALPATHOLOGY (LACP)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

The Sixth conference of sustainable
development.

Quality in medical education

154

Date

Topic
a.

Dr. Aisha NASEF presented a talk on
importance of “Organizational Cultures
and Values in establishment of quality
culture” as an essential requirement forsustainability.

b.

Dr. Najat El-Kemeshi, presented a talkon importance of Quality Services ingood health.

12-14 Decmber 2021

04-January-2022

Governance in Medical schools

EDUCATION
Topic

Date
6 November 2021

1

Introduction to Quality

2

Quality Culture

12November 2021

3

Quality standards in medical laboratories (ISO 15189)

15 November 2021

4

Auditing and accreditation of medical laboratories

20 November 2021

5

WHO Model of Laboratory Quality Management system

04 December 2021

6

Laboratory Safety

11 December 2021

7

Occurrence Management

18 December 2021

8

Organization in Medical Laboratories

25 December 2021

9

Medical laboratory document and record Control

30 December 2021

10

Equipment’s and Inventory Management

30 December 2021

11

Process Control and Continuous Improvements

08 January 2021

12

Customer satisfaction

08 January 2021

13

Personnel Management

15 January 2021

14

Assessment; EQA, PT in Medical Laboartories

15 January 2021

15

Process Control: QC of quantative and semi- quantative test

22 January 2021

Date

Topic

Facilitator

2021/10/10

Leukocyte type and function

Tahani Netfa

2021/10/11

leukocyte count in benign disorder relative and Tahani Netfa
absolute increase or decrease2021/10/14

Acute leukemia

Tahani Netfa

2021/10/17

Chronic Leukemia

Tahani Netfa

Date

Topic

Facilitator

3/10/2021

Hemolytic anemia

Nafesa Al-Mahdawei

4/10/2021

Hemoglobinopathy

Nafesa Al-Mahdawei

2021/12/7

Morphology of anemia I

Nafesa Al-Mahdawei

2021/12/14

Morphology of anemia II

Nafesa Al-Mahdawei

16\12\2021

Myeloprolifereative disorder investigation

Nafesa Al-Mahdawei

Date

Topic

Facilitator

27/06/2021

Donor selection criteria, Blood component,
Blood group system (revision for 1st part
exam)

Najat Be-Kasim

23/11/2021

blood transfusion: an overview

Najat Be-Kasim

1/12/2021

Blood component

Najat Be-Kasim

08/12/2021

Red blood cell: description, preparation,
storage, dosage, indica-tion, modified productNajat Be-Kasim

2021/12/22

Platelets, Fresh frozen plasma, andCryoprecipitate: description, preparation,
storage, dosage, indication.

Najat Be-Kasim

Date

Topic

Facilitator

2021/11/22

HemostasisII: perform bleeding time, T.T,
fibrinogen level &D.Dimer

Faiza Debaeba

2021/22/29

Determinatiom of reticulocyte count, PCV,RBCs indices

Faiza Debaeba

2021/12/14

Interpretation Hb. Electrophoersis

Faiza Debaeba

Date

Topic

Facilitator

2021/9/26

Nutritional anemia IDA

Afaf Al-Denali

2021/9/27

Macrocytic anemia

Afaf Al-Denali

2021\10

Reference rang of CBC, histograms analysis

Afaf Al-Denali

1552021\10Preparation of blood smear, check RBCs,
WBCs, Plt

Afaf Al-Denali

2021\10

PBF reading ,plt ,D /CRBCs morphology

Afaf Al-Denali

2021/9/26

Nutritional anemia IDA

Afaf Al-Denali

Date

Topic

Facilitator

19/09/2021

Hematopiesis

Amal Al-Fakhri

22/09/2021

Introduction to hemolytic anemia

Amal Al-Fakhri

12/2021

Nutritional anemias IDA

Amal Al-Fakhri

12/2021Morphology of anemia

Amal Al-Fakhri

Date

Topic

Facilitator

2021/12/12

Nosocomial infection

Jamila Al-shiki2021/12/12

Culture media

Jamila Al-shiki2021/12/21

Collection of microbiological Samples

Jamila Al-shiki

Date

Topic

Facilitator

2021/12/2

Pre analytic requirements

Hanan Hassen

2021/11/12

Secondary homeostasis

Hanan Hassen

2021/11/2

Primary homeostasis

Hanan Hassen

Date

Topic

Facilitator7\12\2021

Introduction of hematology

Luban Al-Oshibi2021\12\12Myeloproliferatine disorder

Luban Al-Oshibi2021\12\21

Chronic leukemia (Lymphoid)

Luban Al-Oshibi

Clinical Immunology. Lectures and Practical, by Dr. Fatma Najem

156

Date

Topic/Lecture/(Immunology)

Practical

2021\2\7Introduction and general review
for quality man-agement system
requirements

A tour of the laboratory sections
and a follow-up of the samples fromdrawing to entering the result, withknowledge of the types of samples
received in the laboratory

2021/2/8,11

Serological tests in clinicalimmunology : introduc-tion

CRP test , Rheumatoid factor ,pregnancy test

2021/2/14,15

Principle l of serology techniques
visible (non-label) assay:
agglutination, precipitation ,and
com-plement fixation

Coombs test

2021/2/18,21

Principle of serology techniques
non-visible (label ) assay : RIA , IFA,ELISAHIV ELISA test, HbsAg , HCV ab
ELISA2021 /2/24,25

Immunoblotting assay

Confirmatory test for HIV (westernblot)

2021/3/3

Mixed lymphocyte culture , Flowcytometry principle

Discussion of some previous
flow cytometer reports ( immune
phenotyping panel )2021/3/4

Immune chromatographic assay

Rapid test for HIV, HCV, HBsAg

2021/3/7

lab diagnosis of syphilis

ASO TITRE, VDRL RAPID

2021 /3/10

Chemiluminescence techniques

RUBELLA lab diagnosis (IgG, IgM)

2021/3/14

Principle of molecular techniques(PCR)

HCV VIRAL LOAD PCR RUN ,COVID 19 PCR RUN

2021/3/18

Autoimmunity assay

TWO RESULT OF ANA profile test
(immunob-lotting assay)

A series of activities were given by Dr. Hana Al-Monfe
Dates

Topics

5/1/2021

Introduction to diagnostic biochemistry laboratory

12/1/2021

Urine analysis

7/1/2021

Spectrophotometer \principles &Components

6/1/2021

Electrolytes and blood gas analysis/

13/1/2021

Immunochemistry

Preparation of educational materials about the biological, Physical and Chemical hazards in medicallaboratories.
1

2
3

Biological Hazards
1. Hanan Hussien
2. Faten abdalla Ahmed
3. Naja Mahmoud
belgasem
Physical Hazards
1. Moner ALorefe
2. Rania AL-Mohandes
Chemical Hazards
1. Ghada Ali Abbas
2. Fatma Mohamed
Aldarat
3. Halima Yousef Alsaity
4. Saad Abdul Qader
Hashem
5. Hend Rafa Awad
6. Zubida Ali Eljjhawe
7. Hend Alsheka
8. Awatef Mohamed zoubi
9. Sami - Alabed

Preperation of educational materials:
A-Classification of Medical Laboratories according to safety.
Prepared by: Dr. Dalal Ahmed Thwood, Dr. Najat Alkomeshi, Dr, Aisha NASEF
B- O-microns : prepared by Dr. Maren Farhat.
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Palestanian Society

Society’s contribution for the
meeting
Two Talks

Quality Standards in occupational health and safety

13-14 June 2021

Attendance

Autoamated Anti-D quanatification in immunizationand prophylaxis.

Feb 13, 2021

Each branch supervises the meetingof each region

Part of Biorad transfusion Science webinar

15-April-2021

Attendance

From good practice to best practice in blood andblood components GPG GMP.
EuBIS-PEI_WS

8-9 September
2021

Participation

Certificate of Laboratory Quality Mangment system,
Basics. WHO

21 November 2021

Course Compeletion

Organizational learning

24 November 2021

Course Compeletion

Quality standards in higher education

24 April 2021

Participation

157

REGIONAL RELATIONS
1. Institute de Pasteur /Tunis.
2. University of Monastir
3. Egyptian Board
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONLACP participated on following virtual meeting, where a summary regarding current situations
and challenges facing our speciality in Libya:
1. Online meeting with GIZ for their project for health in Libya.
2. Online meeting with The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre
for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) for health reform in Libya.
Establishemnt of Clinical Pathology departments in the Faculty of Medicine/ Tripoli.
LACP trying to highlight the primordial role of the clinical pathologist in bridging the gap between
clinical services and the medical laboratories. So, a proposal has been prepared and presented
to the Dean of Tripoli Faculty of Medicine, in order to replace the existing model of medical
teaching by clinical teaching in clinical pathology departments in Faculty of Medicine.
Establishemnt of First Genetics Laboratory
As, LACP are serve as an advocate to develop this specialty in Libya, we are going to meet
Tunisians colleagues to start training on genetics and to transfer know how gradually, whileworking in parallel for procurements of equipment’s and needed materials by solicitation for
financial support and donation!
First Step was contact of Libyan personnel and collection of CVs to form the team. In process,2 persons send thier CVs.
Second step: Visit of Tunisian genetic lab on 25 January 2022.
LACP Members participated on the first on line clinical pathology examination Organizedby the Arab Board for Health Specializations on 29 November 2021 at Tripoli

LITHUANIALITHUANIAN SOCIETY OF LABORATORYMEDICINE (LLMD)
NATIONAL MEETINGS

158

Name of the meeting

Date

Topic

Joint Conference of the LLMD, theAssociation of Private Healthcare
Providers and Vilnius University (online)

03-02-2021

Current opinions in diagnostics of COVID-19
infection

Joint Conference of the LLMD, theLithuanian Society of Cardiologists
and Vilnius University (on-line)

04-03-2021

Anti-thrombotic treatment

13th Annual Conference of the
Lithuanian Society of Laboratory
Medicine (on-line)

28-04-2021

Aspects of the professional ethics inlaboratory medicine

National LLMD Conference (hybrid)

14-10-2021

What clinicians should know, and what
laboratories should perform (dedicated toWorld Thrombosis Day)

National LLMD Conference (on-line)

12-11-2021

Laboratory medicine of 2021: an overview

REGIONAL RELATIONS
Lithuanian Society of Laboratory Medicine (LLMD) is member of Baltic Association of Laboratory
Medicine (BALM). Other 2 members of BALM are: Latvian Society of Laboratory Specialists andEstonian Society of Laboratory Medicine. The main task of the Association – organization of
Baltic Congresses of Laboratory Medicine held every second year in one of the Baltic Countries(upcoming scheduled for 2022).
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSLLMD is the member of IFCC, EFLM and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI);
partner of The Global World Thrombosis Day Movement.

MALAYSIA

MALAYSIAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL
BIOCHEMISTS (MACB)
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

31st MACB Conference 2021 – A
Virtual Conference

21-22 June, 2021

The conference with the theme ‘Empowering
Laboratory Services in Keeping withTechnology Advancement’ highlighted thelatest technology advancements in laboratory
medicine and its possible future applicationsin Malaysia.

Pre-AGM Scientific Meeting

26 October, 2021••

31st MACB Annual General
Meeting (AGM) 2021

26 October, 2021

The annual general meeting in 2021 washeld virtually.

Method Verification of Qualitative Tests
Forum on Lot-to-lot Verification

EDUCATION
1. Method Verification on 5 May 2021
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Joshua Hayden, PhD DABCC FAACC, Chief of Chemistry
for Norton Healthcare. This webinar discussed the practical approaches that laboratories
can take to ensure adequate assessment of new methods. The webinar was supported
by Medinics. A total of 631 participants registered for the webinar of whcih 350 attended
the live event. Ot the total participants, 64% were Malaysians. Other participants who
registered were from Philippines, Macau, Singapore, Unoted States, Sri Lanka, Palostan,Oman, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh. Recording and webinar presentation slides forthe lecture are available at the following link:
2. Breathing Not Properly: Heart Failure – Insights on Natriuretic Peptides on 6 May
2021
The lecture was delivered by Dr Pearline Teo, the Clinical Marketing Manager for Laboratory
Diagnostics at Siemens Healthineers. The webinar presented the ppathophysiology,
diagnosis and classification of heart failure and the importance of Natriuretic Peptides(BNP and NT-proBNP) in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of Heart Failure. The
best practice sharing from AP region on the clinical utility of Natriuretic Peptide assays in
Asia Pacific was also discussed. This webinar was supported by Siemens Healthineers
and received 175 registrations and 69 attendees. Recording on the webinar is available
on this link: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-my/news-and-events/eventsmalaysia/macb-heart-failure

159

3. A Practical and Standardized Approach to tackle Reagent Lot-to-Lot using CLSI’s
EP26 on 5 Aug 2021
This lecture was delivered by Mr Norizhar bin Mohamed Zakaria, the Clinical Quality
Manager at Siemens Healthineers. This lecture presented the utilization of a standardized
and practical approach to document and evaluate reagent lot to lot difference with CLSI’s
EP26. It discussed the possible scenarios that may arise when evaluating or performing
lot to lot differences using EP26’s protocol and actions that can be taken. The webinar
was supported by Siemens Healthineers and had 364 registered participants with 202
atendees for the live event.
4. Chemical Screening of Urine by Reagent Strip on 10 Aug 2021
The lecture was delivered by Associate Prof. Dr. Pavai Sthaneshwar, Chemical Pathologist
in Pathoilogy Department, University Malaya. The lecture emphasised on the correct
urinalysis testing procedure and guidelines to ensure correct patient results. This webinar
was supported by Siemens Healthineers. A total of 512 participants registered for the
event with 198 live atendees.
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting
Conference Organiser

Asian Conference on Biomedical
Research & Lab Medicine (ACBRLM)
2021

24-26 August,2021

The virtual conference with the theme“Revolutionizing Laboratory Medicine ThroughResearch and Innovation” was jointly organisedby the Malaysian Association of Clinical
Biochemists (MACB), the Malaysian Biomedical
Science Association (MyBiomed) and the
Association of Scientific Officers Ministry of Health(ASOMH).

REGIONAL RELATIONS
1. MACB is a member of APFCB• The MACB has a good working relation with the APFCB and has representatives inseveral APFCB committees:- Chair of the APFCB Committee on Communications and Publications (C-CP) – Dr
Raja Elina Raja Aziddin.
- Chair of the Task Force on APFCB-WASPaLM TF-CKD – Associate Prof. Dr. Pavai
Sthaneshwar.
- Member of the APFCB Committee on Education and Laboratory Management(C-ELM) – Dr Raja Elina Raja Aziddin.
2. APFCB participation in MACB activities• National society members of the APFCB
attended webinars and conferences thatwere organised by the MACB.
• Professor Praveen Sharma, the Chair of
the APFCB Conference and Congresses
Committee delivered a lecture at the 31st
MACB Conference 2021.
• Prof Sunil Sethi, President of APFCB and
ACBLRM lecture on the topic of Innovations
Dr July Kumalawati from the Indonesianin Diabetes and its impact on Disease Monitoringby Assoc. Prof. Dr Sunil Sethi, President of
Association of Clinical Chemistry (IACC)
APFCB
delivered lectures at the ACBRLM 2021.

160

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. MACB is a member of the IFCC
• The MACB has representatives in several IFCC committees:- Member of the IFCC Committee on Clinical Laboratory Management (C-CLM)- Dr
Raja Elina Raja Aziddin- Corresponding member of the IFCC Committee on Point of Care Testing (C-POCT)– Dr Baizurah Mohd Hussain.
- Corresponding member of the IFCC Committee on Reference Intervals and Decision
Limits C-RIDL – Dr Raja Elina Raja Aziddin.
• The MACB participated in the IFCC Townhall that was organized for the APFCB region
on 20th October, 2021.

MACB participation at the IFCC Townhall organized for the
APFCB region

2. MACB is a member of the EFLM- Academy• The MACB made a block enrolment for its members to the EFLM e-Academy for2021. On 3rd June 2021, the president of MACB attended a zoom meeting that wasorganised by the EFLM for National Societies who are members of the Academy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. Project on Method Evaluation for TSH, PCT and HFABP diagnostic kits
The MACB coordinated a research project in 2020 that was completed in 2021. The
project was a collaboration between Hospital Canselor Tunku Muhriz UKM (HCTM
UKM), Malaysian Association Clinical Biochemist (MACB) and Shenzhen New Industries
Biomedical Engineering Co., Ltd. (SNIBE).
2. Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) Revised Guidelines on Method Verification
MACB respresentatives are members of the MOH Committee on Revised Guidelines on
Method Verification.
3. Project on Measurably Better Healthcare Performance
The MACB launched the project to encourage inter-disciplinary collaboration and topromote a value-based approach in the delivery of laboratory medicine services. The
first meeting on the project was held virtually on 9th December 2021. Representatives
from leading government and private hospitals and laboratories attended the meeting.
The MACB president gave a briefing on the project and Mr Lim Yew Khuay from Abbott
presented some examples of projects from winners of the Univants Award program. This
project is supported by Abbott Laboratories and is due to start in early 2022.

161

NORWAYNORWEGIAN SOCIETY OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY (NSMB)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

Annual meeting

28 oct 2021

New information concerning lipids, pediatricreference values, koagulation tests,
ULTRADIAN - dynamic hormone diagnostics.

EDUCATION
Working groups:
1. Lipids
2. Pediatric reference values
3. Environmental pollutants and human health
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All members of NSMB are currently members of EFLM academy for 2022

PALESTINEPALESTINIAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGYASSOCIATION (PMTA)
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

General Conference Meeting

4-6 June, 2021

General Assembly Meeting

PMTA Social Solidarity Fund Meeting

3-4 July, 2021

Yearly meeting of the asembly members of
the Social solidarity fund.

Laboratory Services Pricing
Committee

7-9, August, 2021

To price all the lab. Tests and services.

EDUCATION
Clinical Leadership and Management Course

162

Lecture Name

Lecturer

Date

Clinical Leadership and Management

Dr. Osama Najjar

15/1/2021

Laboratory Personal Management Techniqes

Mr. Nidal Alawneh

16/1/2021

Corrections in Hematology Parameters

Mr. Ayman Najjar

17/1/2021

Team Development in the Lab

Dr. Amjad Hussein

18/1/2021

Time Management Skills to Benefit Lab

Dr. Wafa’ Menawi

19/1/2021

The Leader as Visionary Motivator

Dr. Osama Najjar

23/1/2021

Laboratory Informatics Dealing with Laboratory Data to Inhance
Laboratory Results

Mr. Basem Abu Al Rub

10/2/2021

Medical Laboratory Quality Management and Accreditaion/ session1

Mr. Abd Al Raouf Saleem

21/3/202

Medical Laboratory Quality Management and Accreditaion/ session2

Mr. Abd Al Raouf Saleem

22/3/2021

Desighn of Experiment (DOE) an easy Short Method to AccessResearch Results

Mr. Ahmad Saya’ra

3/11/2021

Clinical Leadership and Management Course
Lecture Name

Lecturer

Date

Prevelance and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Silent
Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women

Dr. Ikram Fayyad

9/12/2021

Elisa Techniqes Principles, Types and other Labeled Immunoassays

Dr. Noor Abu Tayem

11/12/2021

Elisa Standard Curve and Sources of Error

Dr. Noor Abu Tayem

12/12/2021

How to Deal with Data Obtained from Elisa

Dr. Noor Abu Tayem

13/12/2021

Phenotype and Genotype Identification of Catalase Negative Staphylo
Coccus aureus

Dr. Ma’moun Aubeidia

22/12/2021

Impact of Delay Biobsy and Pathology Report Turned Around Time on
Cancer Disease

Mr. Basem Abu Al Rub

29/12/2021

REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

COVID-19 National Epidemiology
Committee

2021

ISO 15189 Accreditation Unit in the Ministryof Economics

All the year

Lab. Reagents and instruments registration
Unit in the Ministry of Health.

All the year

Lab. Licensure in ministry of HealthAll the year

Continuing Education department in
Ministry of Health.

All the year

National Medical Research department in
the Palestinian Universities

All the year

Society’s contribution for the meeting•

Policy for PCR tests.

•

Policy for Rapid Ag test.

•

Monitoring COVID-19 Labs.

REGIONAL RELATIONSMember of the AFCB.
PMTA president is the elected president of the AFCB.
PMTA is a member in the following:• ISO 15189 Accreditation Unit in the Ministry of Economics.
• Lab. Reagents and instruments registration Unit in the Ministry of Health.
• Lab. Licensure in ministry of Health.
• Continuing Education department in Ministry of Health.
• National Medical Research department in the Palestinian Universities.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSMember in the IFCC.
More than 3000 participations from our members in the IFCC live webinars.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Since 2010 we establish the Palestinian National Laboratory Professionals week to raise theawareness of the vital role of the lab. in the health cycle. In this week (from 24th April – 1st ofMay) we do more than 100 activities in all our 11 subcommittees in Palestine. The final day 1stof May which is also the International Labour Day we make a festival for our members and theirfamilies.

163

PARAGUAY

ASOCIACIÓN DE BIOQUÍMICOS DEL PARAGUAY (ABP)
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

Meeting with the Minister of Public
HealthMay 07, 2021

Meeting with the Minister of Health, the Legal
Department and representatives of Human Resources
to promover la ley de la carrera sanitaria

Meeting Scientific Committee of the
ABP

May 18, 2021

ALAM Congress 2021 organization

Commemoration of the Paraguayan
Biochemist's Day

December 14,
2021

Commemoration cocktail of the Paraguayan
Biochemist's Day and launch of the printed materialof the Biochemist Law No. 5986/17 and its Regulation
Decree No. 5412/21

Meeting with the Minister of Public
HealthDecember 20,
2021

Request the rectification of Dinavisa (Dirección
Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria) resolution 300/21, in
relation to the collection and processing samples for
detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in pharmacies

EDUCATION• Virtual Course: The importance of the Pre analytical Phase in Laboratory Analysis, March
5 to 6, 2021.
• Pre-Congress Course: Update in Clinical Biochemistry, May 28 to 29, 2021.
• IX National Congress of Clinical Biochemistry and 1st Congress of Biochemistry inClinical Laboratory Sciences within the framework of the XXV Latin American Congress ofMicrobiology ALAM, Virtual format. Organizing Committee: President - Dr. José Pereira,Vice President - Dr. Raquel Cáceres, Secretary of Finance - Dr. Mercedes Álvarez, Presidentof the IX National Congress of Biochemistry and the 1st Congress of Biochemistry inClinical Laboratory Sciences - Prof. Dr. Montserrat Blanes. August 27 to 30, 2021,• International Course “Leadership of Young Professionals in Clinical Laboratories. A
challenge after the pandemic” Scholarship recipients: Bioq. Johanna Giménez and the
Bioq. Verónica Baruja, March, 2021.
• “First Virtual Symposium on Updating in the Hematology Laboratory”, fellow: Griselda
Viviana Guillén Duarte, May 11, 2021.
• XIII AEFA-OF Virtual Ibero-American Conference, Candy Giannina Santacruz Ayala, fromMay 29 to June 4, 2021.
• XXVII International Congress of the Latin American Cooperative Group on Haemostasis
and Thrombosis”, Deisy Bordón Álvarez, August 18 to 21, 2021.
• Virtual International Diploma in Clinical Microbiology (1st Generation)”, scholarship
recipient: Saúl Andrés Añazco Duarte, September 26, 2021.
• 4th. Virtual Congress of Clinical Biochemistry VIRTUALAB 2021, Johanna Isabel Giménez
Palacio, November 1 to 13, 2021.
• “International Course, Strategies and Tools for Laboratory Management”, Cristina Mariel
Britez Alderete, November 10, 17, 24 and December the first, 2021.
• II International Virtual Congress 2021: “The Laboratory in Times of Change”, Natalie Weiler
Gustafson, from November 12 to 14, 2021.

164

REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Society’s contribution
for the meeting

Date

Ordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Latin American
Confederation of Clinical BiochemistryattendanceOrdinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Latin American
Confederation of Clinical BiochemistryattendanceOrdinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Latin American
Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry

November 17,
2021

attendance

REGIONAL RELATIONS• Quality Week in Clinical Laboratories April 6 to 8, 2021. Coordinators: Bioq. Johanna
Isabel Giménez Palacio and Bioq. Veronica Baruja• Accreditation Management Working Group, Bioq. Edgar Rodrigo Ayala Torres.
• Blood Bank Working Group, Dr. Elsi Vargas de Salinas• Colabliocli Ethics Group, Dr. Marta Ascurra and panelist of the 2nd Cycle of Conversation
Colabiocli 2021
• Colabliocli Group of Young Scientists, Johanna Isabel Giménez Palacio, 08-13-2021
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS• Participation in meetings of the Euromedlab Central Organizing Committee, February 22,
April 26, May 25, July 21 and October 11; (plus 14 meetings and email queries), Prof.
Dra. Montserrat Blanes.
• Online meetings of the Working Group IANT, Prof. Dra. Montserrat Blanes.
• WG IANT IFCC meeting within the framework of the XXV Latin American Congress ofMicrobiology ALAM, August 25, 2021; Prof. Dra. Montserrat Blanes.
• Application for sponsorship to the IFCC and processing of 2 visiting Lectureship
Programme, Prof. Dra. Montserrat Blanes as President of the IX National Congress ofClinical Biochemistry and 1st Congress of Biochemistry in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
within the framework of the XXV Latin American Congress of Microbiology ALAM.
• Member of the Clinical Molecular Biology Committee Curriculum (C-CMBC) period (20212023) IFCC, Prof. Dra. Graciela Russomando.
• IFCC Taskforce on Global Newborn Screening, Dr. Marta Ascurra• Participation of the national representative in voting and in promoting the activities of the
IFCC

AUDI ARABIASAUDI SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL CHEMISTRYNATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

3rd International Meeting in Clinical Chemistry & Laboratotory Medicine & 7th
Annual Meeting Saudi Society for Clinical Chemistry, Saudi Arabia(virtual meeting)

30th Nov. - 3rd Dec. 2021

165

Name of the meeting

Date

Saudi Society for Clinical Chemistry held the 3rd International Meeting in Clinical Chemistry & Laboratotory Medicine& 7th Annual meeting 30th November - 3rd December 2021 virtually.
The Annual Conference started on 30th November 2021 with a Pre-conference workshop on Toxicology. The
keynote lecture was presented by ex-presentor of AFCB Prof. Abderrazek Hedhili with a session dedicated foryoung scientists and other seniors covering latest update in forensic toxicology.
The second and third day, 1st – 2nd December 2021 covered genral toopics in clinical chemistry including laboratory
biomarkersof diseases, pre-analytic issues and a session dedicated to:- Post conference workshop was on POCT with speakers from USA, UK, Canada, Regional, and Local.
- Four industry workshops covering, Automation, Biomarkers, POCT and New technology.
Clinical laboratory companies including international and local representatives held a dedicated session within theconference. The sponsored companies were more than 10; Diamond (ROCHE, SNIBE DIAGNOSTIC, & ABBOTT),
Platinum (SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS), Golden (BECKMAN), Silver (AnalyticaOne, MINDRAY, BECTON
DCKINSON, & ABDULLA FOUAD), Bronze (ALREDWAN, SAMA MASA, BINDING SITE, ALJEEL, TAMER, SEBIA,& DAR AL ZAHRAWI,).
Conference partenrs; International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), The ArabFederation of Clinical Biology (AFCB), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Saudi Commission for
Health Specialties (SCFHS), Saudi Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (SSCLS), Saudi Quality Council &Virtual Medical Academy, Low Carbs Society, and Saudi Point-of-Care Testing.
By the end of the meeting there was Poster Session Awards Announcement with 27 posters printed, and 5 prizes
for the best 5 posters (photos attahed below) with a total amount of 20,000 SR.
The total activities held by the SSCC in 2021 are summarized in the following table:

ACTIVITY

TYPE

DATE

CME

1

Laboratory Biomarkers of Diseases-Liver
Diseases

OnlineworkshopJan 25,2021

2 Hrs.

2

1st Journal Club Meeting

OnlineJournal ClubFeb 07,2021

2 Hrs.

3

Participation in a virtual conference inTunisia entitled:
1st EFLM-AFCB Conference “Laboratory
Medicine For Mobile Societies”
XXXIVth National Days of Clinical Biology
Dr.Hosam Zowawi
Topic: The Silent Pandemic of Antimicrobial
Resistance in the GCC countries and MENA
regionVirtualConferenceFeb
18-20,2021

-----

4

Laboratory & Clinical Application of HighSensitivity Cardiac Troponin Tests

OnlinewebinarFeb 24,2021

2 Hrs.

5

Symposium on the occasion of World Rare
Disease Day

OnlineAwareness

Feb 28,2021

----

6

Video in conjunction with World Rare
Disease Day

websiteAwareness

Feb 28,2021

----

7

SPOCT
Saudi Point of Care Testing Association
POCT Series 1: Diabetes Mellitus

Onlineworkshop

Mar 09,2021

3 Hrs.

8

Series Laboratory Biochemistry of Diseases:
OnlineHeart DiseasewebinarMar 22,2021

2 Hrs.

9

SPOCTA Club Meeting
Saudi Council for Health Specialties

webinarMar 24,2021

2 Hrs.

Awareness

Mar 30,2021----

workshopMar 31,2021

3 Hrs.

10
11

166

PLACE

OnlineEntrepreneurship in the health field Online
Patient-Centered Blood Gas Testing at the
Point-of-Care with an Intelligent Approach to
Quality Management

OnlineACTIVITY

PLACE

TYPE

DATE

CME

12

International Lab Week and Quality Seminar
ProgramOnlineSeminarApril 07,2021

7 Hrs.

13

2nd Journal Club Meeting 2021
King Abdulaziz Medical City - Jeddah

OnlineJournal Club

April 11,2021

2 Hrs.

14

Type 2 diabetes

OnlineAwareness

April 28,2021---------

15

Hepatitis : Common Facts

OnlineAwareness

May 26,2021

----

16

Series Laboratory Biomarkers of Diseases:
Thyroid Diseases

Onlineworkshop

May 31,2021

2 Hrs.

17

SPOCTA: Saudi Point of Care Testing
Association POCT Series III: Coagulation

OnlineworkshopJune 8,2021

3 Hrs.

18

3rdSSCC Journal Club Meeting 2021

OnlineJournal Club

June 15,2021

3 Hrs.

19

Med Lab 2021

Dubai

Booth

June 24-21
,2021

20

Improving Pre-Analytical Practice for Blood
Gases and Related Analyes

OnlinewebinarJuly 14,2021

2 Hrs.

21

Laboratory Biomarkers of Diseases:
COVID-19
Disease: Vaccination & Serology Markers

Onlinewebinar

Sept.14, 2021

3 Hrs.

22

Patient Safety in Acute Care setting
The role of Point of Care testing in patient
safety, implications on clinical practiceOnlinewebinar

Sept. 17,2021

3 Hrs.

----

23

4th SSCC Journal Club Meeting 2021

OnlineJournal Club

Sept. 20,2021

2 Hrs.

24

POCT Series IV: Blood Gas Testing

OnlinewebinarOct.12,2021

3 Hrs.

25

Osteoporosis and its treatment

OnlineAwareness

Oct.19, 2021

----

26

Breast cancer between healthempowerment and the role of science

OnlineAwareness

Oct. 31, 2021

----

27

Role of Laboratory G6PD testing and clinical
Onlineinterpretation

webinarNov. 9, 2021

2 Hrs.

28

Our lifestyle and diabetes

OnlineAwareness

Nov.14, 2021

---

29

Successful Strategy for Laboratory
Accreditation

OnlinewebinarNov. 20, 2021

2 Hrs.

30

3rd International Meeting in Clinical
Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine & SSCC
7th Annual Meeting

VirtualConference

Nov. 30, 2021
To
Dec. 3, 2021

23 Hrs.

31

Immune Deficiency Syndrome

OnlineAwareness

December
21,2021

---

Total

73 HrsEDUCTION• Many free educational webinars and workshops were held throughout 2021. They
are shown in the table above. Most of them were focused on COVID-19 lab updates,
prevention and precaution.
• Saudi Society for Clinical Chemistry supported some members to attain AACC (POCT)
certificate program.
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

MedLab Dubai

June 21-24, 2021

Speakers for Scientific Sessions Med Lab 2021, Dubai.

167

REGIONAL RELATIONS• 1st March 2021 the SSCC joined the Arab Federation Clinical Biology (AFCB) and has
become part of the one of the regional federations of the IFCC. This will support thesociety to share common goals for education of laboratory medicine with the AFCB.
• SSCC participated with a lecture 1st EFLM –AFCB conference – February 18-20, 2021,
Laboratory Medicine for Mobile Societies, XXXIVth National Days of Clinical Biology, The
Silent Pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance in the GCC Countries and MENA Region: Dr.
Hossam Zawawi (KSA).
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS• Collaboration between the ASCP and SSCC has continued
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Photos from different events throughout 2021:
The 7th Annual meeting for the SSCC held on 30th November – 3rd December 2021:

Report prepared byAnwar Borai, PhD, FAACC
Section Head, Clinical Biochemistry
Associate Prof. KSAU-HS, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz Medical City168

SERBIA

SOCIETY OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTS OF SERBIA (DMBS)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

22nd Serbian Congress of
Medical Biochemistry andLaboratory Medicine withinternational participation,and 16th Belgrade
Symposium for Balkan
RegionDate

September 23-25th 2020
Due to COVID-19 Congress
and Symposium moved to
September 2022

Topic
The new concept in quality management in medicallaboratories, organization of external quality control
in laboratory and pre-analytical and analytical errors
management: Diagnostics and treatment by utilizing
new generation of laboratory methods and innovations
in personalized medicine; Novel trends in laboratory
medicine and the risk assessment of metabolic andendocrine disorders.
Accreditation in medical laboratories
www.dmbj.org.rs

23th Annual Ivan Berkeš
Scientific Conference

In 2020, the year of the global pandemic the activitiesof the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia(SMBS) were suspended. and the annual scientificconference “Professor Ivan Berkeš” did not take place.
However, the year 2020 was also the year of the 110th
anniversary of the birth of Professor Ivan Berkeš. On
this occasion, SMBS published the monograph “Lifeand work of Professor Ivan Berkeš and Foundation
laureates: where are they and what are they doing
November 7th 2021,
today” dedicated to professor Berkeš’s life and work,
Belgrade III CONGRESSand to the laureates of its annual award. The authors
OF MEDICALof the monograph are Professor Nada Majkić-Singh,
BIOCHEMISTS SRUDENTS
the founder of the Foundation and its spiritus movens,
TIM (TMB-BPSA) on
and Snežana Jovičić, who, as the IFCC eNewsletter
November 7th at theliaison member, was writing a series of articles
Pharmaceutical Faculty,
covering the conference over the past years.
University of Belgrade.
However, the Foundation did not miss to hand thewell-deserved awards to the best students of theFaculty of Pharmacy in 2021, Suzana Savić (Master of
Pharmacy-medical biochemist) and Andrea Atanasov(Master of Pharmacy). SMBS congratulate them on
their first success, wishing them fruitful careers inpharmacy and medical biochemistry, like the ones
their predecessors have.

EDUCATION
1. Quality Indicators: pre-preanalytical and pre-analytical phases of laboratory diagnostic
investigation
2. Laboratory Management
3. Novelties in Laboratory Medicine
4. QM development and application in accredited laboratory
5. Laboratory safety
6. Validation of the Laboratrory Methods
7. Laboratory Medicine Environmental Health and Safety
16th NTK – Accredited Laboratories Conference was held on September 08, 2021.
Under the auspices of Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia (SMBS), the 16th NTK –Accredited Laboratories Conference was held on September 08, 2021. This Conference wastraditionally held within International Conventions on Quality in the organization of the United
Association of Serbia for Quality (UASQ), Belgrade, Serbia. Lectures within the Conference169were accredited by the National Accreditation Body of Serbia, held via the online platform Cisco
webex, and lasted 6-hours. The Conference was chaired by Prof Nada Majkić-Singh (SMBS),
Belgrade, Prof Zorica Šumarac, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Center of Serbia,
Belgrade and Assistant Professor, Neda Milinković, Department of Medical Biochemistry,
University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia. The 16th NTK-AccreditedLaboratory Conference was dedicated to innovations and trends in the implementation of overall
quality management in routine medical biochemical laboratories, which contributes to thedevelopment of safe laboratory diagnostics. interpretation of laboratory results was discussed.
The importance of knowing bias regarding the challenges in standardization and harmonizationof routine measurement methods was also topic of this Conference. The participants of thisconference are extremely satisfied with the content of the lectures and presentations, which was
confirmed by the average grade of 5.0, which was given to the all lecturers and presentations.
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

28th Meeting of Balkan ClinicalLaboratory Federation, Sofia

September 08-11,
2021

SMBS MEMBERS PARTICIPATEs WITH FOURLECTURES and posters

REGIONAL RELATIONS
Cooperation with all Societies from Balkan region, members of Balkan Clinical Laboratory
Federation (BCLF) (see www.bclf.info)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSParticipations in Meetings organised by IFCC and EFLM:
Dr Snežana Jovičić
Corresponding Member PFLM-WG:
My activities in the EFLM WG Patient Focused Laboratory Medicine included a survey of mobile
health applications using laboratory medicine data. I had worked with other members of the
WG on the quality evaluation of these apps, and I presented results of that work as a lecture atthe 3nd EFLM Strategic Conference in Mannheim. At the WG meeting held at that time, it was
decided to pursue further with this work, and to focus on the benchmarking for the quality ofapps not intended for medical professionals.
Zorica Šumarac, corresponding member of the EFLM WG-PRE
Activities in 2021.:Participation in projects of the EFLM WG-PRE:
1. Venous Blood Sampling Guideline
2. Catheter sampling
3. Diagnostics pathway/Demand management
4. Awareness Campaign
5. Unsuitable Specimens
6. Management of Haemolysed Specimens – practical recommendation
7. Haemolysis in blood tubes for glucose
8. Manufacturer declarations
9. Citrate tubes
10. Stability project
EFLM Task Group for Syllabus Course.
IFCC LEPS, laboratory errors and patent safety.

170

Activity of Corresponding members in 2021:
WG: Postanalytical
Phase (WG-POST)

Svetlana

IGNJATOVIC

Corresponding
MemberSerbia

3rd term: 2017-2018

WG: Preanalytical
Phase (WG-PRE)

ZoricaSUMARAC

Fulll Member

Serbia

3rd term: 2017-2018

WG: Accreditation and
ISO/CEN standards(WG-A/ISO)

Neda

MILINKOVIĆ

Corresponding
MemberSerbia

3rd term 2017-2018

WG: Register (WG-R)

Snezana

JOVICIC

Corresponding
MemberSerbia

1st term: 2017-2018

Jelena Munjas: Corresponding Member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry
and Laboratory Medicine IFCC Task Force for Young Scientists.
Svetlana Ignjatović: Corresponding Member of EFLM WG-POST.
Neda Milinković: Corresponding member of EFLM WG Accreditation and ISO/CEN Standards.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia published international JOURNAL OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY, the Official Journal of the Society, in which many scientists from region
published own papers (www.dmbj.org.rs/jmb;
SCIndex https://scindeks.ceon.rs/journaldetails.aspx?issn=1452-8258&lang=en)

SLOVAK REPUBLICSLOVAK SOCIETY OF CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY (SSKB)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting
How to interpret theresults of laboratory tests
COVID-19

Date

Topic

June 3, 2021

Online half-day virtual meeting in co-operation with
the Slovak Medical Association, Slovak Chamber on
Allied Health Professionals. Sponsored by Roche andEwopharma
Two-day hybrid meeting
Plenary speaker Prof. Mario Plebani•

Medical Diagnostics
Forum

September 17-18, 2021

•

•

•

What were the key challenges for your lab
when pandemics started and how did thisevolve? Organization of the work, demand fortests, supply, staff...
What are the key takeaways from this period
for the future, can you observe any changes
that will stay?
Do you see in particular the shift to novel anddigital technologies? What technologies do
we need over the next few years, in which
technologies we are lagging behind?
How to strengthen laboratory profession?

171

EDUCATION• Due to pandemic restrictions on mass events related to the persistence of COVID-19 in
the world, and all over the country, the Slovak Society of Clinical Biochemistry (SSCB)
enables an extensive use of up-to-date information on accessible forms of education on
the website www.sskb.sk (webinars, recent information from EFLM and IFCC, etc.).
• EB SSCB organized regular online meetings with broad scale of topics for preparationof expert recommendations, cooperation with other scientific societies, encouraging of
publications, etc.
• EB SSCB promoted, popularized, and made available education and training opportunities
to the professional public for doctors and scientists within EFLM Academy.
• EB SSCB developed and pioneered detailed Slovak version on the registration procedureof doctors and scientists EFLM Register of Specialists in Laboratory Medicine (EuSpLM).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION• Standard safety precautions to reduce the risk of transmission of blood-borne andother pathogens from known and unknown sources in clinical laboratories. Guidelinesof the Slovak Society of Clinical Biochemistry regarding Covid 19. Usmernenie Výboru
Slovenskej spoločnosti klinickej biochémie v súvislosti s koronavírusom 2019-nCoV.
Ján Balla, Hedviga Pivovarníková, Vladimír Heriban, Jana Netriová, Katarína Lepejová,
Eva Ďurovcová, Daniel Magula, Oliver Rácz, Mária Kačániová
http://www.sskb.sk/portal/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Usmernenie-VSSKBv-s%C3%BAvislosti-s-koronav%C3%ADrusom-2019-nCoV-prv%C3%A1aktualiz%C3%A1cia.pdf• Choosing Wisely: SSKB recommendations for the rational indication of laboratory
tests/ Odporúčania Slovenskej spoločnosti klinickej biochémie pre racionálnu indikáciu
laboratórnych vyšetrení. Pivovarníková, Hedviga; Sečník, Peter; Ďurovcová, Eva; Magula,
Daniel; Rácz, Oliver; Heriban, Vladimír; Kačániová, Mária; Lepejová, Katarína; Netriová,Jana; Balla, Ján; Štefanec, František; Hvozdovičová, Beáta. Laboratórna Diagnostika,
XXVI, 2, 2021: 10–13. https://zenodo.org/record/5758605#.Ydv12v7MIuU• Joint EFLM-COLABIOCLI Recommendation for venous blood sampling v 1.1, June 2018.
Slovak edition 2021. Spoločné odporúčania EFLM-COLABIOCLI pre odber venóznej krvi.
Branislav Kavuliak, Ján Balla, Eva Ďurovcová, Hedviga Pivovarníková
• Joint WG on the Histoty of the Slovak Society of Clinical Biochemistry.

SPAIN

SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE MEDICINA DE LABORATORIO(SEQCML)NATIONAL MEETINGS

172

Name of the meeting

Date

XV National Congressof Clinical Laboratory(LabClin).
Virtual meeting. (Coorganizer)

November 7th-13th

Topic

XVIII Meeting of ScientificCommittees.

2-5 March 2021. Virtual
meeting

Inter-hospital Meetingwith Residents and Young
Scientists,

June 15th 2021. Virtual
meeting.

I External Quality
Assurance Programs
Conference

October 20th 2021. Virtual
meeting.

•
•
•
•
•
•

An update on Urine sediment.
Patient Safety.
Quality specifications. EFLM Biological
Variation Data Base.
Ovarian cancer.
Gonadal function.
Accreditation in genetics laboratories

Pregnant women approach in a multidisciplinary team.
Laboratory medicine Importance.
••••

Pilot programs and new projects.
Programs quality accreditation.
Preanalytical program: Results interpretationand practical application.
2020 Results EQA SEQCML.
Contribution to laboratories quality

EDUCATION
Annual Educational Program 2020-2021:• XXIV General Educational Program 2020- 2021…………………………………………. 744
participants• VII Clinical Cases in Hematology Program 2020-2021 .…………..……………………. 432
participants• VI Clinical Cases General Educational Program 2020-2021…………………………… 435
participants• Clinical Cases in Andrology and Clinical Embryology. Program 2020-2021…………… 340
participants• Implementation of the management requirements of the UNE-EN ISO15189:• 2012 Standard: Case study. Program 2020-2021…
………………. 309
participants• Molecular diagnosis of congenital metabolic diseases. Program 2020-201…………….448
participants
SEQCML Academy: Virtual courses and webinars.
• Interpretation of essential trace elements (Cu, Zn, Se, Fe) in inflammatory processes
including COVID-19.
International course. March 2021
• Advances in neonatal screening: a new horizon for newborns with spinal muscularatrophy. Webinar. April 2021.
• Clinical Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis. Course. April 2021.
• The clinical laboratory facing a new pandemic. Critical success factors. Webinar.
July 2021.
• Measuring Inflammatory Biomarkers in Covid. Webinar. October 2021.
• Advances in neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism: current status and future
prospects for new detection strategies. Webinar. November 2021.
• Study of monoclonal protein in the follow-up of patients with multiple myeloma.
Webinar. November 2021.
• When is a urine study necessary? Webinar. November 2021.
• Contribution of the laboratory in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Webinar.
December 2021.

173

REGIONAL RELATIONSSEQCML has relationships with:• The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)• The Federation of European Societies on Trace Elements and Minerals (FESTEM)• The Ibero-American Working Group WG IAN through “Radio Microscopio”• The Latin-American Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI).
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSSEQCML has relationships with:• The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC).
• The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSEQCML organizes the following EQAS programs:• Extranalytical processes: Preanalytical Phase.
• Biochemistry: General biochemistry tests in serum and urine, HIL indices, Commutablesera with reference values, Urinary sediment analysis, Hormones, TDM, Proteins, Blood
gas-POCT, Cardiac markers, Tumor markers, Hemoglobin A1c, Drugs of abuse in urine,
Trace elements, Autoimmunity and Allergy.
• Microbiology and Serology.
SEQCML also participates in the European Project EurA1c.
In 2021, the total number of registrations was 8,100. We are accrediting our programs
according to ISO 17043 and are expanding SEQCML- EQAS Programs and Educational
Programs to Latin-American countries.
SEQCML maintains the Spanish version of Lab Tests Online with more than 300 tests and aglossary with more than 500 contents. LTOES website has registered an average of 584,155
visits/ month.
The SEQCML has recently published the first white paper on Laboratory Medicine in Spain,with the aim of shedding light and giving visibility to clinical laboratories in Spain and thus
obtaining an updated image of them, gathering information that did not exist before. With thedata included therein, it is possible to analyze current and future needs, evaluate decisions to
be made, and act in the best interests of the future of our profession.
Advances in Laboratory Medicine / Avances en Medicina de Laboratorio (Adv Lab Med) is
the official journal of the Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQCML). Adv Lab Med is abilingual Open Acces journal and publishes both in English and Spanish.
SEQCML has a total of 2932 memberships, 374 members of 33 Commissions/ Committees/
Working Groups and 37 SEQCML Representatives in International Federations (IFCC/EFLM/
FESTEM/CLSI/ICSH).

174

SWITZERLANDSWISS SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHEMISTRY (SSCC)

NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Molecular Diagnostics
2021, virtual meeting,
Zurich

SSCC Annual Assembly
2021, Neuchâtel, "to test
or not to test?"

Date

Topic

May 31First Experience of Clinical Application of
Metagenomics in Viral Diagnostics, Human Genetic
Factors and Distribution of Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Viruses Switzerland, Update SARS-CoV-2 and
COVID-19, Human Breast Cancer: Genetic Testing
Dr. Benno Röthlisberger and Counselling, Genetics
of Childhood-Onset Diabetes, Plasma Cell Free
DNA Marker as Diagnostic Tools in Lymphomas,
Implementing Various Applications of Cell-Free
Circulation DNA Analysis in a Clinical Laboratory

September 08 – 10, 2021

Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease: which, when,
how ?, Biomarkers in multiple sclerosis: fromehope to reality, Biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease:from periphery to the core, Laboratory testing as
monitoring, benchmarking, and call to action tool, in
the Ticino public hospital Choosing Wisely campaign,
Smarter Medicine aux soins intensifs, SARS-CoV2:
The ever-evolving reality, Laboratoire en modegestion de crise, Diagnostic de la COVID aux
urgences: vitesse ou précision ?, Hereditary Cancer
Predispositions, Pharmacogenetics: to test or not totest?, CAH: from newborn screening to LCMS profiles
to genetics, Nucleic Acid Metrology: Ensuring reliable
and comparable nucleic acid measurements

EDUCATION
26 days of further education as a CAS in laboratory medicine, which is part of the further
education curriculum in laboratory medicine in Switzerland. This CAS is offered in Germanat the University of Zurich (https://www.cas-labmed.uzh.ch/de.html) and in French at the
University of Geneva (https://www.unige.ch/formcont/cours/cas-medecine-laboratoire). In
2021 about half of these courses were held as virtual courses.

175

TURKEY

TURKISH BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY (TBS)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of themeeting

WEBINAR

WEBINAR

TBS Academy
Virtual Course
on MolecularTechniques

6th Turkey
In Vitro
Diagnostic(IVD)
Symposium_
TBS Izmir
Branch

Date

Topic

05/05/2021

Proteinuria: Clinical Approach and Laboratory
Clınıcal Approach To Proteınurıa
Bulent Altun
Nephrotıc Syndrome In Chıldren .
Fatih Ozaltin
Laboratory Approach To Proteınurıa
Flame Rule
Albumınurıa: Preanalytıc, Analytıcal And Postanalıtıc Current Problems
Fatma Ucar
Urınary Proteın Electrophoresıa: Its Role In Proteınurıa
Muammer Yucel

27/05/2021

Clinical Biochemistry from the Perspective of Biogerontology and Geriatrics
Free Radicals and Aging
Sukru Anil Dogan
Biochemical Changes and Interpretation of Laboratory Tests in the Geriatric
Age Group
Asli CURGUNLU
Evidence-Based Healthy Aging and Check-up
Abdullah OLGUN

20-26 May, 2021

Molecular Laboratory Techniques Used in Research and Medical Practice:
Applied Training Course-2
Aylin Sepici Dincel, Abdullah Tuli, İrfan Kufrevioglu, Levent Kayrin, Saltuk
Bugrahan Ceyhan, Ebru Dundar Yenilmez, Deryanur Kılıç, Burak Arslan,
Melda Sisecioglu, Yagmur Unver, Buket Aksu, Harun Budak

25-26 May 2021

Liquid Biopsy in Oncology• Circulating tumor cells• Non-coding RNAs and liquide biopsy• Liquide biopsy technologies and their use
Product Development and Biotechnology• Biotechnology in drug discovery in oncology
Liquide Biopsy in Cancer Diagnosis• Importance and applications of liquide biopsy in clinical oncology• Liquide biopsy in breast cancer• Liquide bioppy in NSCLC• Liquide biopsy in prostate cancer•

TBS Academy
Vistual Course
on Flow
Cytometry••••
4-5 June, 2021

•
•
•
•
•
•

176

Entrance to the ”Flow Cytometry” universe – Habib Ozdemir andOguzhan Zengi
Life adventure of the blood cells – Fatma Meric Yilmaz
CBC and blood smear and further tests – Nurgul Ozcan and Klara Dalva
Calibration and compensation in flow cytometer – Cagdas Adas
Increasing role of flow cytometry in the clinical lab – Cigdem
SonmezSample preparation in flow cytometry – Cigdem Sonmez
Panel design in practice – Didem Ozkazanc and Klara Dalva
Step by step flow cytometric analysis – Nurgul Ozcan
Traps in flow cytometric analysis – Derya Sonmez and Cigdem
TopkayaWhat we see and what we can see in flow cytometry?
The flow cytometry patient report – Habib Ozdemir and Oguzhan Zengi

Diets, Mitochondria, and Calcium: A Metabolic Triad
Alicia Kowaltowski, Brazil
CANCERThe Fate of the Cell That Cannot Die: Cancer
Engin UlukayaSingle Cell, Multi Function: Cancer
Saadettin Kilickap
Why Preclinical Studies in Cancer Are Not Reflected on the Clinic:
Usual Suspects and New Players
Ali Burak Ozkaya
CARDIAC BIOMARKERSHigh Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin: Need For Collaboration Between
Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Practice / Discussions on Recent ESC
NSTEMI & NICE Guidelines
Fred Apple, USA
Clinical Approach to Sensitive Cardiac Troponin Testing (accompanied by
up-to-date guidelines)
ROCHE Satellite Symposium
Speaker: Prof.Dr. Bülent Görenek, Eskişehir Osmangazi University,
Department of Cardiology, Cardiology Specialist

32nd
International
Biochemistry
Congress Gaziantep

27-30 October
2021

Approach to Blood Sample Collection from Intravenous Catheters andChildren with Guided Guides
BECTON DICKINSON Satellite Symposium
Speaker: Dr. Nedim Albayrak / Middle East Medical Affairs Department
Manager
PEDIATRIC LABORATORY MEDICINEChildhood Diabetes and Its Treatment: Current Situation
Sukru Hatun
Pediatric Reference Intervals: Gaps and Recent Advances
Khosrow Adeli, Canada
The Story of Discovery of 4 New Genes, Mutations of which Cause
Hereditary Nephropathy, in Hacettepe
Fatih Ozaltin
HOT AGENDA IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY:ISLAB and CITY HOSPITALS
M. Ertugrul Egin, Kemal Memisoglu & Ibrahim Karakus
MONOCLONAL GAMMOPATHIES: DİAGNOSİS AND MONİTORİNG
BINDING SITE Satellite Symposium
Dr. Mohannad Ali Yacoub / Medical Scientific Liaison at The Binding Site,
phD in Molecular Genetics
COVID-19 PANDEMIC and VACCINECOVID 19: A Biological Weapon?
Levent Edge
COVID-19 Vaccines: Efficacy, Safety and Future Prospects
Erkan Ozcengiz
COVID-19 in Childhood
Yasemin Ozsurekci

177

The Great Value of Clinical Laboratories in the Pandemic Process
MINDRAY Satellite Symposium
Speaker: Prof. Sergio Bernardini, Italy
Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis and Autoimmunity, Allergy and Other Chronic
Conditions
Cezmi Akdis, Switzerland
Mechanisms that Trigger or Break the Allergen-Specific Tolerance
Mübeccel Akdis, Switzerland
Recombinant DNA Technology and Development of Biopharmaceutical
Medicines
Sadettin Ozturk, USA
Clinical Decision Support System and Applications in the Laboratory
ABBOTT Satellite Symposium
Umar Ansari / Chief Professional Services (CSO) / Abbott
FORUM: POSTGRADUATE BIOCHEMISTRY EDUCATION.
HOT AGENDA IN EXPERTISE AND RESEARCH (MA, PhD) EDUCATION:SESSION OF PROBLEMS, SOLUTIONS AND EXPERIENCE SHARE
Günnur Dikmen & Umut Akyol & Aylin Sepici Dincel & Mübeccel Akdiş
Clinical Testing for Early Detection and Management of Sepsis
Sedef Yenice
New mass spectrometry workflows and fragmentation pathways for the indepth analysis of complex samples
Speaker: Volker Kruft, Senior Manager Business Development SCIEXGOOD PRACTICES IN BIOCHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAn Example of Active Learning in Graduate Education: Molecular Biology
Techniques
Sevcan Atay
Learning to Analyze Urine at Home: Findings from a Pilot Study
Ali Burak Ozkaya“Flip-Face Learning” Approach in Medical Biochemistry Laboratory:
Success and Satisfaction of the Medical Student
Rabia Semsi, Aylin Sepici Dincel
HERITABLE METABOLIC AND NEUROIMMUNOLOGICAL DISEASES
Importance of Amino Acid Comatograms in Urea Cycle Defects andContribution to Diagnosis
Tijen Tanyalcin
Bile Acid Metabolism Disorders and Laboratory
Incilay Lay
Organic Acidemias: Clinical and Laboratory
Ozlem Unal Long
Clinical Tests Used in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Neuroimmunological
Diseases
Zubeyde Erbayraktar
The Role of Metabolomics for the Investigation of Inborn Errors ofMetabolism
Roy Peake, USA

178

EDUCATION• TBS Academy - Applied Basic Bio-statistics Course by TBS- Working Group ofInformation Technologies (15-17 January 2021).
• During the epidemic, we carried out the following activities in the field of biochemistry:- The book titled ”The Increasing Role of Medical Biochemistry in the COVID-19
Pandemic” has been published as a book in the Journal of Medical Sciences of Turkiye
Klinikleri (February 2021).
- Studies on COVID-19 continue.
• TSD ACADEMY COURSES”Internal Quality Control and External Quality Evaluation from Theory to Practice:
Problems and Solutions” with Bome Trivitron
Course Instructors
Muhittin Serdar
Dogan Yucel
Gaziantep, 28-29 October 2021
• COURSE: Use of Separation Techniques in Clinical Laboratories,
Course Instructors
Ali Unlu
Elif Isbilen
Hulya Cicek
Sedat Abusoglu,
28 October 2021
• WORKSHOP (on line)
Errors Authors Make When Writing Scientific Papers
Thomas Annesley, USA
29 October, 2021
GUIDELINES /EXPERT OPINION• Expert Opinion for Clinical Performance of Laboratory Tests
Dogan Yucel, Ankara, 2021
• Quantification of Atherogenic lipoproteins for lipid-lowering strategies: The joint
recommendations of the EAS and EFLM GUIDE are presented in Turkish Translation,
Ankara, 2021.
• Guideline for Complete Blood Count in Medical Laboratories: Effects of PreanalyticalParameters published in English, Ankara, 2021.
SURVEY• Evaluation of the Application Rate of the Rational Laboratory Use Project in Medical
Biochemistry Laboratories: A National Survey Study• TBS - The Qualification Board has been updated.
• The impact factor of the Turkish Journal of Biochemistry (TJB) increased to 0.401.
INTERVIEWS
Instagram Interviews of TBS were held by Istanbul Branch.
• Physicians Sing, 13 May 2021
• From Molecule to Kitchen, 28 May 2021
• EFLM Activities, 10 June 2021
• Our Fearful Dream: Statistics, 24 June 2021

179

• Approval Support System, Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining in Medical
Laboratories, July 08, 2021
• Next Generation Nutrition – Flavonoids and Bee Miracle Propolis, 29 July 2021
• Microbiota, 25 November 2021
• Doctoral Education in Health Sciences: International Perspectives and Approaches, 16
November 2021
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Laboratory Techniques Used in
Research and Medical Practice:
Applications (Online) Training
CourseLaboratory Techniques Used in
Research and Medical Practice:
Applications (2. Online) Training
Cours

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

5- 20-26 May 2021

ADANA Branch of TBS
Trainers:
Abdullah Tuli,
Ebru Dundar Yenilmez
Mustafa Muhlis Alpaslan
Kezban Kartlasmis,Ümmühan Fulden Aydın
Umut KökbaşAylin Sepici Dincel

6- 13-18 June 2021

ADANA Branch of TBS
Trainers:
Abdullah Tuli,
Ebru Dundar Yenilmez
Mustafa Muhlis Alpaslan
Kezban Kartized,Ümmühan Fulden Aydın
Umut KökbaşAylin Sepici Dincel

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS• Scientific studies of international organizations of which we are members as TBS, suchas FEBS, IUBMB, IFCC, BCLF, EFLM, are announced to all researchers on our website
and via e-mail.
• Symposium Cutting Edge of Laboratory Management in Europe, 30 Sep - 01 Oct 2021
New Date Reminder, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic- Personalised reference interval – a valuable tool in diagnosis and monitoring
Abdurrahman Coşkun
• EFLM Award for Excellence in Outcomes Research in Laboratory Medicine sponsored by Abbott Diagnostics. The award 2021 goes to Prof. Abdurrahman Coşkun,as First Author of the paper:- Personalized Reference Intervals in Laboratory Medicine: A New Model Based on
Within-Subject Biological Variation. Abdurrahman Coşkun, Sverre Sandberg, Ibrahim
Unsal, Coşkun Cavuşoglu, Mustafa Serteser, Meltem Kilercik, Aasne Karine Aarsand.
Clin Chem 2021,30;67:374-84• EFLM Academy Webinars- Myths and facts about vitamin D
June 15, 2021
Dr.Ali Ünlü (Turkey)• -Why we are not using old and novel bone markers as a routine biochemical marker?
- 21 December 2021
Dr. Sepici Dincel Aylin (Turkey)

180

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION• Scientific support was provided to the studies of Ministry Of Health And Social Security
Institution.
• The opinion on the establishment of the “Grand National Assembly of Turkey, ResearchCommission on climate change, combating drought and efficient use of water resources”,
published in the Official Gazette, was reported on March 19, 2021.
• Scientific support was provided for the studies of The Turkish Medical Association (TMA)
and TMA- Coordination Committee of Medical Specialty Societies (CCMSS).
• Active participation in all sessions within the scope of TMA Medical Specialization
Education Congress (5 December 2021) was provided by TBS.
• Participation to the HUV Advisory Board Meeting on “Determining the criteria/criteria to
be taken into account in determining the annual TTB Coefficient” for the year, 2022 wasprovided by TBS; 08, December, 2021.
• A response was given to the Opinion Request of the Turkish Medical Association, on theprices of the Health Implementation Notification Of Social Security Institution; December,2021• General assembly was made on 12 December, 2021.
• The renewed TBS- statute was accepted at the general assembly.
• TBS continued to conduct the External Quality Control Program produced in Turkey.
REGIONAL RELATIONSGood relations
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSGood and frequent relations with IFCC. Interesting participations of VACB members in the IFCC
live Webinars from 15/7/2021 to 10/11/2021.

VIETNAMVIETNAMESE ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL
BIOCHEMISTS (VACB)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meetingDate

24th Scientific Conference
25-26/12/2021. Due to theof the Hanoi and Northern
Corona virus Pandemic,
Provinces Society of the VACB
postponed to 7-8/1/2022
in Hanoi

Topic
Corona virus ,Lab Tests in Covid-19 Pandemic,
Molecular Biology, QA & QC, Immunology, Tumormarkers, Diabetes, Hepatitis

EDUCATION
Five on- line training courses in March (QA & QC), June (Hepatitis) July (SARS-COV-2), August(SARS-COV-2), November (External quality assessment).
REGIONAL RELATIONSGood relations
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSGood and frequent relations with IFCC. Interesting participations of VACB members in the IFCC
live Webinars from 15/7/2021 to 10/11/2021.
181

AFFILIATE MEMBER SOCIETIESINDIAASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTSOF INDIA (AMBI)NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

28th AMBICON 2021

2nd to 5th December 2021

Molecular Ingress in the Realm of MolecularDiagnostics

28th AMBICON 2021
Pre-conference Workshop

2nd December 2021

Indirect immunofluorescence, HPLC, cell culture,
molecular diagnostics and flow cytometry.

EDUCATION
Indian Journal of Medical Biochemistry, peer-reviewed journal is published three issues in 2021.
Celebration of lab professional week i.e. 18-24 April 2021.
REGIONAL MEETINGS

182

Name of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

4th State Conference
Telangana Chapter AMBI-TS
2021

8th February 2021

Conference of state chapter

West Bengal Chapter of AMBI

14th August 2021

Seminar on Immunofluorescence:• Basics of Indirect Immunofluorescence assay• Technicality and interpretation of ANA by IF.
• Interference and pitfalls in IF assay

7th State level Conferenceof Association of Medical
Biochemists of India– Karnataka Chapter,
AMKCCON 2021

25th to 27th August 2021

Paediatric Laboratory Medicine

7th State level Pre- Conference
symposia of AMKCCON
2021 (Association of Medical
Biochemists of India –Karnataka Chapter)

25th August 2021

Liquid Biopsy- A paradigm shift
Advanced QC Practices

A Workshop by Association of
Medical Biochemists of India –West Bengal Chapter

9th October 2021

Ion Exchange Chromatography. Early and Recent
Perspective

Virtual CME
New Delhi Chapter of AMBI

5th November 2021

Lipid Profile Testing – Current challenges and new
guidelines

Name of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

Virtual CME
New Delhi Chapter of AMBI

20th November 2021

Updates in cancer diagnostics
Lectures on Tumor markers, Lipid Biopsy in cancer
Molecular markers in cancer diagnostics

REGIONAL RELATIONS
Numerous educational seminars in the country.
Various topics held in local areas with small gatherings and mostly virtual.
Many Medical colleges like Lady Hardinge, Delhi and many other states such as Orissa, West
Bengal, Tamil Nadu to name a few held numerous one or two days seminars on latest trends in
Molecular technology and recent trends.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSParticipation of AMBI members at APFCB & IFCC virtual meetings, during the year.
Many AMBI members were nominated as corresponding members in TF of various committees.
Such exposure as we have seen, help them grow not only individually but help guide othermembers in various activities and lead to enthusiasm in the youngsters.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Though AMBI is an affiliated member, the past ten years, we request recognition to hold anInternational workshop or conference under auspicious of IFCC/APFCB, as many members
have been recognised for their work as TF members.

PHILIPPINESPHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
IN CLINICAL LABORATORIES (PCQACL)The Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories (PCQACL) continuously
strengthen its diplomatic relationship and collaboration with the IFCC for continuing educational
activities and development with its regular application to the IFCC Visiting Lecturer Program.
With this program, the PCQACL is privileged to invite renowned Speakers in the field ofLaboratory Medicine and other relevant medical fields during the PCQACL Annual Convention.
Hence, we are so grateful to the IFCC for being able to invite the following IFCC- VLP Speakers
for the Virtual 18th PCQACL Annual Convention this year.

Gerald Joseph Kost, MD, PHD, MS, FAACC

The IFCC Consultant to the POCT Task Force, Dr. Gerald Joseph Kost has graced with his virtualpresence, the PCQACL 18th Annual Convention Opening Ceremonies as the Keynote Speakeraddressing over two thousand delegates comprising Pathologists, Medical Technologists, clinicallaboratory Supervisors and Managers with his Keynote Message on the topic “ Transforming
the Future Before It Happens-- What COVID Taught us” held last Sept. 22, 2021. Furthermore,
the PCQACL 18th Annual Scientific Programme has been privileged to have Dr. Kost as one ofthe distinguished IFCC-VLP Speakers as he shared his knowledge and expertise on the topic“
183Diagnostic Testing Prevelance for COVID-19: Mathematics, Special Especial Scenarios andQuality held on Sept. 24, 2021

Tony Badrick, PhD, MBA, FAACB, FRCPAThe Chief Executive Officer of the Royal College of Pathologists of Autralasia (QAP), Professor
Tony Badrick has also been one of our invited eminent IFCC-VLP Speakers in the virtual 18th
Annual Scientific session on the topic “ Internal Quality Control using Patient Samples: Conceptof Moving Averages” held on Sept. 24, 2021
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

Virtulal 18th PCQACL Annual
Convention

September 22 - 24, 2020

“Moving on, Moving forward Beyond COVID-19”

The Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories (PCQACL) has conducted
its Virtual 18th Annual Convention with the team “Moving on, Moving forward Beyond COVID-19”
held last Sept 22-24, 2020 through an online platform of Microsoft Teams. This event was wellattended and participated by more than 2,000 delegates from the different clinical laboratories
and medical institutions nationwide. An array of scientific lectures and panel discussions byrenowned and distinguished Speakers are all very informative, timely, and relevant to this timeof pandemic. They have really satisfied and fulfilled the gain in knowledge and learning updatesof our convention participants.
The 3- day virtual convention started on Sept. 22, 2020 with the Opening Ceremonies highlighted
by the Keynote Address of Dr. Gerald Joseph Kost, IFCC Consultant to the POCT Task Forceon the topic “Transforming the Future Before It Happens-- What COVID Taught us” followed by
the pre-recorded scientific sessions covering the track on Challenges in the Pandemic with thefollowing presented lectures and panel discussion topics: 1) Panel Discussion 1: Directionsfor Molecular Laboratories: Current and Future applications of RT-PCR , 2) Updates on Testing
Strategies for COVID-19 in the Philippines , 3) Panel 2: Quality Monitoring in Molecularlaboratories, 4) Implications of mutations in SARS-COV2, and 5) Tests for Monitoring ClinicalCourse of COVID Patients and Beyond.
The second day of the convention on Sept. 23, 2020 was loaded with the following lecturesand panel discussion topics covering the track on Quality Laboratory Management: 1) Panel
Discussion 3: National Reference Laboratories in the Philippines, 2) Quality Assurance in
Cytology, 3) Risks Management in the New Normal, 4) Panel 4: Rising out of the Hard Times:
Make your Laboratory Stay Afloat in Crisis, 5) Financial Analysis, Taking It a Step Further, 6)
Critical Risk Results Reporting, 7) Accreditation and Quality in COVID Era in Indonesia, and 8)
Method Validation.
Onward to the third day on Sept. 24, 2020 was the track on Moving Forward with the following
lectures and panel discussion topics: 1) Diagnostic Testing for COVID-19: Mathematics,
Prevalence, Special Scenarios and Quality, 2) Panel 5: Quality management of Point of Care testing184

covering the topics on Instrument Selection, Quality Training, and Quality Monitoring, 3) Internal
Quality Control using Patient Samples: Concept of Moving Averages 4) ARSP Accreditationfor Bacteriology Laboratories, 5) Panel 6: Post- vaccination Monitoring of Antibodies to SARSCOV-2, and 6) Next Generation Sequencing: Current and Future Applications. This last day ofthe convention was highlighted with the culminating activities of the 3-day convention and the
Closing Ceremonies.
The PCQACL Continuing Education, Training & Research (CETR) Committee has successfully
conducted such a virtual convention and made it possible via Microsoft Teams online platform
through the technical assistance of our IT Provider (Progressive Productivity Solutions) on thetechnical issues, queries and concerns of the participants with the guidance and supervision of
the PCQACL Committee on Information, Communication & Technology System (ICTS).
EDUCATION
The Committee on Continuing Education, Training & Research of PCQACL has conducted thefollowing Webinars last year 2021:
Title
P.O.W.E.R. 1
Blood Gas Analysis in POCT
and its Challenges

Speaker/s

Date

Number of Participants

Dr. Ana Daliela B.
MasimanMarch 26, 2021

324 registered participants

Dr. Alejandro Arevalo

June 11, 2021

831 registered participants

P.O.W.E.R. 2“Beyond the Usual CBC
Analysis: Digging deeper into
Histograms”“ Automated ESR: What’s thepoint?”
P.O.W.E.R. 3
Topic Lecture 1: “ The Purpose,
Practicality and Current
Situation of Body Fluid Testing”

Dr. Anna Merino Gonzales

Topic Lecture 2: “Standardization Discussion of
Body Fluid Testing”

Prof. Chutitorn Ketloy

July 2, 2021

1,018 registeredparticipants

P.O.W.E.R. 4
The Best Practices in Quality
Control and Quality Assessment Navapun Charuruks, MD,FRCPathTopic Lectures:
1.
2.

IQC Laboratory
Management Strategies

November 10, 2021

1,107 registeredparticipants

Yi Huang, MD, PhD

Achieving and Maintaining
Quality in the Laboratory

185

Since PCQACL is an accredited CPD Provider by the Philippine Professional Regulation
Commission, we have partnered with the diagnostic companies in providing the following
webinars to our valued members:
Title

Speaker/s

Topic Lecture 1: Doing Morewith Less: Systemisation
Solution in Haematology Lab

Dr. Rodelio D. Lim

Topic Lecture 2: Advanced
Clinical Parameters in
Haematology Lab: A Case
Illustration

Prof. Dr. Mansyur
Arif

Date

Number ofParticipants

March 17,2021

181 registeredparticipants

March 21,2021

182 registeredparticipants

July 29, 2021

271 registeredparticipants

Industry Partner

Sysmex Philippines

Dr. Arvin C. Faundo
Topic Lecture 1: SARS-COV-2
Antigen Testing in the New
NormalTopic Lecture 2: D-Dimer, A
Significant Coagulation Marker
in Inflammatory and Infectious
Condition
Topic Lecture 3: Therapy
System for COVID-19 Infection

Dr. Prasanna Kumar

Dr. Premkumar
Jarayaman

Zafire Distributors, Inc.

and
Ms. Audrey Li, m

Haemocytometry in theManagement of Infectious
Diseases such as COVID-19

Prof. Andre
Van der Ven

Sysmex Philippines

REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

Feb. 15-17, 2021

Dr. Emil Bryan Garcia - PCQACL President
and Dr. Edna May-Lasp Go- PCQACL Board ofTrustee have attended this IFCC virtual webinar

Amidst the challenging
times of the COVID- 19
pandemic with the national
and international travel
restrictions for safety reasons,some of the members of the
PCQACL Board of Trustees
still managed and were able toattend the following webinars
conducted by the IFCC:
1.IFCC Global Conference on
Covid – 19 Pandemic
Topic: Critical Role of ClinicalLaboratori in the Covid-19
Pandemic

186

Name of the meeting

Date

Society’s contribution for the meeting

2.Application of Laboratory
Techniques in the diagnosis ofinfectious diseases
3.Risk Mangement in theClinical Laboratories
4.Quality in Clinical Laboratory

April 6, 2021
May 10, 2021
June 15, 2021

Dr. Anacleta Pring- Valdez, PCQACL Press Relation
Officer and a Trustee has attended the following
stated IFCC Live Series Webinars for 2021

5.POCT in Resource Limited
settings : Dotting the”i’s” andcrossing the “t”
6. Newborn Screening
7. Evidence-Based laboratory
medicine
8. Quality Management of
medical test results during the
pandemic
9. Proficiency testing / EQA:
Program designs and practical
approaches for addressing
unexpected results

July 15,2021
July 20,2021
Sept. 8, 2021
Sept. 29, 2021
Nov. 22, 2021
December 13, 2021

Dr. Aileen Riego Javier- PCQACL Past President andChair of the PCQACL Committee on Nominations
and Election has also attended these webinars.
Dr. Edna May Lasap- Go - PCQACL Board of Trustee
has attended these IFCC virtual webinars
Dr. Elizabeth Y. Arcellana-Nuqui, PCQACL Past
President, PCQACL incumbent Board of Trustee
and Chair of Committee on Advocacy & External
Relations has attended this meeting.

10. Town Hall Meeting with Dr.
Khosrow Adeli

REGIONAL RELATIONSMember of Asian Network for Clinical Laboratory Standardization and Harmonization (ANCLS)
Member of Asian - Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (APFCB)PCQACL was a Member of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) which has given
PCQACL the authority to be the distributor of their books and other documents in the Philippines,
procuring of such in bulk and distributing them to facilitate their adoption and implementationby the clinical laboratories.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSPCQACL is an active member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory
Medicine (IFCC)
The IFCC-Visiting Lecturer Program has always been requested to provide Speakers / Panel
Discussants at the plenary lectures / panel discussions of the PCQACL annual conventions,seminar-workshops and other scientific sessions. However, it was so unfortunate that due
to the COVID - 19 pandemic and for safety reasons, we just got the opportunity to have ourinvited IFCC-VLP Speakers shared their pre-recorded presentations in the Virtual18th PCQACL
Annual Convention.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPCQACL Officers and Board of Trustees, Standing Committees
and Chairpersons for C.Y. 2021
Officers
President: Emil Bryan M. Garcia, MD, FPSP
Vice-President: Sarah Jane L. Datay-Lim, MD, FPSPSecretary: Estela Marie C. Tanchoco, MD, FPSP, MBA

187

Treasurer: Hasmin D.C. Miroy, RMT
Auditor: Erlinda C. Pijuan, RMT
P.R.O. : Anacleta P. Vadez, MD, FPSPAssistant Secretary: Laurie Anne M. Reyes, RMTAssistant Treasurer: Gerrick Joseph C. Dolor, RMT
Immediate Past President: Godwin N. Hernaez, MD, MDM, FPSP,CESE
Founding President: Tomas P. Maramba, Jr., MD, FPSP
Trustees
Elizabeth Y. Arcellana-Nuqui, MD, FPSP
Edna May Lasap-Go, MD, FPSPJanuario D. Veloso, MD, FPSP
Bernadette R. Espiritu, MD, FPSP
Rodelio D. Lim, MD, FPSPPaulo Enrico P. Belen, MD, DPSP
Maximo Saavedra, Jr., MD,FPSP
Giselle Gay Bermejo, RMTStanding Committees and Chairpersons
Committee on Membership: Estela Marie C. Tanchoco, MD, FPSP, MBA
Committee on Continuing Education, Training & Research: Marissa A. Orillaza, MD, MSCE, FPSPCommittee on Advocacy & International Relations: Elizabeth Y. Arcellana-Nuqui, MD, FPSPCommittee on Information, Communication & Technology Systems: Gerrick Joseph C. Dolor, RMTCommittee on Finance: Erlinda C. Pijuan, RMTCommittee on Publications & Public Relations: Anacleta P. Valdez, MD, FPSPCommittee on Annual Convention: Sarah Jane L. Datay-Lim, MD, FPSPCommittee on By- Laws & Legislation: Anacleta P. Valdez, MD, FPSP / Atty. Joyce Mendoza
Committee on Nominations & Elections: Aileen Riego-Javier, MD, FPSPCommittee on Awards: Edna May Lasap-Go, MD, FPSPCommittee on Special Projects: Januario D. Veloso, MD,FPSPSERBIASERBIAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL LABORATORYMEDICINE AND SCIENCE (SCLM)
NATIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting

Date

Topic

The Third International
Congress of Private Sector
Health Workers

February 25-26, 2021
Belgrade, Serbia

Scientific Committee Membership

Serbian Congress of
endocrinologists of Serbia withinternational participation

March 11-14, 2021
Virtual Mode

Invited lecture

8th Congress of the Associationof Preventive Pediatrics of
May 13-15, 2021
Serbia with international
Virtual Modeparticipation

188

Invited lecture

Name of the meeting

Date

Topic

V Congress of Association ofCoronary Units of Serbia withinternational participation

September 10-12, 2021
Belgrade, Serbia

Invited lecture

EDUCATIONSERBIS on-line tests with educational materials (Accredited by The Health Council ofRepublic of Serbia)
Test 1: Molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 infection and serological testing of antibodies
against SARS-CoV-2 (50 questions)
Test 2: Biochemical and haematological monitoring of COVID-19 patients (50 questions)
Test 3: Biomarkers in interstitial lung diseases (50 questions)
Test 4: Biomarkers in diagnostic and treatment community-acquired pneumonia (50 questions)
REGIONAL MEETINGSName of the meeting
8th International Symposium«Critical Care Testing andBlood Gases»
POCT:
Making The Point
7th Meeting of the European
Section and the 8th Meeting of
the North American Sectionof the International Academyof Cardiovascular Sciences(IACS)ESPT congress «Latest
developments in
Pharmacogenomics researchand clinical implementation»
JIB 2021
e-Round Table «The Vital Roleof Lab Medicine Professionals
in the Fight against the
COVID-19 Pandemic»
47th Annual Conferenceof Association of Clinical
Biochemists of India(ACBICON2021)

Date
June 10-11, 2021
Biarritz, France
September 6-7, 2021
Rome, Italy

Society’s contribution for the meeting
Session chairmanship

Session chairmanship

September 20-23, 2021
Banja Luka, The Republicof Srpska, Bosnia &Invited lecture, Session chairmanship
Herzegovina
Hybrid format
November 17, 2021
Virtual Mode

December 1-2, 2021
Virtual Mode

December 13-15, 2021
Virtual Mode

Session chairmanship, Organizing Committee
Membership

e-Round Table Presentation

Invited lecture

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSIFCC Affiliate Membership
IFCC Communications and Publications Division (CPD)
eJIFCC (WG-eJIFCC), Sanja Stankovic

189

IFCC ETD Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM),
Sanja Stankovic
EFLM Science Committee
EFLM WG: Cardiac Markers, Corresponding Member Sanja Stankovic
European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Personalised Therapy (ESPT)General Secretary/Board Member Sanja Stankovic
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSCLM joined the EFLM Academy in 2021 (55 members)

190

191

IFCC OFFICE
Via Carlo Farini 81
20159 Milan – ITALY
Tel: +39 02 66809912
e-mail: ifcc@ifcc.org
www.ifcc.org