eNews: September 2026

Monica Dugăeşescu, Young Scientists member of the Romanian Association of Laboratory Medicine (RALM). Social Media Coordinator of the IFCC Committee on Internet and Digital Communications (C-IDC).

• Could you please introduce yourself and your professional background? What is your role in your laboratory, and what do your daily activities involve?

I am a medical doctor who recently completed my residency in Laboratory Medicine. My interest in laboratory science began in high school, where I discovered that I particularly enjoyed the practical classes in chemistry and biology. During medical school, this interest evolved into a genuine passion. I was especially drawn to the preclinical disciplines that involved laboratory work and sought every opportunity to expand my knowledge and practical skills by participating in workshops, training courses, internships, and other educational activities. Choosing Laboratory Medicine as my specialty was therefore a natural path.

I currently work in the central laboratory of our main university hospital, as part of the Department of Microbiology. My daily practice focuses on the diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections using a broad range of laboratory techniques, including microscopy, culture, automated microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as well as molecular diagnostic methods. In addition, during on-call duties, I am responsible for the activities of the other laboratory departments, including hematology and coagulation, clinical biochemistry, and immunology.

• Could you briefly introduce the IFCC Committee you are part of and its main objectives?

I am part of the Committee on Internet and Digital Communications (C-IDC), the functional unit that promotes IFCC activities through the website, social media, and other digital platforms. The content is generated by C-IDC itself or by other functional units, with C-IDC being the one responsible for distributing the information that is produced by IFCC through new communication technologies and innovative tools, making this content available to different target groups, including laboratory professionals, healthcare professionals, the general public, and other stakeholders.

• What motivated you to join this group, and how was your experience with the application or selection process?

I believe that communication, and particularly digital communication, plays a huge role nowadays in any field, including laboratory medicine. From accessing educational content to promoting the organization`s activity, without effective digital communication the impact of IFCC would be minimal. I believe it is a challenging and creative area that requires both skills and inspiration to be successful. To me, it was very attractive.

I have managed social media accounts for other associations and projects I was involved in previously; therefore, it was a great fit when a position in the Committee on Internet and Digital Communications became available. I applied immediately. The selection process was straightforward with experience and motivation being the core of the application, along with a recommendation from the National Society. I was very honored to be accepted to this Committee and to start my IFCC journey.

• How would you describe your experience collaborating with other members? What have you personally and professionally gained from your involvement (e.g., skills, networking, career development)?

Being a part of a committee under IFCC is a unique experience, because it includes members from all over the world, representing multiple continents. Communicating and learning from them has been a great experience, as each member brings different expertise in both laboratory medicine and digital communication. Of course, I have also become familiar with new digital tools that enable me to manage the IFCC Social Media content.

•  How would you describe the role and the unique value that a Young Scientist brings to your group’s activities?

I believe that we, the Young Scientists, have a wider perspective when it comes to social media and digital communication. We grew up with it; therefore, we understand how online impact is built and how IFCC content can be impactful. Young Scientists also have more time to be creative and I think that being young is often accompanied by a lot of enthusiasm.

• What advice would you give to other Young Scientists who might hesitate to apply?

Being a part of a functional unit under IFCC is definitely worth it. I believe that for every Young Scientist in laboratory medicine, it is a great experience to be among the best professionals in this field, people who not only have amazing expertise, but also volunteer for the benefit of our community. Therefore, it offers a great opportunity for growth to every young professional. There are plenty of functional units and positions for Young Scientists to apply for, therefore, there is a place for everyone. Do not miss this chance!

The IFCC Task Force for Young Scientists (TF-YS) is pleased to announce the 5^th edition of the IFCC Forum for Young Scientists, to be held on Sunday, 25 October 2026, in New Delhi, India. The Forum brings together young laboratory professionals from around the world for a day dedicated to training, networking, and career development.

Young Scientists represent the future of laboratory medicine and already form a major part of its workforce. Preparing them to become tomorrow’s leaders — ideally with guidance from experienced colleagues — is central to the TF-YS mission. This year’s Forum continues that commitment, offering an open platform for participants to present and discuss their scientific and personal experiences, exchange ideas and best practices with peers, and build the communication and networking skills that underpin a successful career in the field.

The preliminary programme features oral communications selected from submitted abstracts across several thematic sessions, together with interactive workshops on career development and communication skills.

The full scientific programme will be published shortly on the event website. Young Scientists are encouraged to follow the TF-YS social media channels for updates in the meantime.

Key details

• Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Fee: Free of charge for congress registrants
• Programme updates: IFCC New Delhi 2026 YS Forum webpage
• In-person registration: Register here

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The TF-YS warmly thanks the IFCC for its continued support of Young Scientists worldwide. Special thanks go to IFCC President Prof. Tomris Özben, whose unwavering support for the Forum since its very first edition at IFCC WorldLab Seoul 2022 has been instrumental, and who continues to champion Young Scientists in this new edition.

Young Scientists worldwide are warmly invited to join the TF-YS in New Delhi for a day of learning, sharing, and connecting with peers who will shape the future of laboratory medicine.

• How long have you been associated with IFCC?

For most part of my professional life, I worked in healthcare as a laboratory medicine specialist, scientist, and academic. Two years ago, I transitioned to industry as Director of Global Medical & Scientific Affairs at Greiner Bio-One. While the setting has changed, my commitment to advancing laboratory medicine and improving patient care remains exactly the same.

I consider myself part of the broader IFCC family for almost three decades. Throughout most of my career, my involvement has been through EFLM, the regional federation of IFCC, where I had the privilege of serving in various roles. Such a  close partnership between EFLM and IFCC has provided many opportunities to contribute to initiatives that support the global laboratory medicine community. One of the highlights of this journey was serving as the EFLM Regional Representative to the IFCC Executive Board,

• What inspires you to get more involved?

I have always believed that active participation in professional organizations is both a privilege and a responsibility. If you have acquired knowledge, expertise, and experience over the course of your career, it is important to share them with others and contribute to the advancement of the profession.

International organizations such as IFCC bring together people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, creating a unique environment for learning, collaboration, and innovation. The opportunity to contribute to initiatives that have a global impact on laboratory medicine is what continues to inspire my involvement.

In addition to representing Greiner Bio-One within the Task Force for Corporate Members, I also have the privilege of serving on the IFCC Task Force on Ethics under the outstanding leadership of Joe Wienzek. I greatly value the work of this important group and thoroughly enjoy collaborating with such a dedicated, thoughtful, and inspiring team of colleagues.

• What do you like most about your involvement with IFCC?

Without hesitation, I would say the people. IFCC brings together some of the brightest minds in laboratory medicine from around the world. Through my involvement over many years, I have had the opportunity to learn from outstanding colleagues, collaborate on meaningful projects, and build relationships that have evolved into genuine friendships.

I also value the spirit of collaboration that exists within IFCC. Regardless of our different professional backgrounds, institutions, or countries, we share a common goal: advancing laboratory medicine and improving patient outcomes. Being part of such a global community is both personally rewarding and professionally inspiring.

• What advice do you have for other Corporate Members?

My advice would be simple: get involved. The true value of corporate membership comes from active participation and engagement.

Corporate Members bring important perspectives, expertise, and experience to the table. By working together, we have a stronger collective voice and can address challenges that affect our profession and industry more effectively. The exchange of ideas often leads to innovative solutions, but even when immediate solutions are not found, there is great value in understanding that many organizations face similar challenges and can learn from one another’s experiences.

The strength of the Corporate Members network lies in collaboration, openness, and the willingness to contribute to the broader goals of laboratory medicine.

• Is there anything else you would like to add before we close this interview?

One aspect of my current IFCC involvement that I particularly value is the opportunity to serve on the Congress Organizing Committee (COC) of the IFCC WorldLab (New Delhi, India, October 25-29) congress as the representative of the Task Force for Corporate Members. I am grateful to IFCC for entrusting me with this role and for recognizing the importance of including the corporate perspective in shaping one of the most significant scientific and educational events in laboratory medicine.

I have been consistently impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit of my fellow COC members. Working alongside such an accomplished group of colleagues has been both inspiring and rewarding. Looking ahead, I am confident that IFCC WorldLab 2027 will be an exceptional congress. I would like to warmly invite colleagues from around the world to join us for what promises to be an outstanding scientific and educational experience. Beyond learning from internationally recognized experts and engaging with the latest developments in laboratory medicine, attendees will have valuable opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and establish new collaborations. They will also have the chance to experience the rich culture, hospitality, and remarkable diversity of India.

I look forward to welcoming the global laboratory medicine community to New Delhi. As someone who has benefited enormously from international collaboration throughout my career, I firmly believe that WorldLab embodies the very best of our profession: scientific excellence, lifelong learning, and a shared commitment to improving patient care worldwide.

See you in New Delhi in October this year!

Heart failure remains a growing public health challenge in Japan, where cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death nationwide. With an aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, innovative approaches to identify and treat patients at risk of heart failure before symptoms develop are urgently needed. In 2021, the Izumi City Medical Association in Osaka Prefecture established the Heart Failure Regional Collaboration Promotion Committee, bringing together 35 community healthcare institutions and two core hospitals with a shared mission: preventing recurrent heart failure and protecting population cardiovascular health. Recognizing the importance of early detection, the committee launched a pilot initiative called “IZUMI FIND HF” to evaluate the use of natriuretic peptide testing during routine health examinations. Outcomes revealed that 26.3% of participants had pre-heart failure and 11.3% already had heart failure requiring active treatment, validating the potential of biomarker-guided screening to identify previously unrecognized disease.

Building on these promising findings, a Heart Failure Screening Program (HFSP) was subsequently introduced in 2024. Their program integrates natriuretic peptide testing (BNP or NT-proBNP testing) into routine health check-ups for individuals aged 50 to 74 years who have at least one major risk factor, including hypertension, diabetes, or atrial fibrillation. Eligible individuals can undergo testing for a nominal fee of 500 yen, making participation broadly accessible.

During its first year, 2,415 individuals underwent natriuretic peptide testing. Of those screened, 480 individuals (19.9%) were identified as requiring further evaluation. Subsequent assessment led to the diagnosis of previously unknown heart failure in 17 asymptomatic individuals, while an additional 53 individuals were identified as having suspected heart failure and were enrolled in ongoing monitoring programs. Patients with confirmed heart failure received prompt intervention and treatment, while suspected cases were scheduled for reassessment every six months through an established collaborative care pathway.

Among surveyed physicians across Izumi City, 81.8% reported being somewhat or very satisfied with the BNP-specific health screening initiative, citing earlier referrals, reduced clinical burden, and the effectiveness of biomarker-guided screening as key advantages of the program. These findings underscore the value of collaboration between laboratory professionals, primary care physicians, specialists, and healthcare administrators in delivering more proactive patient care.

Impressively, the enhanced monitoring and treatment pathways associated with HFSP program have generated ¥1.93 million in additional hospital revenue among patients requiring active management. While earlier diagnosis and intervention mitigated nearly ¥19 million annually in healthcare costs by preventing hospitalizations among patients with heart failure.

The success of their HFSP program exemplifies the criticality of laboratory medicine in population health management. By integrating natriuretic peptide-guided prevention into routine practice, HF care has moved beyond traditional diagnostics to create a community-wide screening pathway that identifies risk, facilitates early intervention, and improves coordination across the continuum of care. For their outcomes and efforts, the team behind the Heart Failure Screening Program received Recogntion of Distinction in association with the 2026 UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award program. Congratulations to Akihisa Hanatani, Vice Hospital Director, Hidemasa Tanaka, Hospital Director, Shuzo Nagata, President of the Izumi City Medical Association, Yoshio Kawase, Consultant, Naotsugu Takahashi, Director of Health Promotion Office, Local Government of Izumi City.

To learn more about this best practice or others with recognition for healthcare excellence, please visit www.UnivantsHCE.com

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, most often caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV prevention is possible through vaccination, vaccines are often confounded by low uptake, patient ineligibility, and the increasing prevalence of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes not covered by vaccines. Thus, a critical element in preventing cervical cancer is not only vaccination but comprehensive and accessible HPV screening for early detection and intervention.

Traditional HPV screening programs often provide broad positive results without identifying specific HPV genotypes, creating uncertainty for both patients and clinicians. These findings can trigger patient anxiety and can lead to additional invasive procedures. Recognizing these challenges, an integrated care team at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center sought to modernize screening pathways and improve care delivery for women throughout Northern New Jersey. Accordingly, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center implemented extended high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) genotyping. The extended HPV genotyping assay is capable of identifying 14 high-risk HPV types, including HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. In parallel, they introduced self-collected sampling as an alternative to traditional clinician-collected cervical specimens. Self-collection provides a more convenient, accessible, and less invasive option that can help overcome barriers associated with conventional Pap smear appointments.

Since implementation 1,177 women aged 21 to 76 have undergone screening using both physician-collected and self-collected samples. Analysis demonstrated excellent agreement between the two collection methods, with hrHPV prevalence rates of 3.2% and 3.0%, respectively. Their findings reinforced confidence that self-collected samples could safely and effectively support cervical cancer screening efforts while expanding access to care. By offering women a more accessible screening option and delivering more precise genotype-specific information, the program significantly increased patient participation. Screening rates and follow-up visits increased by 79.3%, rising from 1,776 tests in 2023 to 5,520 tests in 2024. There was a corresponding 14% increase in patient satisfaction related to women’s health visits, rising from 83% to 97% between the third quarters of 2024 and 2025. Due in part to the high rates of patient satisfaction, women’s health visits increased by 13%, while follow-up appointment no-show rates declined by 21%.

Clinicians similarly benefited from enhanced diagnostic precision, as the ability to identify specific high-risk HPV genotypes enabled more personalized risk stratification and follow-up recommendations. Patients carrying the highest-risk genotypes, such as HPV16 and HPV31, could be rapidly prioritized for intervention, while those with lower-risk genotypes could be monitored appropriately, avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures. Their approach earned a 98% endorsement rate among gynecologists, fostering strong support for this cervical cancer prevention and treatment initiative.

Further, by distinguishing between patients requiring immediate intervention and those appropriate for surveillance, their extended genotyping strategy helped avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and associated downstream costs. Between 2024 and 2025, the program generated $3.7 million in mitigated healthcare costs. Additional savings were realized through reduced administrative burden resulting from fewer missed appointments and follow-up outreach efforts.

The success of this initiative highlights how laboratory innovation can serve as a catalyst for health system and patient care transformation. By leveraging advanced molecular diagnostics alongside patient-centered screening options, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center created a more equitable and effective cervical cancer screening pathway that benefits patients, clinicians, healthcare systems, and payors alike. For their outcomes and for exemplifying collaborative medicine, leaders from their integrated clinical care team was recognized with honors of distinction in association with the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence program. Congratulations to Ilham Atir, Laboratory Director, Katie Richardson, Senior Vice President of Operations, Charlsie Celestine, Physician – Gynecology, Diane Darmody, VP Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, and Raquel Ortiz, Vice President of Ambulatory Care.

To learn more about this best practice and others, please visit www.UnivantsHCE.com

As the field of laboratory medicine advances with digital and automated technologies, clinical laboratory scientists may face challenges associated with evaluating, implementing, and validating AI algorithms, both inside and outside their laboratories. Recognizing the strengths of AI and its suitable applications, as well as being aware of the current capabilities and constraints, can be beneficial for professionals in the lab and for clinicians. Moreover, with laboratory medicine playing a significant role in diagnosing various diseases, AI offers the promise of enhanced diagnostic capabilities through the precise identification of pathological conditions, optimization of lab operations, enhanced decision-making support, and cost reduction, which can ultimately lead to greater operational efficiency. LabMed Discovery (LMD) is excited to present a special issue dedicated to the most recent advancements in AI application in laboratory medicine.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to the following:

• AI application in patient data management
• AI application in quality control and risk management of clinical laboratory tests
• AI application in personalized precision medicine
• AI application in the management and prevention of chronic diseases
• AI model in disease prediction and diagnosis
• AI application in genome regulation and prediction of genetic variant identification and interpretation
• AI application in private data protection
• Data mining for tumor marker detection

Guest Editors

Prof. Khosrow Adeli, Co-Editor-in-Chief of LabMed Discovery
Prof. Sergio Bernardini, Associate Editor-in-Chief for LabMed Discovery
Submissions must be received by bernards@uniroma2.it, khosrow.adeli@sickkids.ca and https://www.editorialmanager.com/lmd/Default.aspx before Nov. 30, 2026.

Contacts

E-mail: labmed@rjh.com.cn
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/labmed-discovery
Managing Editor: Ivy Wang   wel30693@rjh.com.cn
X/Youtube/Facebook: @LabMedDiscovery      

In support of ongoing efforts to strengthen quality management and accreditation in medical laboratories, Roche, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), organized a two-day ISO 15189:2022 Basic Version Training Workshop on 8–9 June 2026. The workshop brought together approximately 35 laboratory professionals from various cities across Punjab, Pakistan, representing tertiary care hospitals, large healthcare institutions, and independent diagnostic laboratories.

The participants included consultant pathologists, laboratory directors, quality managers, laboratory managers, and other laboratory professionals committed to improving laboratory quality and achieving accreditation. As an increasing number of laboratories in Pakistan adopt ISO 15189:2022, the workshop provided timely guidance on understanding and implementing the revised international standard.

The training was jointly facilitated by Dr. Muhammad Zubair, Technical Expert, Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), Consultant Chemical Pathologist, and Assistant Professor, and Mr. Ateeq ur Rehman Memon, Director General, Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC). The sessions combined practical implementation strategies with an overview of Pakistan’s accreditation framework, covering laboratory competence, quality management systems, risk-based thinking, documentation, metrological traceability, quality indicators, internal audits, and continual improvement.

A key strength of the workshop was its interactive learning environment, which encouraged participants to share experiences, discuss common implementation challenges, and exchange practical solutions for integrating ISO 15189:2022 requirements into routine laboratory practice. The discussions highlighted the importance of developing a sustainable culture of quality that supports reliable laboratory services and improved patient care.

The workshop also reinforced the value of collaboration between industry and the national accreditation body in promoting continuous professional development and strengthening laboratory quality systems. Participants completed the program with enhanced technical knowledge, greater confidence in implementing ISO 15189:2022, and practical approaches to support accreditation readiness and continual quality improvement within their organizations.

This initiative represents an important step toward building laboratory capacity and advancing internationally recognized quality standards, ultimately contributing to safer, more reliable, and patient-centered diagnostic services in Pakistan.

Dr. Vivek Pant, Scientific Chair- NACC Congress 2026
Dr. Ram Vinod Mahato, Organizing Secretary- NACC Congress 2026
Dr. Santosh Pradhan, General Secretary- NACC 

The 6th Annual NACC Congress was successfully held on May 30–31, 2026, at the Square Hotel in Lalitpur, Nepal. Held under the auspices of IFCC and the APFCB, the event gathered leading faculties, clinical biochemists, researchers, and young scientist across Nepal.

Congress Theme and Focus

This year’s congress centered on the theme: “Transforming Laboratory Medicine in Resource-Limited Settings: The Role of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), Digital Integration, and Clinical Impact.” The sessions highlighted practical frameworks to upgrade diagnostic capacities in Nepal’s remote and rural healthcare facilities.

Inaugural Ceremony and Keynote Addresses

The congress was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Dr. Ojaswee Sherchand, Chair of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee, Federal Parliamentary Committee, who emphasized the crucial role of Biochemistry in diagnosis, treatment, and disease monitoring. NACC President Prof. Dr. Madhab Lamsal welcomed the delegates and highlighted the changing landscape of laboratory diagnostics in Nepal, stressing that integrating digital solutions and automated workflows is an urgent necessity to reduce diagnostic errors and improve clinical outcomes nationwide.

Scientific Program Highlights

The 6th Annual NACC Congress featured a robust scientific program spanning cutting-edge topics in molecular diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and digital health integration, delivered by distinguished national and international experts.

• Genetic Testing and Molecular Diagnostics

Dr. Orland Díez Gibert delivered a keynote on “Genetic testing for Hereditary Cancer in Resource-Limited Settings,” examining how point-of-care testing and digital integration can expand access to genetic screening in regions with limited laboratory infrastructure. Dr. Jay Prakash Sah followed with a presentation on “Rapid Molecular Diagnosis,” highlighting its role in enhancing clinical decision-making and patient outcomes, particularly in acute care settings where timely diagnosis is critical.

• Emerging Biomarkers and Therapeutics

Dr. Kul Raj Rai presented on “Non-Coding RNAs and ncRNA-Encoded Micro peptides,” exploring the emerging potential roles of these molecules in both diagnostics and therapeutics. This session underscored the growing importance of RNA-based biomarkers in laboratory medicine and their potential for translation into clinical practice.

• Artificial Intelligence in Laboratory Medicine

Dr. Anirban Ganguly delivered a forward-looking presentation on the “Applications of AI in Clinical Biochemistry Lab,” examining how machine learning algorithms can enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflow automation, and support clinical decision-making. This session addressed the growing intersection of computational approaches and laboratory medicine, reflecting global trends in the field.

• Digital Integration and Point-of-Care Testing

Dr. Rajiv R. Sinha presented on “Connecting Care: Digital Infrastructure and POCT Redefining Lab Medicine,” emphasizing the transformative potential of digital health solutions in bridging diagnostic gaps in resource-limited settings. The presentation highlighted practical frameworks for integrating point-of-care testing with digital health records to enable real-time clinical interventions.

• Oral and Poster Presentations

The scientific program also featured oral presentations from early-career researchers, covering topics including diagnostic test evaluation and validation by Dr. Ashok Joshi, alongside original research presentations from young scientists competing for travel grants generously sponsored by Techno Biomed. A dedicated digital poster session with 26 presentations provided additional opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking.

• Corporate Scientific Sessions

Technology partners including Techno Biomed Pvt Ltd, Snibe Diagnostic, Wondfo Biotech, Edan and Lab Line Traders contributed to the scientific discourse through corporate sessions highlighting innovations in diagnostic technologies and their applications in laboratory medicine.

Awards and Recognition

A key focus of the congress was fostering young scientists. The congress awarded travel grants and recognized outstanding research. The winners were:

• Oral Presentation: Mr. Narayan Gautam (Universal College of Medical Science)
• Poster Presentations: Mr. Pritam Singh Sunwar (Institute of Medicine), Ms. Laxmi Poudel (Universal College of Medical Science), and Ms. Banjita Neupane (Kathmandu University School of Medicine)
• Techno Biomed Travel Grants: Mr. Sujit Das and Ms. Kusum Chhetri (Universal College of Medical Science).

Policy Advocacy and New Executive Board

A significant outcome of the congress was the advocacy for the professional rights and official recognition of Clinical Biochemistry graduates in Nepal’s public and private healthcare hierarchies. The congress concluded with the election of a new Executive Board for NACC. Prof. Dr. Prabodh Risal was elected as the new President, succeeding Prof. Dr. Madhab Lamsal.

The new board members are as follows:

PRESIDENT                                               Prof. Dr. Prabodh Risal

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT               Prof. Dr. Madhab Lamsal

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT                       Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma

VICE PRESIDENT                                      Dr. Ram Vinod Mahato

GENERAL SECRETARY                           Dr. Santosh Pradhan

TREASURER                                             Mr. Raju Kumar Dubey

SECRETARY                                              Dr. Ranjan Suwal

MEMBERS

Dr. Asmita Pokhrel                 Dr. Bijaya Mishra                   Dr. Binita Bhattarai

Dr. Rachana Pandey               Dr. Saroj Thapa                      Dr. Vivek Pant

Dr. Ritu Bashyal                     Mr. Basanta Gelal                   Mr. Deepak Mahaseth

Mr. Lalit Narayan Yadav        Mr. Manoj Sigdel                   Mr. Narayan Gautam

Mr. Tapeshwor Yadav

ADVISORS

Prof. Dr. Bharat Jha                Prof. Dr. Dayaram Pokharel   Prof. Dr. Binod Kumar Yadav

Prof. Dr. Suprita Gupta          Prof. Dr. Baburaja Maharjan  Dr. Shravan Kumar Mishra

Conclusion

The 6th NACC Congress was a resounding success, serving as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and strategic planning to advance laboratory medicine in Nepal. The breadth of topics from molecular diagnostics and AI to digital health infrastructure reflects NACC’s commitment to advancing laboratory medicine in Nepal through scientific excellence and technological innovation. The event concluded with a commitment from NACC to partner with public health bodies to standardize laboratory diagnostics in all seven provinces of Nepal.

by Lejla Alić, Executive Committee Member, EFLM Division Communication

Whether you are sipping a refreshing cocktail on the beach or simply enjoying some well-deserved summer vacation, we bring you the latest updates and exciting happenings from the European laboratory medicine community.

A major highlight for the community is the upcoming European Laboratory Day on November 5. This year, the spotlight is on the new “Leaders in the Lab” campaign. This initiative celebrates the dedicated professionals who drive clinical decisions and healthcare research behind the scenes. It especially encourages young scientists to step forward and share their own stories of leadership and innovation. By gathering these stories and offering media support to selected participants, the community hopes to increase public visibility of laboratory medicine and highlight the people driving the field forward.

Laboratory professionals are also making their voices heard in European health policy. Recently, EFLM representative, President-Elect Prof. Damien Gruson attended a European Parliament event in Brussels to discuss how laboratory diagnostics and medical imaging can improve cardiovascular health and support the EU Safe Hearts Plan. Looking ahead, the community is already preparing for EuroMedLab 2027 in London. The upcoming congress will focus heavily on how healthcare is moving toward predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine.

To ensure clinical guidelines match workplace practice, there is a major push to evaluate everyday practices across Europe. Professionals are currently participating in international surveys to look at how laboratories handle albumin-adjusted calcium reporting, chronic kidney disease biomarkers, and the ethical rules around reusing leftover biological samples. At the same time, a newly formed Committee on Endocrine Laboratory Medicine has started its work to improve endocrinology laboratory testing standards and collaborate more closely with clinical endocrinologists.

Following the 2026 EFLM Strategic Conference, an opinion paper was published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) highlighting the conference theme, “Laboratory Medicine for Society.”  You can read the paper here. The article highlights how laboratory medicine is becoming increasingly vital to personalized, preventive, and value-driven healthcare. It also highlights major advances in areas like artificial intelligence, multi-omics, automation, and global teamwork.

EFLM committees and functional units remain highly active in scientific publishing, with six new papers recently published on key topics such as AI applications, biological variation, quality management, and IVDR regulations. To support continuous education, EFLM offers a variety of learning opportunities, including webinars and “Meet the Expert” courses, which EFLM Academy members can access free of charge.

Finally, the community remains highly focused on hands-on training and environmental responsibility. Programs like the EFLMLabX Exchange are helping young specialists travel across borders to learn about advanced technologies, such as using mass spectrometry for metabolic diseases. Alongside this education, a strong movement is underway to make clinical settings greener. Laboratories across Europe are adopting practical, eco-friendly habits, such as scaling down experiments to use fewer chemicals, recycling old equipment, and managing energy and water waste more efficiently.
So for now, put down the pipettes, soak up the remaining summer rays, and fully recharge your batteries for a highly productive autumn!

By Dr Christian Haddad, President, Arab Federation of Clinical Biology (AFCB)

The Arab Federation of Clinical Biology (AFCB) is honored to contribute two scientific symposia to IFCC WorldLab 2026 in New Delhi, reaffirming its commitment to scientific excellence, education and international collaboration. Bringing together 15 scientific societies and professional syndicates, the AFCB has become an important regional partner within the IFCC family. While promoting laboratory medicine across the Arab world remains its primary mission, the Federation is increasingly committed to developing stronger scientific partnerships with the other IFCC Regional Federations. This vision was clearly presented during the EFLM Strategic Conference 2026 in Prague, where the AFCB shared its ambition to strengthen collaboration through joint scientific programmes, regional education initiatives, harmonized guidelines, training opportunities and integrated laboratory networks. These priorities fully reflect the IFCC vision of one global laboratory medicine community. WorldLab 2026 provides an exceptional opportunity to translate this vision into concrete scientific exchanges. Although healthcare systems differ across the Arab world, India and other regions, many of today’s healthcare challenges are remarkably similar. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, antimicrobial resistance, digital transformation, equitable access to diagnostics and workforce development are shared priorities requiring collaborative solutions rather than isolated approaches.

In several parts of the region, laboratory medicine also plays a vital role under particularly demanding circumstances. During humanitarian crises, natural disasters or periods of instability, laboratory professionals continue to provide essential diagnostic support, infectious disease surveillance, transfusion services and continuity of care. These situations remind us that reliable laboratory medicine is not only a scientific discipline, it is a fundamental component of resilient healthcare systems and, quite simply, an essential contributor to saving lives.

The AFCB scientific programme has therefore been designed around two complementary themes reflecting both present and future priorities. The first symposium, “Lipid Disorders and Cardiovascular Risk,” addresses one of the leading public health challenges affecting populations throughout the Arab region, India and many other countries. Covering familial hypercholesterolemia, personalized cardiovascular prevention, pharmacogenomics and lipoprotein(a), the programme illustrates the growing contribution of laboratory medicine to precision medicine and evidence-based patient care. The second symposium, dedicated to Cybersecurity, addresses another strategic priority for modern laboratory medicine. As laboratories become increasingly connected through Laboratory Information Systems, artificial intelligence, digital health platforms and cloud-based infrastructures, protecting health information and ensuring operational resilience have become essential components of laboratory quality. The programme combines international expertise, practical experience following cyberattacks and forward-looking perspectives on artificial intelligence and open-source technologies, emphasizing that digital innovation must always be accompanied by trust, resilience and responsible governance. Together, these two scientific sessions perfectly illustrate the evolution of laboratory medicine, from advancing precision diagnostics to protecting the digital ecosystems upon which modern healthcare increasingly depends.

WorldLab also represents an outstanding opportunity to further strengthen collaboration between the AFCB, the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India (ACBI), the Asia-Pacific Federation (APFCB), the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM), the African Federation of Clinical Chemistry (AFCC) and all IFCC Regional Federations. The challenges facing laboratory medicine no longer stop at regional borders. Emerging diseases, chronic conditions, cybersecurity, digital transformation, workforce development and equitable access to diagnostics require shared expertise, shared experience and shared solutions. The AFCB warmly invites colleagues from every region to join its scientific sessions in New Delhi and to continue building new partnerships across continents. Together, through scientific dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration, we can reinforce one global laboratory medicine community dedicated to improving patient care for all.

AFCB World

Dr Christian Haddad ,AFCB  President

By: Maria Elizabeth Menezes, Paulo Boff, Luiz Fernando Barcelos, Flavia Martinello
Sociedade Brasileira de Análises Clínicas

Laboratory diagnostics is an essential component of healthcare systems, supporting health promotion and disease prevention, diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, epidemiological surveillance, and clinical decision-making. Billions of laboratory tests are estimated to be performed annually in Brazil, influencing a substantial proportion of clinical and therapeutic decisions. Despite its strategic importance to the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS), Brazil has not yet established a specific national policy addressing the organization, financing, quality, and development of laboratory diagnostics.

In this context, the Brazilian Society of Clinical Analysis (SBAC) has taken the lead in proposing a National Laboratory Diagnostics Policy (Política Nacional de Diagnóstico Laboratorial – PNDL), outlining its rationale, strategic directions, and key components. The proposal is currently under consideration by the Brazilian National Congress through Bill No. 5,478/2025.

This initiative was developed through a collaborative process involving scientific, professional, industry, and representative organizations from the laboratory diagnostics sector. The formulation of the PNDL was based on technical documents, national legislation, current health regulations, World Health Organization recommendations, and contributions from experts, healthcare managers, laboratory professionals, and representatives of social participation mechanisms within the Brazilian health system.

The proposed PNDL is organized around strategic areas aimed at expanding access to laboratory diagnostics, improving the quality of diagnostic services, strengthening health surveillance, integrating laboratory information into digital health systems, promoting technological adoption, fostering scientific and industrial development, strengthening the laboratory workforce, and ensuring the economic sustainability of diagnostic services.

Among its key proposals are the establishment of a National List of Essential Laboratory Tests; integration of laboratory data into Brazil’s National Health Data Network (Rede Nacional de Dados em Saúde); strengthening of laboratory quality programs; recognition and optimization of the existing capacity of public laboratories and private laboratories contracted by the SUS; and promotion of innovation within Brazil’s Health Economic-Industrial Complex. The policy also seeks to strengthen governance across the different levels of government and improve national coordination of laboratory diagnostic services.

As a result of this collective effort, Bill No. 5,478/2025 was submitted to the National Congress, proposing the establishment of the PNDL within the SUS. If enacted, the policy would provide an important framework for the organization, financing, quality improvement, and sustainable development of laboratory diagnostics in Brazil.

The PNDL represents an unprecedented initiative to recognize laboratory diagnostics as a strategic and structural component of the Brazilian health system. Its development demonstrates the importance of collaboration among government, the scientific and professional communities, industry, laboratory professionals, and civil society in shaping strategic public policies for health. The Brazilian experience may also provide a relevant example for other countries seeking to strengthen national laboratory diagnostic systems as an integral component of universal health coverage.

by Hideo Sakamoto, Ph.D. International Exchange Committee of JSCC

Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) Technology Award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding technological advances in clinical chemistry. In 2025, Ryosuke Koguma, M.S., won the JSCC Technology Award.  At the 65th Annual Meeting of JSCC in Nagoya, Japan, held November 7 to 9, 2025, Dr. Takashi Miida, President of JSCC, congratulated the award winner, Mr. Koguma, for his team’s work in clinical chemistry.

We, JSCC, proudly introduce the 2025 JSCC Technology Award winner in this issue and share his team’s outstanding work.

Mr. Koguma received the 2025 JSCC Technology Award on behalf of the team for “Development of a Glycated Albumin Standardization Kit and Contribution to Standardization.”  The award‑winning team consists of Takuji Kohzuma, Ph.D., Shota Konno, M.S., Tomomi Usami, Yumiko Uematsu, Tomohisa Toyama, M.S., and Ryosuke Koguma, M.S., of the Diagnostics Division at Nagase Diagnostics Co., Ltd.

Glycated albumin (GA) is an important intermediate‑term biomarker of glycemic control, reflecting average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2–3 weeks. Its clinical usefulness is especially recognized in situations in which HbA1c measurements may be unreliable for evaluating glycemic control, such as during treatment initiation or adjustment, in patients with renal anemia, and during pregnancy. As a result, GA has gained international acceptance as a complementary biomarker. However, variability among measurement procedures and manufacturers has long been a barrier to achieving harmonized GA results.

To address this issue, the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry established a GA Standardization Working Group, which developed a reference measurement system based on isotope‑dilution mass spectrometry. The award‑winning team contributed to this JSCC initiative and played a key role in promoting GA standardization. Their accomplishments include the development of the standardized assay Lucica® GA-L2, which is traceable to the reference material JCCRM611‑1 and has contributed to improved consistency and reliability in GA measurement.

This work represents a meaningful advancement toward the standardization of GA testing and supports more accurate evaluation of glycemic control in clinical practice. The team’s contributions have been recognized as an important step toward improving the analytical quality and clinical utility of GA measurement.

Cecilia Queijo is part of the first graduating class of the Clinical Biochemistry program, which began in 2000. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Management from the University of Alcalá and is currently a manager at the Social Security Bank (Banco de Prevision Social/BPS), where she leads the Neonatal Screening Program in Uruguay. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, is the author of two books, and has received several awards, including the Queen Sofía Award in Spain. Her work has an international reach, and she has been invited to participate in numerous conferences in Latin America.

• Why did you choose to enter the Faculty of Chemistry to study Biochemistry?

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to Chemistry. Over the years, while in high school, I discovered that I was also interested in the health field, although I was clear that I wanted to contribute from the laboratory and not through direct contact with patients. Initially, I decided to enrol in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry program with the idea of ​​working in a clinical laboratory. However, on the very day of registration, I learned about the creation of the new Clinical Biochemistry career and realized it was exactly what I was looking for. I enrolled the same year, in 2000, and never doubted my choice. I was the first university graduate in my family, but I always had their unconditional support to study what I was truly passionate about.

• When did you enter the workforce, and in what area?

While I was studying, I always sought to get involved in activities related to the faculty. I started working very early as a Teaching Assistant in the Good Practices and Integrated Management course, which I joined in my second semester. That experience was very enriching because it allowed me to meet excellent professors and professionals. Among them, I would highlight the Pharmaceutical Chemist Eleonora Scosería, who, in addition to becoming a friend, has been a role model in the area of ​​Quality Assurance and a very important person in my training.

Later, I worked as secretary to the Dean’s Academic Assistants, a period that allowed me to interact with numerous professors and researchers at the Faculty. From that time, I especially highlight Dr. Alejandra Rodríguez, with whom I later collaborated on scientific projects and the establishment of the Analytical Chemistry area at the Pando Technological Hub.

After graduating in 2005, I began my professional career as Technical Director of the ATGen laboratory, where I gained experience in Molecular Genetics, Laboratory Management, and Specialized Diagnostics.

• When did you join the BPS Laboratory?

In 2007, a call for applications was issued for the position of Chemist at the Social Security Bank (BPS). I applied and, in 2008, I joined as a permanent employee. Since then, I have developed my career within the institution, progressively assuming new responsibilities until reaching the technical directorship of the Laboratory Services.

• As manager of the BPS, you have various responsibilities. Tell us about them.

I currently serve as Technical Director of Laboratory Services at BPS. This involves the planning, coordination, and management of the various laboratories, including the Clinical Laboratory, the Prenatal Screening Laboratory, and the Neonatal Screening Laboratory, which is the national reference centre for the program.

My work combines the management of human and material resources, strategic planning, monitoring of performance indicators, quality assurance, the incorporation of new technologies, and coordination with clinical teams, health authorities, as well as with national and international institutions. It is a very challenging task because it requires balancing management with continuous innovation.

• What are your medium-term professional goals?

My main goal is to continue strengthening and consolidating a national and regional reference laboratory for neonatal screening, diagnosis, and disease monitoring. This involves incorporating new technologies when they add value, strengthening the quality of the program, expanding diagnostic capacity, and continuing to generate scientific evidence that contributes to improving public health policies.

• Are you considering including a new disease for screening in your current screening program?

The incorporation of new diseases is a process we are constantly evaluating. However, adding a disease to a newborn screening program goes far beyond simply having the technology to detect it. It also requires ensuring diagnostic confirmation, timely access to treatment, patient follow-up, and proper organization of the healthcare system. A screening program is only meaningful when it manages to offer a comprehensive response to children and their families.

• Screening in Uruguay is among the most comprehensive in Latin America and the Caribbean. As a member of the Latin American Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening (SLEIMPN) and as a Corresponding Member of the IFCC’s Newborn Screening Working Group, you have a global perspective on Newborn Screening.

Could the BPS (Social Security Bank) become a regional reference laboratory for confirming screening results in these countries?

I believe Uruguay has very favourable conditions to assume an increasingly important role in the region. Thanks to Dr. Graciela Queiruga’s vision and the sustained institutional support over many years, the laboratory has incorporated high-level technology and developed the capacity to perform confirmatory studies for the diseases screened for.

But in addition to the infrastructure, we have built experience, quality protocols, and highly trained teams. All of this positions us to collaborate with other countries, share knowledge, and eventually consolidate our position as a regional reference laboratory in certain areas of confirmatory diagnosis.

• What role could artificial intelligence play in the performance of this activity?

Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to improve newborn screening programs. It can contribute to the analysis of large volumes of data, optimize interpretation algorithms, identify patterns that allow for a reduction in false positives, and support clinical decision-making.

However, I believe it should be seen as a support tool and not as a substitute for professional judgment. In a Newborn Screening Program, decisions have a huge impact on children and their families, so they must always be supported by scientific evidence and experienced professionals. Artificial intelligence can make programs more efficient, but people hold the ultimate responsibility.

• Final concepts you wish to raise

One of the greatest achievements of the National Newborn Screening Program is that it is based on three fundamental principles: it is free, universal, and mandatory. This guarantees that virtually all children born in Uruguay have access to this service, regardless of where they are born or their health insurance coverage. We currently achieve coverage of over 99.9% of newborns.

The program currently screens for 26 diseases, with congenital hypothyroidism being the most frequent, with an approximate incidence of one case per 2,000 newborns.

Since the program’s formal inception in 1994, more than 760 children have been identified with one of these diseases. Behind each of these diagnoses is a story that changed: children who were able to receive timely treatment, avoid irreversible consequences, and develop with a better quality of life. That is, without a doubt, the greatest impact and the greatest motivation of our work.

• How do you balance your work life with your family life?

It’s not always easy. First and foremost, I am the mother of Emilia, Sofía, and Luciano, and they are my greatest motivation to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Managing a laboratory and a National Program demands a lot of dedication, but it has also taught me the importance of finding time for family. I try to show them, through my own example, that even in a small country like Uruguay, it’s possible to develop a scientific career, lead impactful projects, and work to improve the lives of many people.

I believe that’s one of the greatest satisfactions of my profession: knowing that my daily work has a real impact on children’s health, while my own children grow up seeing that commitment, effort, and dedication can transform reality.

Our thanks to Cecilia for her valuable collaboration.

Conference for International Newborn Screening Day

By Cristina Servetto, member of the Uruguayan Biochemical Association

On July 24, the International Newborn Screening Conference was held at the BPS Center for Studies. The title, “Future of Newborn Screening: Between Biochemistry and Genomics,” clearly foreshadowed the conference’s focus.

After 30 years of expansion and consolidation of newborn screening in our country, the Laboratory Services Manager, Biochemistry Manager Cecilia Queijo, and her team promoted this event as a forum for updating, analysing, and reflecting on the present and future of newborn screening, addressing technological advances, expansion prospects, the inclusion of new diseases, and the growing role of genomics in this field. The day began with remarks from Acct. Mrs. María Victoria Quintans, General Manager of the BPS (Social Security Bank), who expressed her pride in having a team of professionals in our country who created the screening network, which reaches 99.9% of births. The strategy was to create a network of processes comprised of obtaining samples from all newborns in a timely manner, performing the tests, reporting the results, coordinating with families, and providing personalized, lifelong care to those who are diagnosed with a treatable condition.

Cecilia began her presentation by summarizing the path initiated by Dr. Graciela Queiruga in 1990 with the implementation of congenital hypothyroidism screening. Today, this screening encompasses 26 hereditary diseases, investigated using a single drop of dried blood on filter paper, taken from the newborns. During that period, more than 760 children were identified, and their futures were transformed by implementing personalized and timely treatment that allowed them to develop and integrate into society as healthy children.

Several milestones were reached over these three decades: in 1994, screening for congenital hypothyroidism became mandatory; in 2007, screening for phenylketonuria and congenital adrenal hyperplasia became mandatory; and in 2008, thanks to the approval of an ANII project, the first mass spectrometer was acquired—today the program has three. This equipment made it possible to screen for 16 more diseases than those already detected using blood samples. Subsequently, progress was made in digitizing the screening card, and by 2026, all providers were submitting information via the application, which strengthens data protection, standardizes information, and allows for real-time tracking of samples.

Cecilia explained that the evolution of automated analytical platforms, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, has expanded diagnostic capacity with greater precision and performance, thanks to the incorporation of more specific biomarkers and the use of second-level analytical strategies, thus minimizing false positives that confuse families.

She spoke about post-analytical tools based on big data, multivariate models, and artificial intelligence, that are transforming clinical interpretation.

Subsequently, there were two speakers, participating virtually from Spain.

The first was Raquel Yahyaoui Macias, MD, from the Regional University Hospital of Málaga. Her lecture was titled: “Current State of Neonatal Screening: Expansion, Innovation, and New Perspectives.” The development of metabolomic studies, measuring enzymatic activity using nanotechnology, was particularly interesting.

The third speaker was Dr. Belén Pérez González, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Autonomous University of Madrid, who addressed the topic of “Genomics and Neonatal Screening: Complement or Replacement?” In Spain, the third revolution is underway, still in the experimental phase at several centers: massive sequencing of the genome, or of the exome (which is only 2% of the total genome), to identify the gene and mutation involved in the detected disease. The sample is also a drop of dried blood. The yield and speed of response would be similar between biochemical and genomic screening, although the latter has the added advantage of identifying the specific gene involved in a detected pathology. An example would be methylmalonic acidemia, where up to 12 defective genes may be involved. Identifying the gene, this abnormal information, will allow us to know, for example, if someone responds to vitamin B12 treatment.

But there is another great advantage: the genome carries information about other possible mutations that are not yet being investigated or that could develop in adulthood. This record, properly stored, will contain potentially valuable information for that individual.

This raises an ethical dilemma: how appropriate is it to report a possible latent disease, indicated by a variant of still uncertain significance—identified by the acronym VUS—but without certainty of its future appearance, since it would be subject to epigenetics and lifestyle.

The central idea was that genomic newborn screening offers great opportunities to improve children’s health; however, its success will depend on how the ethical, clinical, technical, and social challenges are addressed.

The fourth speaker was Dr. Rosario Guecaimburu, a medical geneticist and member of several outpatient care teams.

Her presentation focused on the management and interpretation of information received from the laboratory, an approach that aligned with that of the preceding speaker.

One point I particularly appreciated from her talk was the intervention of Mr. Pablo Correa, president of the Association of Families with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), who shared one of their mottos: “Diagnosis is not destiny.” Rosario Guecaimburu illustrated this with the example of Messi, who was short in stature and received growth hormone treatment prematurely, which allowed him to grow and become one of the best soccer players in the world.

I would say it was a very good event that I recommend watching on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/live/g6QuXcQ_M_w?si=p3Nke10Yk4vGbWwx

By: Ixchel De La Luz-Martinez
Head of the International Affairs Commission, CONQUILAB Mexico.
Deini M. Gutiérrez
Board Member, International Affairs Commission, CONQUILAB Mexico.

For the second consecutive year, the National College of Clinical Chemists in Laboratory Medicine (CONQUILAB) had the privilege of welcoming two distinguished international experts through the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Visiting Lecturer Programme (VLP). This prestigious scientific collaboration took place during the X International Congress of Laboratory Medicine CONQUILAB, held in Mexico City shortly before the FIFA World Cup began. Opening its educational activities on May 27, 2026, the congress brought together approximately 600 professionals, academics, and students committed to advancing patient safety and healthcare quality.

Advancing Quality Management with Dra. Alba Cecilia Garzón González

Dra. Alba Cecilia Garzón González shared her internationally recognized expertise in quality management systems with a highly engaged audience. On May 29, 2026, she delivered a well-attended keynote lecture, “Quality Assurance with Emphasis on Analytical Quality and Risk-Based Approaches.” On May 30, 2026, she presented “Analytical Quality in Infectious Serological Screening.”

During her sessions, Dra. Alba Cecilia addressed key quality control systems, risk management, and the total testing process, including the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. Her dynamic teaching style encouraged active discussion among attendees. In addition, her open exchanges in the technological exhibition area provided valuable practical guidance for Latin American laboratory professionals working with modern quality systems.

Bridging Clinical Support and Global Networks with Prof. Dra. Ma. Montserrat Blanes González

Prof. Dra. Ma. Montserrat Blanes González delivered a strong combination of clinical expertise and professional development insight. On May 29, 2026, she presented “Clinical Support for Test Requesting,” emphasizing the optimized use of diagnostic resources and effective laboratory-clinical communication. On May 30, 2026, she delivered the keynote lecture “Evolution of Blood Gas Analysis, Acid-Base Balance and Application of the Acid-Base Graph,” providing a comprehensive clinical review of these essential diagnostic tools.

Beyond her scientific presentations, Dr. Blanes offered an inspiring overview of the IFCC’s structure, mission, webinars, and working groups. Her presentation generated strong interest among young professionals and students eager to join international scientific initiatives.

Embracing Mexican Hospitality

In keeping with Mexican hospitality, this visit went beyond academic exchange to create meaningful personal connections and lasting memories. Dr. Blanes had long wished to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the CONQUILAB International Affairs team was pleased to make this profound experience possible. Dra. Alba also enjoyed exploring the energy and charm of Mexico City in her own way, sharing memorable moments with the CONQUILAB community. Mexican cuisine was also a memorable highlight, warmly enjoyed by our international visitors. These experiences outside the lecture halls added a warm human dimension to a highly successful week of science.

Gratitude and Future Horizons

CONQUILAB extends its sincere appreciation to the IFCC and the Visiting Lecturer Programme for supporting this valuable collaboration. The participation of both lecturers enriched the scientific program and left a lasting impact on our community’s commitment to continuous improvement.

As we celebrate this second successful year of the VLP at CONQUILAB, we recognize the value of welcoming distinguished international lecturers who speak our native language, enabling an immediate and meaningful connection with attendees. Looking ahead, CONQUILAB is eager to expand its regional reach by welcoming speakers from non-Spanish-speaking countries. We also see an important opportunity for the VLP to help pioneer the use of advanced technological tools, such as AI-powered simultaneous translation systems. Collaboration on these forward-looking initiatives could help reduce language barriers, expand access to continuous education, and keep our community connected to the forefront of global laboratory medicine.

Although the demanding academic schedule did not allow for a formal meeting, the visit identified important areas of common interest and reinforced a shared willingness to maintain strong dialogue. The CONQUILAB Board of Directors reaffirms its commitment to partnering with the IFCC to promote international cooperation and scientific excellence across the region.

Founded in 1980, the Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine (KSLM) is the leading academic and professional organization representing laboratory medicine physicians in the Republic of Korea. The Society currently comprises approximately 1,350 members, the majority of whom are board-certified clinical pathologists, together with seven subspecialty societies, three regional branches, and numerous committees dedicated to education, research, quality assurance, accreditation, and international collaboration.

KSLM is committed to advancing laboratory medicine and improving public health through scientific excellence, innovation, and high-quality clinical practice. The Society promotes the development and application of accurate, timely, and evidence-based laboratory testing and emphasizes the essential role of laboratory medicine in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and precision medicine.

The Society publishes two official journals: Annals of Laboratory Medicine (ALM) and Laboratory Medicine Online. ALM is an internationally recognized SCIE-indexed journal and is ranked as a Q1 journal in the field of Medical Laboratory Technology, reflecting its growing international academic impact and contribution to laboratory medicine. Through its journals, KSLM provides an important platform for disseminating high-quality research, scientific advances, and innovations to the global laboratory medicine community.

KSLM organizes two major scientific meetings each year, including the internationally recognized Laboratory Medicine Congress & Exhibition (LMCE), which has been held annually since 2016. LMCE has developed into one of Asia’s leading international congresses in laboratory medicine, attracting more than 2,500 participants from approximately 30 countries. It provides a dynamic platform for scientific exchange, professional education, technological innovation, and international networking among laboratory physicians, scientists, healthcare professionals, and industry partners.

In addition to its academic activities, KSLM plays a leading role in promoting the quality and safety of laboratory services through accreditation programs, clinical practice guidelines, continuing professional education, and quality improvement initiatives. The Society also works closely with governmental agencies, healthcare institutions, and other professional organizations to advance laboratory medicine throughout Korea.

International collaboration is one of KSLM’s core priorities. The Society maintains active partnerships with major international and regional organizations, including IFCC, ADLM, CAP, CLSI, EFLM, WASPaLM, APFCB, and numerous national societies worldwide. Through joint scientific sessions, educational programs, collaborative initiatives, and professional exchanges, KSLM continues to strengthen its international network.

As an Affiliated Member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), KSLM looks forward to further expanding global partnerships, promoting scientific excellence and professional education, and contributing to the advancement of laboratory medicine for better patient care and public health worldwide.