LabMedica International May 2024

AI Technique Advances Colorectal Diagnostics

The incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) are on an alarming rise, with predictions showing a continuous increase until at least 2040. Currently, CRC ranks as the third most diagnosed (10.7% of all cancer cases) and the sec-

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Innovative Platform Provides Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing with Unprecedented Speed

Agroundbreaking diagnostic platform that delivers antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) results with unprecedented speed can become an important tool for healthcare professionals to manage bacteremia.

The LifeScale AST system from

Affinity Biosensors (Santa Barbara, CA, USA; affinitybio.com) is a state-of-the-art diagnostic platform that rapidly identifies the most effective antibiotics for treating dangerous bloodstream infections. This revolutionary system enables healthcare professionals

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Testing Combined with Drug Screening

Tumors Could Transform Cancer Treatment Genetic Testing Combined with Drug Screening of Tumors Could Transform Cancer Treatment

urrent genomic profiling can analyze thousands of genes but still fail to indicate a clear treatment path. Now, for the first time, researchers have combined genetic testing with personalized drug screening of tumor samples, identifying the right cancer therapy.

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations ranges from

PNew Device Overcomes Phlebotomy Problems

The discomfort associated with traditional blood draws leads to a significant issue: approximately 30% of diagnostic tests prescribed by physicians are never completed by patients. This avoidance is often due to the fear of pain from needle sticks and a reluctance to visit medical facilities where there’s a perceived risk of encountering illness. Now, a virtually pain-free, low-cost,

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Blood Test Improves Sepsis Diagnosis

Sepsis, a critical condition that arises from organ dysfunction due to severe infection, can progress to severe sepsis and septic shock, leading to multi-organ failure and increased mortality rates. The complexity of diagnosing sepsis stems from the absence of a definitive test, with current detection methods depending on broad-ranged biomarkers such as CRP, PCT, and lactate levels.

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Groundbreaking Blood Test Offers

Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

ancreatic cancer ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, primarily due to its late detection. Early discovery of the disease, while it’s still treatable, could significantly impact survival rates. For more than a century, scientists have

sought to link cancer with cellular energy production and metabolism. The advent of quantitative mass spectrometry has enabled the testing of many such theories. Now, for the first time, researchers have utilized targeted mass spectrometry to demonstrate that

Image: Embryonic stem cells in cellular therapy (Shutterstock)

PSimple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s

and Related Neurodegenerative

Diseases

arkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and pure autonomic failure (PAF), are progressive neurodegenerative diseases that, despite having some similar symptoms like tremors and cognitive issues, vary in their outcomes and do not benefit from identical treatments. A common feature among them is the accumulation of an abnormal protein in nerve fibers within the skin, known as phosphorylated α-synuclein (P-SYN). Now, neurologists have developed a simple skin biopsy test that can detect this abnormal form of alpha-synuclein with high positivity rates in individuals with such disorders.

In the study, neurologists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

(BIDMC, Boston, MA, USA; www. bidmc.org) enrolled 428 people, ages 40-99 years who were either diagnosed with one of the synucleinopathies based on clinical evaluations confirmed by specialists or were healthy volunteers without a history of neurodegenerative conditions. Each participant had skin biopsies taken from three sites: the neck, knee, and ankle. The findings revealed high detection rates of the P-SYN protein in patients with these conditions: 93% in those with PD, 96% in DLB, 98% in MSA, and 100% in PAF. Conversely, a small fraction (slightly over 3%) of the control group tested positive for P-SYN, suggesting the possibility of undiagnosed synucleinopathy risk among some healthy individuals. This study demonstrates the potential of skin biopsies as a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s and related disorders.

“Too often patients experience delays in diagnosis or are misdiagnosed due to the complexity of these diseases,” said lead author Christopher Gibbons, MD, a neurologist at BIDMC and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School (HMS). “With a simple, minimally-invasive skin biopsy test, this blinded multicenter study demonstrated how we can more objectively identify the underlying pathology of synucleinopathies and offer better diagnostic answers and care for patients.” The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on March 20, 2024.

Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

HIT Testing in Minutes.

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Coin-Sized Device Rapidly Isolates Blood Plasma for Quicker and More Precise Clinical Diagnoses

Identifying biomarkers for various cancers and diseases often relies on cell-free DNA, RNA, and extracellular vesicles. Traditionally, separating blood plasma to detect these markers requires centrifugation, spinning blood to isolate cells from plasma. Yet, even after multiple centrifugation cycles, some cells and platelets remain in the blood plasma, potentially releasing unwanted biological materials that can affect diagnostic accuracy. Researchers have now developed a compact, coin-sized chip capable of extracting blood plasma directly from a sample within 30 minutes, resulting in a more convenient and user-friendly option than the currently laborious centrifugation method.

The chip named ExoArc, developed by scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU, Singapore; www.ntu.edu.sg), offers a one-step solution to achieve over 99.9% purity by efficiently removing blood cells and platelets. This advance promises quicker and more reliable clinical analysis of critical biomarkers. To demonstrate its utility, the team developed a portable prototype device (measuring 30cm x 20cm x 30cm) incorporating the ExoArc chip (3.5cm x 2.5cm x 0.3cm), featuring a user-friendly touch-screen for easy operation and internal mechanisms for sample processing and plasma collection.

In clinical validation trials, ExoArc demonstrated its diagnostic capabilities by accurately identifying non-small cell lung cancer through microRNA profiling in blood plasma, achiev-

new device

blood plas-

ing 90% sensitivity. Additionally, the device proved effective in differentiating microRNA molecules in blood plasma between healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus, uncovering 293 distinct microRNA types from a single blood sample. The differences in microRNA profiles between diabetic patients and healthy controls highlight ExoArc's potential in biomarker identification and disease diagnosis, marking a significant step forward in non-invasive medical diagnostics.

“This technology can help clinicians better predict and manage complications of chronic metabolic conditions like diabetes, by providing more accurate, timely, and individualized information,” said Associate Professor Rinkoo Dalan, Senior Consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. “By detecting specific biomarkers accurately, we can tailor treatments to the unique needs of each patient, potentially improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of care.”

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria

Malaria, a serious illness that often leads to death, is spread by a specific mosquito species that infect humans with a parasite. Other transmission modes include blood transfusions, organ transplants, and shared needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood. Although the largest burden of malaria is in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Pacific, and the Americas also report many cases and deaths. Because of the risk of malaria transmission, many potential blood donors who have traveled to or lived in malaria-endemic areas are currently ineligible to donate blood. The existing methods for detecting malaria in blood, such as microscopy and serology, lack the necessary sensitivity to ensure the safety of blood transfusions. Now, the first FDAapproved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria marks a significant advancement in maintaining a safe global blood supply. Roche (Basel, Switzerland; diagnostics.roche. com) has obtained FDA approval for the cobas Malaria test for use on the cobas 6800/8800 Systems. This test enables healthcare providers

Image: The cobas Malaria test is the first FDA-approved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria (Photo courtesy of Roche)

to minimize the risks of malaria transmission through blood transfusion by identifying blood units infected with malaria. It screens for the five primary species of Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria in humans, enhancing both the safety and availability of blood supplies. Designed for screening blood, organs, and tissue donations, the cobas Malaria test is a qualitative

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Graham

Hernán

Bernard Gouget France

Maurizio Ferrari Italy

Tahir S. Pillay South Africa

Andreas Rothstein Colombia

Praveen Sharma India

Rosa I. Sierra-Amor Mexico

Peter Wilding United States

Andrew Wootton United Kingdom

LabMedica lnternational is published eight times a year and is circuIated worldwide (outside the USA and Canada) without charge and by written request, to clinical laboratory specialists and administrators, and other qualified professionals allied to the field.

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Image: The

isolates

ma in just 30 minutes for diagnostics and precision medicine (Photo courtesy of NTU)

New Device Overcomes Phlebotomy Problems

easy-to-use, whole blood and plasma collection and dispensing system solves the problem of the physical pain of a traditional blood draw, making it easier, cheaper, and faster to potentially receive a diagnosis.

RedDrop Dx’s (Fort Collins, CO, USA; www.reddropdx.com) innovative blood collection device, RedDrop One, aims to enhance blood collection technology and patient care practices. With its user-centric design, RedDrop One eliminates many of the drawbacks associated with traditional blood collection methods, allowing for the collection of larger blood volumes more efficiently and with significantly less discomfort for the patient. This device is designed to fulfill the requirements of both healthcare professionals and patients by facilitating a more streamlined and less painful blood collection procedure. A clinical study involving 100 participants validated the efficacy of RedDrop One for self-sampling, showcasing an impressive 97% success rate when users adhered to the provided instructions.

RedDrop One’s virtually painless, cost-efficient, and easy-to-use system is adaptable for a wide range of settings, including home healthcare, point-of-care applications, centralized labs, and decentralized clinical trials. This innovative device has secured 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use, marking a significant advancement in blood collection practices and patient care.

“Receiving FDA Class II medical device clearance for RedDrop One, our industry-leading solution, allows us to play a crucial role in improving patient care by making blood collection more accessible, reliable, less painful, and with the highest quality,” said Kris Buchanan, CEO and co-founder of RedDrop Dx. “This is particularly important for supporting decentralized clinical trials and a variety of testing applications, where our technology can help overcome common obstacles related to phlebotomy and ensure timely access to essential tests. Demand for RedDrop One has never been higher as the industry has become more aware of our breakthrough technology. We look forward to leading the industry and realizing the potential of remote testing.”

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria

in vitro test that detects Plasmodium RNA and DNA in whole blood samples from individual donors. It is essential to note that the test is not for diagnosing Plasmodium infections, nor is it applicable to cord blood samples or cadaveric blood specimens. Utilizing the Roche Whole Blood Collection Tube, the test streamlines the workflow by allowing direct blood draws from donors and immediate processing on the cobas 6800/8800 Systems.

“As the first FDA-approved blood screening test for malaria, this represents an important step forward in safeguarding the global supply of donated blood,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “The approval of cobas Malaria represents a significant advancement in malaria detection, offering healthcare professionals a reliable tool for donor screening and improving the safety of patients worldwide.”

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Gold standard for early kidney disease diagnosis

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· Excellent onboard and calibration stability of up to 12 weeks

DiaSys. Total confidence in patient results. www.diasys-diagnostics.com

Image: The RedDrop One blood collection device has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. FDA for prescription use (Photo courtesy of RedDrop Dx)

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CLIA ANALYZER

The MAGLUMI X6 is a flexible CLIA solution for medium/high-volume laboratories with a throughput of up to 450 T/H. It offers a flexible sample position design with onboard capability from 112 to 412

AI Technique Advances Colorectal Diagnostics

ond deadliest cancer type. Despite the effectiveness of imaging and endoscopic techniques in CRC detection, the final cancer diagnosis always relies on a pathologist’s assessment of histological samples. Grading dysplasia is still routinely performed by pathologists worldwide when assessing colorectal tissue samples. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems for colorectal pathology face challenges due to the high data volume and the massive resolution of images, leading to a bottleneck in deep learning (DL) approaches that extract patches from the whole slides.

Now, researchers at INESC TEC (Porto, Portugal; www.inesctec.pt) and IMP Diagnostics (Porto, Portugal; www.impdiagnostics.com) have created a pioneering prototype that employs artificial intelligence (AI) for colorectal diagnosis. This prototype is a result of a technical innovation involving a new, more efficient training methodology that significantly reduces the number of images needed to train the AI model without compromising its effectiveness. The advancement not only enhances image analysis technology but also contributes to developing more efficient solutions for diagnosing colorectal cancer. The project focused on enhancing a prototype that utilizes AI as a supplementary tool for diagnosing colon and rectal biopsies and creating the most extensive digital image database of colorectal pathologies, now freely available for research and knowledge advancement.

URINALYSIS HYBRID SYSTEM DIRUI INDUSTRIAL

The FUS-100 is the smallest hybrid urinalysis system in the world and has a high throughput of 60 tests per hour. It features a simplified and compact 3 in 1 design with an autoloader capacity of 50 samples.

The prototype uses AI as a complementary tool to the diagnosis of colon and rectal biopsies (Photo courtesy of INESC TEC)

amounting to nearly five terabytes of data, have been made accessible to the scientific community. The distribution of these digital images is part of IMP Diagnostics and INESC TEC’s commitment to science promotion and scientific knowledge sharing, adhering to the FAIR principles. These international guidelines recommend that scientific data should be easily findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

This model was trained using approximately 10,000 images of tissues affected by colorectal pathology, achieving a diagnostic accuracy of 93.44% and a sensitivity of 99.7% in identifying high-risk lesions associated with this cancer type. Over half (5,300) of these images,

Pedro Neto, a researcher at INESC TEC, stated that “part of the images can be used to train other AI models, while the others will be used specifically for testing/benchmarking between AI tools – towards improving thoroughness and fairness when comparing said tools”. Cont’d from cover

Breakthrough Test Monitors Radiation Therapy Toxicity in Cancer Patients

The concentration of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the bloodstream is an important indicator that can help track how well cancer treatments are working. Before starting treatment, measuring cfDNA levels can give doctors a snapshot of the extent of the cancer’s spread in the body. High levels of cfDNA often mean the cancer is widespread or aggressive. As treatment goes on, doctors can keep an eye on cfDNA levels to see if the treatment is effective. A drop in cfDNA levels could mean the treatment is working and the tumor is getting smaller. But if cfDNA levels remain unchanged or rise, it might mean the treatment isn’t working, and the cancer is still growing or has become resistant to treatment. Now, a simple blood test monitors this liquid biomarker in real time to track

how well a cancer treatment is working.

DiaCarta’s (Pleasanton, CA, USA; www.diacarta.com) RadTox Test is a liquid biopsy test designed to monitor tumor response and progression by observing changes in cfDNA levels. This test is crucial for determining early on if a patient’s treatment plan is effective, helping avoid unnecessary side effects. The RadTox Test uses DiaCarta’s unique QuantiDNA Direct cfDNA Test technology to measure cfDNA concentrations in a blood sample without the need for sample purification. This method allows doctors to quickly assess how well a treatment is working. With this information, doctors can adjust treatments in a more accurately and timely manner than before.

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Image:

HumaPette Smart-Line pipette features a low force to push plunger with a convenient plunger position for a superior price/performance ratio. It features an easy set and read display with feedback from button

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

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mild cases with minimal symptoms to severe disorders like sickle cell disease and Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis, which can cause extensive organ damage and necessitate lifelong blood transfusions. Capillary electrophoresis has been established as a reliable method for newborn screening of hemoglobin disorders, offering high-quality outcomes. Now, a next-generation instrument dedicated to newborn hemoglobin screening offers a smooth workflow and excellent analytical capabilities.

Sebia’s (Lisses, France; www.sebia.com) CAPILLARYS 3 DBS instrument is an automated, multitasking capillary electrophoresis instrument that uses 12 capillaries simultaneously for hands-free electrophoretic separation at high throughput. Designed to detect both standard (F and A) and abnormal hemoglobins (S, C, E, D, and Bart’s) in dried blood samples collected on filter paper from newborns, this instrument provides a qualitative analysis that enhances laboratory efficiency, ensures high throughput, and maintains complete traceability from the dried blood spot card to the final result, all within a cyber-secured environment.

The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS enables the analysis of samples from microplate wells and fully automates the electrophoresis separation process, from the dried blood spots on filter paper (Guthrie card) through to the final electrophoretic pattern: sample identification, sample dilution, sample incubation, capillary washing, sample injection into the capillaries, migration, detection, processing of the results, and data transmission to the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Offering an innovative alternative to traditional methods like IEF and HPLC, the CAPILLARYS for labs engaged in newborn hemoglobin screening, CAPILLARYS 3 DBS provides seamless sample traceability, exceptional results quality, and high throughput while with minimal hands-on time. Sebia has now received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices.

“As a global leader for hemoglobinopathy testing, Sebia is expanding its portfolio in the United States with this innovative solution, which can be easily integrated into the laboratory workflow significantly reducing manual intervention while ensuring comprehensive traceability,” said Arnaud Collin, Sebia Group Vice President Global Regulatory Affairs & Quality. “This will help laboratories to make timely and accurate decisions for newborns.”

The VeriSeq NIPT Solution v2 is an IVD test intended for use as a screening test for detection of genome-wide fetal genetic anomalies from maternal peripheral whole blood specimens in pregnant women of at least 10 weeks gestation.

Breakthrough Test Monitors Radiation Therapy Toxicity in Cancer Patients

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The RadTox Test is particularly useful during various treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other cancer therapies, monitoring cfDNA levels throughout the entire course of treatment. This provides early insights into how the cancer is responding to treatment, well before imaging tests might show changes, often three months after therapy starts. This timely feedback is crucial for making informed treatment decisions. Unlike traditional molecular residual disease (MRD) monitoring that only look for specific cancer mutations after treatment, the RadTox Test offers a broader perspective by tracking overall cfDNA changes. This gives doctors a clearer understanding of the treatment’s impact, helping tailor care to each patient’s needs.

“With just 10 microliters of plasma, our test has generated significant clinical data across a broad spectrum of cancer treatments,” explained Dr. Aiguo (Adam) Zhang, President, and CEO of DiaCarta. “Our initial findings across 22 tumor types with over 250,000 samples performed globally demonstrate the immense potential of this pan-cancer monitoring test.”

Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

HIGH-SPEED LABORATORY CENTRIFUGE

OMNI INTERNATIONAL

The CF-260 is a high-speed laboratory centrifuge with a maximum rotational speed of 18,000 rpm that gives a centrifugal force of 31,150 RCF. Its ergonomic and state-ofthe-art design make the CF-260 a user-friendly instrument.

Blood Test Improves Sepsis Diagnosis

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The disease’s variability and the general approach of administering broad-spectrum antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals underscore the urgency for more specific diagnostic and treatment strategies. New research presented at European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2024) highlights the success achieved by researchers in identifying distinct molecular signatures associated with the clinical signs of sepsis that could enable more accurate diagnosis and prognosis of the condition, as well as help design targeted therapies for patients who stand to benefit the most.

In this study, researchers from Lund University (Lund, Sweden) analyzed plasma samples collected over a period of five years from 1,364 adults suspected of sepsis upon their arrival at the emergency department. Of these, 913 were diagnosed with sepsis out of 1,073 who had infections. Through mass spectrometry, the researchers developed detailed molecular profiles, enabling them to identify protein patterns that accurately predict septic shock. This information was used to create a machine-learning model, categorizing patients into risk groups for developing septic shock, thus demonstrating the model’s potential to predict sepsis severity and associated mortality risks accurately.

Furthermore, the researchers identified protein panels indicative of six organ dysfunctions (cardiac, CNS, coagulation, liver, kidney, respiratory) and various infections, influencing the distinct proteomic pathways influencing sepsis. Risk classifications based on organ dysfunction and infection probabilities offered insights into the mortality risks, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions. However, the researchers acknowledged the study’s limitations, such as the need for validation across diverse cohorts and the dynamic nature of sepsis requiring continuous monitoring. This research marks a significant step toward advancing the understanding and management of sepsis, emphasizing the need for further studies to explore the progression of proteomic changes in sepsis over time.

“A fast test that provides more accurate sepsis diagnosis and could also predict who is at greater risk of poorer outcomes now seems a genuine possibility”, said co-lead author Dr. Lisa Mellhammar from Lund University. “Any research like this needs clinical validation and many hurdles must be cleared before these biomarkers are used in the clinic. But we envision this as a tool that could be deployed worldwide, as the future of early detection of sepsis.”

AUTOMATIC CLINICAL CHEMISTRY ANALYZER SCLAVO DIAGNOSTICS

The ChemiLab 200 is a compact fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer with a throughput of up to 200 tests per hour and a wide range of validated pre-barcoded clinical chemistry and plasma and urinary proteins reagents.

3D

Printed Point-of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-of-the-Art

Models

Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels for hypothyroidism patients. However, the high cost of mass spectrometers, often reaching several hundred thousand dollars, restricts them to labs that require the transportation of blood samples for analysis, thereby complicating chronic disease management. Now, researchers have taken a big step towards building inexpensive hardware that could make mass spectrometry local. The team has used 3D printing to create a low-cost ionizer, a vital component of the mass spectrometer, that can deliver twice as good a performance as its high-end counterparts.

The device developed at MIT (Cambridge, MA, USA; web.mit. edu) spans just a few centimeters and is designed for mass production, enabling its integration into mass spectrometers through robotic assembly method. This also makes it more economical than traditional ionizers which often demand manual assembly, expensive hardware to interface with the mass spectrometer, or construction in a semiconductor clean room. By using 3D printing instead, along with some clever optimizations, the researchers produced a low-cost electrospray emitter that can outperform state-of-the-art mass spectrometry ionizers.

The optimizations allow the electrospray emitter to operate at 24%

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Image: Scientists have developed a new tool in the race to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis (Photo courtesy of Roman Zaiets/Shutterstock)

ADeep Learning Powered AI Algorithms Improve Skin Cancer Diagnostic Accuracy

rtificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are increasingly being utilized in various clinical settings, such as dermatology. These algorithms are developed by training a computer with hundreds of thousands or millions of images of various skin conditions, each labeled with details like the diagnosis and patient outcomes. Through a process known as deep learning, the computer learns to identify patterns in the images that are indicative of specific skin diseases, including cancers. Once sufficiently trained, the algorithm can suggest potential diagnoses based on new images of a patient’s skin. However, these algorithms do not operate in isolation; they are used under the supervision of clinicians who evaluate the patient, make their own diagnostic assessments, and decide whether to follow the algorithm’s recommendations.

A new study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine (Stanford, CA, USA; www.med.stanford.edu) has found that AI algorithms, which utilize deep learning, can enhance the accuracy of diagnosing skin cancers. The study analyzed 12 research papers that doc umented over 67,000 evaluations of possible skin cancers by various med ical practitioners, both with and with out AI assistance. Findings indicated that healthcare practitioners without

3D Printed Point-of-Care

Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-of-the-Art Models

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higher voltage than state-of-the-art versions, thereby more than doubling its signal-to-noise ratio. The method of batch processing could drastically reduce the cost of each emitter, paving the way for affordable point-of-care mass spectrometry. The team is now focused on developing a prototype that integrates their ionizer with a 3D-printed mass filter, another critical component of the device. Additionally, they are advancing the development of 3D-printed vacuum pumps, a key challenge in 3D printing an entire compact mass spectrometer.

AI support accurately diagnosed approximately 75% of actual skin cancer cases and correctly identified about 81.5% of non-cancerous conditions that resembled cancer. The performance of healthcare practitioners improved when they used AI to assist with diagnoses. Their sensitivity increased to about 81.1% and their specificity to 86.1%.

Although these improvements might appear modest, they are crucial for correctly diagnosing patients who are either mistakenly told they do not have cancer when they do, or incorrectly informed they have cancer when they do not. The analysis further revealed that medical students, nurse practitioners, and primary care physicians gained the most from AI assistance, with average improvements of

approximately 13 points in sensitivity and 11 points in specificity. While dermatologists and dermatology residents already showed higher overall accuracy, their diagnostic performance also saw gains in sensitivity and specificity with AI assistance. The study was published on April 9 in the journal npj Digital Medicine.

AMPLIRUN® TOTAL

Independent Molecular Controls for infectious diseases testing

“Our big vision is to make mass spectrometry local. For someone who has a chronic disease that requires constant monitoring, they could have something the size of a shoebox that they could use to do this test at home. For that to happen, the hardware has to be inexpensive,” said Luis Fernando Velásquez-García, a principal research scientist in MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratories.

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Image: AI can improve the accuracy of skin cancer diagnoses (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE TEST

R-BIOPHARM

The SeraSpot ANA-17 IgG is an in vitro diagnostic device for the detection of antinuclear (ANA) and cytoplasmic antibodies of the IgG isotype directed against antigens in human serum or plasma samples.

Genetic Testing Combined with Drug Screening of Tumors Could Transform Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment typically adheres to a standard of care— established, statistically validated regimens that are effective for the majority of patients. However, the disease’s inherent variability means that a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. Individual responses to the same drug can vary dramatically. Personalized cancer treatment, which outperforms traditional treatment methods, increasingly relies on genomics—DNA profiling of a patient’s cancer—to tailor therapy. Current genomic profiling processes can analyze thousands of genes but might take weeks to deliver results and still fail to provide complete clarity on the optimal treatment strategy. For the first time, researchers have combined genetic testing with personalized drug screening directly on tumor samples to identify the right treatment for children with relapsed cancers, offering a timelier and effective approach.

The functional precision medicine approach to target cancer, developed by researchers at Florida International University (Miami, FL, USA; www.fiu.edu), combines genetic testing with a new method of testing individual drugs on tumor samples. The combined approach offers advantages over the current precision medicine processes by speeding up results and broadening treatment possibilities. This innovative method involves taking a blood or tumor sample, enriching and processing the cancer cells in the lab to mimic natural growth in the body, and then testing these cells against a library of over 120 FDA-approved drugs, which includes both oncological and non-oncological treatments. These drugs are tested individually and in combinations suggested by the clinical team to identify the most effective treatment options. The entire process is completed in about a week.

This new approach was successfully implemented to guide treatment for children with relapsed cancers, showing improvement in 83% of cases. Ongoing larger trials for both children and adults aim to validate and expand these findings. Furthermore, this research opens new avenues for addressing health disparities; it explores how minority populations uniquely respond to FDA-approved drugs and aims to identify biomarkers and more effective targeted therapies for these groups.

“The results are exciting because cancer that comes back is much harder to treat. Seeing improvement in 83 percent of patients is incredibly promising,” said Florida International University cancer researcher Diana Azzam who led the study, which was published in Nature Medicine on April 11, 2024. “This could be the way we turn cancer into a manageable disease.”

3-PART-DIFF

The BH-70P (BH-3000T) 3-part-diff hematology analyzer measures 22 parameters with P_LCC, P_LCR and RBC, WBC, and PLT histograms using a micro-sample volume of 8.5µL for whole blood mode and 20µL for pre-diluted mode.

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane inside the ovary. Often discovered by chance in women without symptoms, ovarian cysts can also be detected during evaluations for pelvic pain. Surgical removal is a common treatment, with 5%-10% of women with ovarian cysts undergoing surgery. Of these, 13%-21% are found to have cancer upon intra-operative evaluation. The Frozen Section procedure for intra-operative evaluation that involves the slicing and microscopic examination of freeze-dried ovarian tissue aids in this determination but suffers from limitations such as unavailability, a lengthy process of up to 60 minutes, and low accuracy. The need for a swift method to differentiate between benign and malignant cysts during surgery is critical to inform management and treatment choices effectively.

INEX Innovate (Singapore; www.inex.sg) has now introduced the OvaCis Rapid Test, a novel intraoperative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device. This test, with the ability to rapidly distinguish benign from malignant ovarian cysts within just 15 minutes, provides surgeons with immediate diagnostic data. This enables them to make quicker, more informed decisions and reduce unnecessary surgical procedures. The OvaCis Rapid Test has received regulatory approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore and is also CE-marked, and MHRA, UK registered.

Image: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 3D illustration showing abundant lymphoblasts in blood (Shutterstock)

Innovative Platform Provides Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing with Unprecedented Speed

to make well-informed treatment decisions, enhancing patient recovery, minimizing treatment costs, and promoting responsible antibiotic use. The fully automated benchtop system utilizes unique microfluidic sensing to measure the masses of individual microbes at high throughput, facilitating rapid and precise evaluation of phenotypic response to antibiotics. It delivers accurate results for carbapenem-resistant and multi-drug-resistant organisms in less than five hours—substantially reducing the time required for selecting the most appropriate antibiotic therapies for patients.

Designed to fit seamlessly into existing clinical workflows, LifeScale AST features simple, chemistry-free sample preparation and processing, high throughput, and cost-effective operations. It also boasts room-temperature consumables storage and compatibility with existing organism identification systems. The system’s user-friendly touchscreen interface automates the workflow, significantly reducing the minimal hands-on time required for technicians. It provides minimum inhibitory con-

Hcentration (MIC) results as well as interpretive (SIR) results using CLSI or FDA breakpoints. The capability to process multiple samples simultaneously further enhances the system’s utility in a clinical setting. Following the initial launch of the Gram-negative blood culture AST panel plans for additional AST tests are un derway. The LifeScale AST sys tem has now received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Image: The LifeScale AST automated benchtop system has received U.S. FDA clearance (Photo courtesy of Affinity Biosensors)

“We are very proud of achieving FDA clear ance for the LifeScale AST system,” said Dr. Ken Babcock, CEO of Affinity Biosensors. “This revolutionary technology has the potential to transform how infections associated with sepsis are treated. We are very grateful to our dedi cated team and partners who have worked tire lessly to bring LifeScale AST to market. We are especially gratified to witness this performance borne out in our collaborations with healthcare institutions nationwide.”

Blood Test Identifies Patients at Highest Risk of Dying From Heart Failure

eart failure is a serious condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body, leading to frequent hospital stays and a decline in quality of life. A protein known as neuropeptide Y (NPY) is produced by nerves in the heart under severe stress. NPY can cause dangerous heart rhythms and narrow the heart's smallest blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder and narrowing the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Now, a new study has found that measuring NPY levels could predict the progression of heart failure, paving the way for a blood test to assist in managing heart failure treatment within the next five years.

The collaborative study by researchers at the University of Oxford (Oxford, UK; www.ox.ac. uk) and University of Glasgow (Scotland, UK; www.gla.ac.uk) found that patients with the highest NPY levels had a 50% greater chance of dying from heart complications within three years of the study, compared to those with lower NPY levels. This insight could lead to a blood test for identifying those most at risk of heart failure mortality. Over 800 heart failure patients at various stages were involved in the study, where researchers measured levels of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), a hormone already used in heart failure diagnosis. They also monitored participants’ blood pressure and performed echocardiograms, following up regularly.

After adjusting for known factors affecting heart failure progression like age, kidney func-

tion, heart pumping efficiency, and BNP levels, it was found that patients with high NPY levels, about one-third of the participants, faced a 50% increased risk of dying from heart complications over the follow-up period compared to those with lower levels. High NPY levels did not result in more hospital admissions, suggesting a potential link to sudden, out-of-hospital heart-related deaths. The findings suggest that combining NPY measurements with BNP levels could refine heart failure diagnoses and identify those at increased risk of death.

Identifying high-risk individuals early could guide medical professionals in choosing the most effective treatments, including the possibility of installing a lifesaving implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The researchers aim to make NPY blood testing available in clinical settings within five years. Future larger-scale studies will further examine the predictive value of high NPY levels for ICD candidacy. Additional research will consider NPY as a target for new heart failure treatments.

1 Drop 1 Minute

“Patients with heart failure are still at a high risk of dying despite the advances in treatment. Our work shows that NPY is a promising marker that can be measured in the blood to determine which patients are more likely to die. We hope that this will allow us to identify patients who may benefit from new therapies,” said Professor Pardeep Jhund, Professor of Cardiology and Epidemiology at the University of Glasgow’s School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health.

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Groundbreaking Blood Test Offers Earlier Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

pancreatic cancer stems from changes in cellular metabolism that are detectable using a simple blood test. This method could lead to more precise and earlier diagnoses of pancreatic cancer than currently possible with tumor markers or imaging techniques, potentially paving the way for more timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

In contrast to genomic approaches that measure DNA for early detection and often struggle with false positives and negatives, mass spectrometry can measure extremely low concentrations of biochemicals in plasma with remarkable accuracy. Scientists at Metabolomycs (Long Beach, CA, USA; www.metabolomycs.com) have found that these metabolic signatures in the blood can predict survival rates in patients battling this aggressive cancer. This discovery marks a new direction in pancreatic cancer research, moving beyond genomics and DNA analysis to define the disease as a metabolic disorder.

According to the researchers, variations in amino acids, blood sugars, and lipids define cancer as a state of metabolic stress. Metabolomics, a novel scientific field, employs sensitive tools like mass spectrometry to quantify metabolic byproducts in blood and other bodily fluids. Although mass spectrometry has broad applications, the emergence of targeted mass spectrometry has facilitated its direct clinical use. For the first time, researchers can accurately measure blood levels of metabolic byproducts in real-time. This enabled the researchers to discover highly discriminating ratios that pitted amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, against lipids including triglycerides and sugars like glucose. These findings provide a unique “cancer signature” that differentiates individuals with pancreatic cancer from healthy subjects and can also distinguish pancreatic cancer from other cancer types, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

“What we find is that pancreatic cancers establish a new set of rules for making and using energy that propel these malignant tumors to succeed, all at the expense of the cancer patient’s wellbeing,” said Dr. Robert Nagourney. “Our findings show that these metabolic tests have the potential to identify pancreatic cancers at the earliest stages when it is still possible to cure the patient. They can also be used to define risk groups that help predict a patient’s likelihood of survival.”

Puritan® UniTranz-RT® allows for quick collection and reliable transport to the lab. One sample can then be tested for flu, COVID-19, or other viral illnesses, making it easy to find answers.

Novel Smart Hydrogel Paves Way for New ‘Lollipop’ Mouth Cancer Diagnostic

Currently, the process of diagnosing oral cancer involves the uncomfortable step of inserting a flexible camera, attached to a tube, through the nose or mouth to take a tissue sample. This invasive procedure, which is both time-consuming and reliant on skilled professionals, could soon be replaced by a groundbreaking and patient-friendly alternative. A newly developed ‘lollipop’ diagnostic tool, created using innovative smart hydrogel technology, promises a quicker, more accurate, and less invasive way to diagnose mouth cancer, potentially leading to earlier detection for patients.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham (Birmingham, UK; www.birmingham.ac.uk) are developing a prototype flavored ‘lollipop’ from a smart hydrogel they had developed previously. Smart hydrogels have a remarkable ability to soak up vast amounts of water while capturing larger molecules, like proteins, similar to how a net captures fish. This innovative diagnostic tool works by having patients transfer saliva into the hydrogel by sucking on the ‘lollipop.’ Subsequently, proteins indicative of the early stages of mouth cancer can be isolated by exposing the hydrogel to UV light, releasing the captured proteins for laboratory analysis. The biocompatible hydrogel concentrates and labels proteins with a fluorescent marker in just one step, making it

Cont’d on page 16

Image: The simple blood test can measure changes in cellular metabolism arising from pancreatic cancer (Photo courtesy of Metabolomycs)

Cont’d from cover

Fluid Biomarker Test Detects Neurodegenerative Diseases Before Symptoms Appear

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are two progressively neurodegenerative conditions that damage essential nerve cells. ALS compromises nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to movement impairment, while FTD damages brain areas responsible for personality, behavior, and language. Studies indicate that in ALS or FTD patients, TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) malfunctions. This disruption prevents the correct splicing of ribonucleic acid (RNA), essential for generating proteins necessary for nerve growth and function. Instead, RNA strands become riddled with erroneous code sequences, known as “cryptic exons,” which are linked to an elevated risk of developing ALS and FTD. The timing of this anomaly in the disease progression of ALS and FTD was previously unknown.

Now, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine (Baltimore, MD, USA; www.hopkinsmedicine.org) have developed a method for identifying a specific protein, hepatoma-derived growth factor-like 2 [HDGFL2], linked to TDP-43 dysfunction. Identifying this protein has led to a biomarker that could detect ALS and FTD at their initial stages, possibly before symptoms manifest. The search began with identifying cryptic exon-linked proteins related to TDP-43 function loss, followed by utilizing fragments from those proteins known as cryptic peptides for creating monoclonal (laboratory-made) antibodies specific to each one. These antibodies, when introduced into blood or cerebrospinal fluid samples, bind exclusively to their target cryptic peptides for which they were designed, enabling protein detection.

The team validated this method using blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from three different groups, including people with the most common forms of familial (genetic) ALS and FTD linked to a mutation in the C9orf72 gene, sporadic (not defined as genetic) forms of ALS and FTD, and healthy controls. They also tested biofluid samples from pre-diagnostic stages, meaning that the researchers could look for cryptic HDGFL2 at both presymptomatic and symptomatic stages of the diseases. The test successfully identified cryptic HDGFL2 in early disease phases in genetically predisposed individuals who were expected to go on to develop the diseases, suggesting its potential as a preclinical biomarker for ALS and FTD risk prediction.

Furthermore, the test detected higher levels of cryptic HDGFL2 in fluids of individuals with sporadic ALS and FTD, underscoring the biomarker’s capability to identify the disease in the absence of a known family history. By detecting cryptic HDGFL2 in presymptomatic stages, researchers can compare its effectiveness with an established biomarker for ALS and FTD. The team is now expanding its sample pool globally to validate the effectiveness, reliability, and sensitivity of their biomarker. They aim to use it as a clinical tool and to assess therapy effectiveness in ALS and FTD by monitoring changes in cryptic HDGFL2 levels and restoration of TDP-43 functionality post-treatment.

“Of all the cryptic peptides for which we

Image: The biomarker locates a protein associated with loss of function for TDP-43 protein (Photo courtesy of Johns Hopkins Medicine)

made monoclonal antibodies, the one that worked best was the one designed for the cryptic HDGFL2 protein,” said Katie Irwin, an M.D./Ph.D. student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “We used that monoclonal antibody to develop an extremely sensitive detection test for the cryptic HDGFL2 protein in body fluids.”

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Single Genetic Test to Accelerate Diagnosing Rare Developmental Disorders

Alterations in human DNA range from minor single nucleotide variations to substantial alterations involving the deletion or duplication of extensive DNA segments, known as copy number variations (CNVs). While CNVs contribute significantly to human genetic diversity and are often harmless, they can also lead to various neurodevelopmental disorders like Angelman syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and Williams-Beuren syndrome. Children suspected of having genetic conditions due to these significant DNA deletions or duplications typically undergo a lengthy diagnostic process that begins with microarray testing and may advance to more comprehensive genome-wide sequencing tests, such as exome or genome sequencing. Detecting CNVs in sequencing data and interpreting them can be challenging for clinical teams, which is why microarrays are commonly employed. Scientists have now created a single approach to identify these structural alterations using data from genome-wide exome sequencing assays.

The findings of the study by researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute (Cambridgeshire, UK; www.sanger.ac.uk) along with their collaborators suggest that a genetic test could be capable of replacing the existing dual-step diagnostic approach for identifying rare developmental disorders in children. This advancement could facilitate earlier diagnoses for affected families and save critical healthcare resources. The team reevaluated genetic information from approximately 10,000 families involved in the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study. They devised a single-assay technique that integrates four algorithms using machine learning to examine exome sequencing data.

The team demonstrated for the first time that exome sequencing, which only reads only protein-coding DNA, is equally or more accurate than standard clinical microarrays at identifying disease-causing structural genetic variations. Upon comparing this innovative single-assay method against the usual clinical methods, the researchers found it could accurately identify 305 significant pathogenic mutations, including 91 that were undetectable by standard clinical microarrays previously. These results indicate the potential of this method to replace existing diagnostic procedures, offering quicker, more accurate detection of rare genetic diseases, and potentially leading to significant savings for healthcare systems. However, the implementation of this approach may require additional training for specialists to efficiently generate and analyze the data, according to the researchers.

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“We are still learning how large-scale genetic variations impact human health. This study proves that with the right computational methods, a single test can accurately detect them,” said Professor Matthew Hurles, Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute and senior author of the study published in the journal Genetics Medicine

Novel Smart Hydrogel Paves Way for New ‘Lollipop’ Mouth Cancer Diagnostic

Cont’d from page 14

ideal for diagnostics that aim to detect low-abundance proteins from small samples.

The hydrogel achieves protein capture via the fluorescent marker (fluorescein isothiocyanate or FITC), which is attached to the hydrogel by a photocleavable bond. Upon exposure to light, the protein, which is now attached to the fluorescein, gets released from the hydrogel. Early experiments demonstrated the hydrogel’s ability to offer a concentration factor of 236 with a reference protein (streptavidin), and 50% of the proteins in the hydrogel were released after 100 seconds of exposure to UV light. This gel presents several advantages over current diagnostic methods by simplifying the process, requiring fewer steps than ELISA-based assays or preconcentration techniques, and operating effectively at room temperature. Its biocompatibility further allows for its application both in vitro and directly on patients, marking a significant advancement from traditional, invasive diagnostic procedures that demand medical expertise.

“Smart hydrogels have really exciting potential for diagnosing mouth cancer,” said Dr. Ruchi Gupta, Associate Professor of Biosensors at the University of Birmingham who developed the gel. “They can be easily molded into shapes as a solid to “catch” proteins in saliva, and we’re hoping that we can be the first to make a device which is much kinder for diagnosing mouth cancer for patients and easier for GPs to use.”

Image: The single genomic test promises accelerated diagnoses for rare genetic diseases (Photo courtesy of Wellcome Sanger Institute)

Edited by Katherina Psarra, MSc, PhD

Winners of 2024 IFCC Distinguished Awards Announced

Milan, 18 April 2024 - The IFCC is pleased to announce the names of the winners of the six IFCC Distinguished Awards 2024. The IFCC Distinguished Awards are bestowed to laboratory medicine professionals to recognize their outstanding achievements, publicize their exceptional research and contributions to medicine and healthcare, and encourage the overall advancement of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine.

Prof. Philippe Gillery (France) is the winner of the 2024 IFCC Howard Morris Distinguished Clinical Chemist Award (since 2020); IFCC Distinguished Clinical Chemist Award (1967- 2017), sponsored by Yashraj Biotechnology Ltd. This prestigious award recognizes specifically an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the science of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine or the application of Clinical Chemistry to the understanding or the solution of medical problems.

Prof. Terho Lehtimäki (Finland), is the winner of the 2024 IFCC Award for Significant Contributions in Molecular Diagnostics, sponsored by Abbott Molecular. This award recognizes specifically an individual who has made unique contributions to the promotion and understanding of molecular biology and its applications in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine worldwide.

Prof. Etienne Cavalier (Belgium), is the winner of the 2024 IFCC Distinguished Award for Laboratory Medicine and Patient Care, sponsored by Snibe. This award recognizes specifically an individual who has made unique contributions in Laboratory Medicine, its application in improving patient care, and having a worldwide impact in clinical medicine.

Prof. Allan Jaffe (United States), is the winner of the 2024 IFCC Distinguished Award for Contributions to Cardiovascular Diagnostics, sponsored by Hytest. This award honours an individual who has undertaken remarkable scientific work with cardiac markers or immunodiagnostic applications to improve cardiac disease diagnosis.

Prof. Zhen Zhao (United States) is the winner of the 2024 IFCC Distinguished Women Scientist Award For Contribution to In Vitro Diagnostics, sponsored by Yashraj Biotechnology Ltd. This award recognizes a woman who has made significant contributions to the development or utilization of In Vitro Diagnostics with emphasis on applications in primary healthcare.

Dr. David Barthelemy (France), is the winner of the 2024 IFCC-Gérard Siest Young Scientist Award for Distinguished Contributions in Pharmacogenetics, sponsored by Biologie Prospective. This award recognizes an outstanding young investigator or young leader (under 40 years of age) for his/her contribution to advancing the scientific discipline of pharmacogenomics and Personalized/Precision Medicine

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Staff Members: Paola Bramati, Silvia Cardinale, Silvia Colli-Lanzi, Elisa Fossati, Sofia Giardina, Smeralda Skenderaj

and/or its impact on research, development, standardization, quality management, regulatory evaluation or utilization in therapy.

Prof. Khosrow Adeli, Chair IFCC Awards Committee, stated: “On behalf of the IFCC Awards Committee and the entire IFCC family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of the 2024 Awards winners. May this well-deserved recognition serve as a source of inspiration and motivation as you continue your journey of contributing to science and education in the field of laboratory medicine. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation have truly set you apart as leaders in your respective fields. This welldeserved recognition not only celebrates your outstanding contributions but also underscores the profound impact of your work on the global scientific community. Your groundbreaking research and discoveries and/or your contribution to clinical laboratory service serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of scientists, paving the way for further advancements and breakthroughs. Through your tireless efforts, you have not only expanded the boundaries of human knowledge but also enriched our understanding of the world around us. As you stand on this remarkable pinnacle of success, know that your achievements resonate far beyond the confines of academia. They serve as a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity in driving meaningful change and shaping a brighter future for all.”

Prof. Tomris Ozben, IFCC President, commented: “On behalf of the Executive Board of the IFCC, and as the IFCC President, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the prestigious IFCC Distinguished Awards. I also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the IFCC societies for their invaluable efforts in nominating outstanding candidates. I extend our sincere gratitude to the sponsors of the IFCC Distinguished Awards.”

Prof. Terho Lehtimäki (Finland)

Prof. Zhen Zhao (United States)

Prof. Philippe Gillery (France)

Prof. Allan Jaffe (United States)

Prof. Etienne Cavalier (Belgium)

Dr. David Barthelemy (France)

Your 2025 UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence Award Application: Tips For Success

The UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award program is global award program that seeks to recognize, amplify, and celebrate best practices in healthcare that are facilitated by laboratory medicine. While UNIVANTS was created by Abbott, it is product agnostic, with 7 prestigious program partners, including International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC), Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine (ADLM), Modern Healthcare, National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), European Health Management Association (EHMA), Institute of Health Economics (IHE), Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), serving as judges.

On August 1st, 2024, the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award program opens the 2025 application process, enabling online submissions through until

Eligibility criteria and requirements are available at www.UnivantsHCE.com. The website also offers links to a reference guide and multiple tools that help support the application process, with additional insights, tips and how-to’s for highlighting the value of your work through UNIVANTS.

Tip 2. Proofread all content for clarity, legibility, and completeness

UNIVANTS

website. When preparing your application, consider the following recommendations, while also maximizing program guidance documents found on the application portal.

Tip 1: Closely review eligibility criteria and program requirements

Ensuring program eligibility is a crucial first step when applying to UNIVANTS.

Ensure all aspects of your application are clear, legible and complete. This is a simple and easy way to enable legibility and clarity. Terminology used within the application should also be easy to understand and globally relevant, with all acronyms defined.

Tip 3. Learn from other best practices

Learn from example best practices from years prior who have been recognized by the UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence awards for successfully achieving measurably better healthcare. Also note that the existing best practices can serve as templates for not only excellent metrics, but as ideation for best practices themselves. The UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence program welcomes repeat themes across sites and geographies, rewarding measurably change over novelty.

Tip 4. Ask for help when needed

The UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence award is a team award. Involving and utilizing the expertise of each team member when creating the application is important for optimizing ideas and for highlighting the impact of your best practice. The UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence Program also has a dedicated email to support questions about the award process < UNIVANTSofHealthcareExcellence@ abbott.com>

Tip 5. Start preparing early

Early preparation and submission of your UNIVANTS application can help not only ensure you meet program deadlines, but also provide ample time for metric collection to best highlight the value of your best practice. Additionally, applications submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the program deadline (i.e., by November 1st) are often given the opportunity to resolve gap(s) and/or provide additional clarity, if needed.

If you and/or your integrated clinical care team want to learn more and/or apply for this prestigious global recognition, now is the time to start by visiting the UNIVANTS website for more details.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

By Tomris Ozben • President, IFCC

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

On behalf of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and in my capacity as Congress President, I am delighted and honored that I could welcome so many of you at the 26th International Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (ICCCLM) - IFCC WorldLab Congress. This congress was jointly organized with the 17th Congress of the Arab Federation of Clinical Biology (AFCB); 10th Annual Meeting of the Saudi Society for Clinical Chemistry (SSCC), and the 8th International and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Genetic Disorders Conference in partnership with MZ Events. It took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (WTC) from May 26 to May 30, 2024.

The WorldLab Congress usually holds a significant position in the landscape of laboratory medicine, bringing together scientists, researchers, clinicians, and experts from the In Vitro Diagnostics industry for a stimulating five-day journey of scientific exploration and education. So this happened also this time!

The Scientific Program Committee had meticulously curated an outstanding, intellectually stimulating, and motivational multidisciplinary program covering fundamental principles, advanced diagnostics, and state-of-the-art techniques in laboratory medicine. Esteemed international speakers and key opinion leaders delved into various topics including healthcare, recent diagnostic technologies, scientific breakthroughs, and pertinent challenges.

Renowned for its comprehensive program, the congress comprised a dynamic range of plenary lectures, symposia, workshops, and poster presentations, addressing a wide spectrum of subjects. It served as a crucial platform for collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of leading-edge knowledge within the field.

Preceding the main Congress, the 3rd IFCC FORUM for Young Scientists and IFCC Council meeting were already organized.

WorldLab 2024 served as a conduit to showcase the latest technologies and innovations in laboratory medicine and to explore their potential applications in healthcare. This assembly fostered collaboration among researchers and clinicians, ultimately propelling forward patient care and outcomes. The Congress held accreditation from the EFLM CPECS®, ensuring quality assurance and providing Continuing Professional Development for participants.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Sector, whose steadfast support and contributions were instrumental in realizing the success of this Congress. The In Vitro Diagnostic Sector played a pivotal role in organizing two essential activities: High-level Educational Workshops featuring eminent speakers presenting the latest scientific advances across all disciplines relevant to laboratory medicine, and an impressive exhibition offering attendees a prime opportunity to explore recent technological advancements, products, and services aimed at enhancing laboratory operations. These tailored solutions catered to the specific requirements of clinical laboratories, ensuring attendees gained valuable insights and access to state-of-the-art tools in the field.

The objective of this meeting was not only to advance laboratory medicine and disseminate advanced knowledge but also to foster the establishment of professional and scientific connections among participants.

I extend our deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to making this congress a reality. Special thanks go to all

the eminent speakers, IVD industry representatives, and participants from around the world. I would also like to express appreciation to the Professional Congress Organizer (MZ) for their dedicated efforts in successfully organizing the congress. Importantly, key sessions of the Congress and the exhibition were accessible to colleagues unable to attend physically, ensuring that the benefits of the Congress reached scientists who could not participate in person.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all participants for their delightful stay in Dubai. The 26th WorldLab was indeed an unforgettable congress, offering an extraordinary opportunity to engage with leading experts and scientists, partake in an inspiring scientific program, explore the exhibition, and engage in networking and social activities. I hope their time here was both rewarding and enriching.

On a related topic, I firmly believe that advancing healthcare through Laboratory Medicine hinges on the active engagement and dedicated involvement of IFCC Member Societies, Corporate Members, and IFCC officers of the Functional Units. Their collective efforts play a pivotal role in guiding our profession toward the objectives and direction which will be outlined in the new IFCC Strategic Action Plans, set to be implemented in the coming years. This plan was crafted in collaboration with the IFCC Executive Board, IFCC Functional Units, IFCC National Societies, and Corporate Members, incorporating their suggestions, ideas, and comments in formulating the IFCC Strategic Action Plans.

Success in this evolving landscape requires collaborations between industry, public, private, and academic drivers of innovation. The IFCC Executive Board welcomes the input of ideas, comments, suggestions, and sharing of challenges and concerns from National Societies and IVD Industry Partners. We invite them to actively participate in IFCC’s endeavors, encouraging collaboration to fortify IFCC’s leadership role in advancing laboratory medicine and enhancing the quality of healthcare and medical laboratories worldwide. Their engagement and contributions are vital as we work together towards these shared goals. Their feedback, participation, and engagement will be integral to steering laboratory medicine forward and shaping the future of our profession.

Achieving our shared objectives requires collaborative action and effort. I’m also thrilled to announce that, to facilitate this, an interactive global platform will be established for IFCC members in laboratory medicine, colleagues from the in vitro diagnostic industry, digital health, and medical devices. This platform will provide opportunities to interact, share, and learn through networking discussions on trends, opportunities, and challenges. It aims to deliver the latest innovations and cutting-edge technologies in laboratory medicine, establish partnership models for efficient integration and adoption of emerging technologies, prepare for new in vitro diagnostic regulations in Europe and beyond, transition to green and sustainable medical laboratories, harmonize and standardize laboratory tests, and enhance collaborations in education and research.

Prof. Dr. Tomris Ozben, EuSpLM, Ph D; Full Professor of Clinical Biochemistry; IFCC President; Congress President, IFCC WorldLab Dubai 2024

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TB Blood Test Could Detect Millions of Silent Spreaders

Tuberculosis (TB) is the world’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming over one million lives annually as reported by the World Health Organization. TB’s transmission occurs through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing minute droplets that can affect not just the lungs but any body part. The fight against TB’s spread is significantly hampered by the current testing methods, which are not only slow but also depend on specialized equipment and laboratory settings. Consequently, nearly three million TB cases went undetected last year, predominantly in developing nations, with a third of infected individuals remaining undiagnosed and, thus, contagious. In a significant development, scientists have advanced towards developing a blood test capable of detecting millions of people who are unknowingly transmitting TB.

In a pioneering study conducted by the University of Southampton (Southampton, UK; www.southampton.ac.uk), researchers have identified a specific group of biological markers present in high levels in individuals who are infectious. This discovery holds the promise of a simple diagnostic test capable of identifying and halting the spread of the disease, which affects an estimated 10 million people each year. Collaborating with international experts, these scientists performed the most detailed examination of blood markers associated with this bacterial infection. Utilizing an innovative approach, they identified six proteins that show a high degree of accuracy in identifying individuals with active TB.

The research team analyzed blood proteins from people with active TB located in Africa and South America, comparing these biomarkers against those found in healthy individuals and others with lung infections. They discovered 118 proteins that varied markedly between these groups. From these, they narrowed down to six proteins which they found could be used to effectively differentiate individuals with contagious TB from those who are healthy or have other lung ailments. This breakthrough finding paves the way for the development of a TB test which could be as simple as the lateral flow tests widely used during the recent pandemic.

“In our study, we combined a new measurement technique with deep mathematical analysis to identify these six new markers of TB disease,” said Dr. Hannah Schiff, a respiratory expert at Southampton. “It could lead to a transformative alternative to diagnosing the condition – a simple test that detects proteins in the bloodstream whose levels differ between people with TB, healthy individuals, and those suffering from other respiratory illnesses.”

The i-STAT TBI cartridge is the first POC test that measures the level of biomarkers associated with brain injury in whole blood to help assess patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) within 24 hours after injury.

POC Myocardial Infarction Test Delivers Results in 17 Minutes

Chest pain is the second leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits by adults in the United States, generating over 7 million visits annually. In the event of a suspected heart attack, physicians rely on the troponin blood test to guide their diagnosis. The quick delivery of troponin test results is crucial, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat patients swiftly. Traditionally, this testing has been confined to hospital central laboratories, with results taking an hour or more to be communicated to the physician. Now, a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI-II) test approved for point-of-care (POC) use in the United States allows EDs and other acute care settings to achieve quicker and more precise diagnostic and treatment decisions than previously possible.

Polymedco’s (Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA; www.polymedco.com) PATHFAST hs-cTnI-II has become the first and only hs-cTnI-II test to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for POC use in the United States. With FDA clearance, the test is now available in the U.S. for application on the PATHFAST analyzer using both whole blood and plasma patient samples. This breakthrough high-sensitivity troponin assay developed for the PATHFAST Biomarker Analyzer delivers results up to three times faster than core lab testing. The results of the PATHFAST hs-cTnI-II test should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic information, including electrocardiogram (ECG), clinical observations, and patient symptoms, to support heart attack diagnoses.

The PATHFAST POC platform provides a broad spectrum of tests that offer central lab-caliber diagnostic outcomes directly to clinicians and patients, thereby saving crucial time when assessing patients with conditions that may be life-threatening. This platform empowers critical care decisions through an extensive array of lab tests for patients potentially suffering from acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and various inflammatory conditions. The PATHFAST platform can provide results in just 17 minutes at the POC, significantly enhancing the efficiency of care in urgent situations. By delivering lab-quality results within minutes at the POC, PATHFAST ensures that EDs and other acute care facilities can make prompt and accurate diagnostic and treatment choices.

"Polymedco is committed to providing the most accurate and efficient diagnostics to help overburdened Emergency Departments more effectively and efficiently respond and treat patients presenting with symptoms of a heart attack," said Polymedco CEO Doug White. “Having the diagnostic accuracy of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin at the pointof-care represents a significant advancement in cardiac care in the U.S.”

TThermo Fisher and Bio-Techne in European Strategic Alliance

hermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, MA USA; www. thermofisher.com) has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with Bio-Techne Corporation (Minneapolis, MN, USA; www.bio-techne.com), resulting in a significant collaboration between two industry leaders in scientific research, diagnostics, and biotechnology. As per the agreement, Thermo Fisher will distribute Bio-Techne’s wide range of products, including antibodies, proteins, immunoassay kits, reagents, and enzymes to laboratories and research institutions across Europe through the European arm of its Fisher Scientific Channel.

Bio-Techne’s products are designed to speed up research and enhance outcomes in areas such as cell and gene therapy, immunology, neuroscience, and others. Following this collaboration, Thermo Fisher has reinforced its commitment to providing access to its clients with the most advanced technologies and expertise, eventually resulting in advancements in scientific knowledge and improvement in human health. By entering into strategic partnerships with leading companies such as Bio-Techne, Thermo Fisher maintains its position as a trusted partner for researchers and laboratories across Europe.

“We are thrilled to forge this partnership with Bio-Techne, a company renowned for its pioneering advancements in the life sciences industry,” said Claire Wallace, President Research and Safety Market, Europe at Thermo Fisher. “By adding Bio-Techne’s high-quality products to our comprehensive portfolio, we aim to further empower scientists and researchers with the tools they need to drive breakthrough discoveries and advancements in healthcare.”

“We are excited to partner with Thermo Fisher to expand the reach of our products and services throughout Europe,” said Kim Kelderman, Bio-Techne’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “By leveraging the Fisher Scientific Channel’s extensive European distribution network and industry expertise, we aim to enhance support for researchers and accelerate scientific discoveries that address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.”

Danaher and Johns Hopkins to Collaborate in Neurological Diagnostics

Unlike severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), mild TBI often does not show clear correlations with abnormalities detected through head computed tomography (CT) scans. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a more reliable method to determine which patients should receive a CT scan and to identify those at greater risk of developing severe symptoms. Now, a new collaboration that aims to identify mild TBI earlier could help nearly 56 million patients worldwide with mild TBI benefit from a more accurate approach to diagnosis.

Danaher Corporation (Washington, D.C., USA; www.danaher. com) has entered into a collaboration with Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA; www.hopkinsmedicine.org) to develop new diagnostic methods for mild TBI. This collaboration is part of the Danaher Beacons program, where Johns Hopkins researchers will utilize technology from Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Danaher, to establish correlations between between novel biomarker panels and clinical outcomes. The Beacon builds on recent advancements in neurological biomarker research and the application of next-generation immunoassay detection technologies developed by Beckman Coulter. Should this method prove successful, it could also be adapted to diagnose other forms of brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

"Our latest in vitro diagnostics innovations are improving the detection of specific biomarkers found in blood when brain cells are damaged,” said Julie Sawyer Montgomery, Vice President and Group Executive, Danaher Diagnostics. “We are thrilled to partner with Johns Hopkins with the goal of leveraging these solutions to develop tests for earlier and more precise diagnosis of mild TBI, which could ultimately lead to improved treatment outcomes and faster recovery for patients."

DISTRIBUTORS

Thermo-Resistant (- 60 °C to 300 °C) Fully Washable & Flexible Suitable for central sterilization services Sterilizable STERILIZABLE INSTRUMENT & WORK-SURFACE MATS

E-mail: info@globetech.net

2024

MAY

24th National Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. May 2-5; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; fenacqc.org.mx

Immunology 2024 – Annual Meeting of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI). May 3-7; Chicago, IL, USA; immunology2024.aai.org

AACE Annual Meeting 2024 – American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. May 9-11; New Orleans, LA USA; pro.aace.com

ECE 2024 – 26th Annual Congress of the European Society of Endocrinology. May 11-14; Stockholm, Sweden; ese-hormones.org

ASRI 2024 – 43rd Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Immunology. May 18-22; Houston, TX, USA; theasri.org

Hospitalar 2024. May 21-24; Sao Paulo, Brazil; hospitalar.com

107th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Pathology. May 23-25; Munich, Germany; pathologie-dgp.de

IFCC WorldLab 2024 – 26th International Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. May 2630; Dubai, UAE; dubai2024.org

SLAS Europe 2024 Conference and Exhibition - Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening. May 27-29; Barcelona, Spain; slas.org

ISLH 2024 – International Society for Laboratory Hematology. May 30 - Jun 1; Nantes, France; islh.org

EAACI 2024 – Annual Congress of the European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. May 31 - Jun 3; Valencia, Spain; eaaci.org

JUNE

ESHG 2024 – European Human Genetics Conference. Jun 1-4; Berlin, Germany; 2024.eshg.org

Africa Health ExCon 2024. Jun 4-6; Cairo, Egypt; africahealthexcon.com

UKMedLab24 – National Meeting of the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Jun 10-12; Brighton, UK; acb.org.uk

9th International Symposium on Critical Care Testing and Blood Gases. Jun 13-14; Saint-Malo, France; criticalcaretesting-saintmalo2024.eu

ASM Microbe 2024 – American Society for Microbiology. Jun 13-17; Atlanta, GA, USA; asm.org

49th CBAC – Congress of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Analysis. Jun 16-19; Natal, Brazil; sbac.org.br

2024 CSCC Annual Conference – Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Jun 17-20; Mont Sainte-Anne, QC, Canada; cscc-sccc.ca

FOCIS 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies. Jun 18-21; San Francisco, CA, USA; focisnet.org

FIME 2024 – Florida International Medical Expo. Jun 19-21; Miami, FL, USA; fimeshow.com

ISTH 2024 Congress – International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Jun 22-26, Bangkok, Thailand; isth2024.org

ECC 2024 – 45th European Congress of Cytology. Jun 23-26; Leipzig, Germany; cytology2024.eu

38th International Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). Jun 23-27; Barcelona, Spain; isbtweb.org

AMP Europe 2024. Jun 24-26; Madrid, Spain; amp.org

ASV 2024 – 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Virology. Jun 24-28; Columbus, OH, USA; asv.org

FEBS 2024 – 48th Congress of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Jun 29 - Jul 3; Milan, Italy; febs.org

ECB 2024 – European Congress on Biotechnology. Jun 30 - Jul 3; Maastricht, The Netherlands; ecb2024.com

JULY

ESHRE 2024 – 40th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Jul 7-10; Amsterdam, Netherlands; eshre.eu

MedLab Asia 2024. Jul 10-12; Bangkok, Thailand; medlabasia.com

9th Annual Academic Sessions & Lab Expo 2024 – College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka. Jul 12-13; Colombo, Sri Lanka; ccpsrilanka.com

34th MACB Conference 2024 – Malaysian Association of Clinical Biochemists. July 21-23; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; macb.org.my

2024 ADLM Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo. Jul 28 - Aug 1; Chicago, IL, USA; meeting.myadlm.org

AUGUST

64th Annual Academic Assembly of the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC). Aug 30 - Sep 1; Utsunomiya, Japan; jscc-jp.gr.jp

SEPTEMBER

ASCP 2024 – Annual Meeting of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Sep 4-6; Chicago, IL, USA; ascp.org

17th Baltic Congress of Laboratory Medicine. Sep 5-7; Vilnius, Lithuania; balm2024.lt

ECP 2024 – 35th Congress of the European Society of Pathology. Sep 7-11; Florence, Italy; esp-congress.org

EUROTOX 2024 – 58th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology. Sep 8-11; Copenhagen, Denmark; eurotox2024.com

Thailand LAB International 2024. Sep 11-13; Bangkok, Thailand; thailandlab.com

23rd Serbian Congress of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Sep 16-18; Belgrade, Serbia; dmbj.org.rs

NFKK 2024 – 39th Nordic Congress of Clinical Chemistry. Sep 17-20; Stockholm, Sweden; nfkk2024.se

ESVC 2024 – Annual Meeting for the European Society for Clinical Virology. Sep 17-21; Frankfurt, Germany; escv.eu

47TH ISOBM CONGRESS – International Society of Oncology and Biomarkers. Sep 19-21; Pilsen, Czech Republic; isobm.org

DKLM 2024 – Annual Congress of the German Society for Clinical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine (DGKL).

Sep 25-27; Bremen, Germany; dgkl.de

India Lab Expo & Analytica Anacon India. Sep 26-28; Hyderabad, India; analyticaindia.com

OCTOBER

COLABIOCLI 2024 - 26th Latin American Congress of Clinical Biochemistry. Oct 3-6; Cartagena, Colombia; colabiocli.com

56th National Congress of the Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology (SIBioC). Oct 8-10; Bologna, Italy; sibioc.it

JFBM 2024 – Journées Francophones de Biologie Médicale. Oct 9-11; Troyes, France; jfbm.fr

11th Congress of Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Oct 9-12; Vodice, Croatia; kongres2024.hdmblm.hr

33rd WASPaLM World Congress – World Association of Societies of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Oct 16-20; Antalya, Turkey; waspalm-association.org

CAP24 – Annual Meeting of the College of American Pathologists. Oct 19-22; Las Vegas, NV, USA; cap.org

ASHI 2024 – 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Oct 21-24; Anaheim, CA, USA; ashi-hla.org

MedLab Africa 2024. Oct 22-24; Johannesburg, South Africa; africahealthexhibition.com

BCLF 2024 – 31st Meeting of the Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation & 35th National Congress of the Turkish Biochemical Society. Oct 28 - Nov 1; Antalya, Turkey; turkbiyokimyadernegi.org.tr

APFCB Congress 2024 – Asia Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Oct 31 - Nov 3; Sydney, Australia; apfcbcongress2024.org

NOVEMBER

ALACI 2024 – 14th Latin American and Caribbean Immunology Congress. Nov 4-8; Buenos Aires, Argentina; alaci.org

ASHG 2024 – Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics. Nov 5-9; Denver, CO, USA; ashg.org

JIB 2024 – Journées de l’innovation en biologie. Nov 7-8; Paris, France; jib-innovation.com

72nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC). Nov 7-10; Orlando, FL, USA; cytopathology.org

46 Annual ACBI Conference 2024 – Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland. Nov 8-9; Dublin, Ireland; acbi.ie

22nd Greek National Congress of Clinical Chemistry. Nov 8-10; Athens, Greece; eekx-kb.gr

MEDICA 2024. Nov 11-14; Dusseldorf, Germany; medica-tradefair.com

45th Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology (ACT). Nov 17-20; Austin, TX, USA; actox.org

Analytica China 2024. Nov 18-20; Shanghai, China; analyticachina.com.cn

AMP 2024 – Annual Meeting & Expo of the Association for Molecular Pathology. Nov 21-23; Vancouver, BC, Canada; amp.org

LABCLIN 2024 – 18th National Congress the Spanish Societies for Clinical Laboratory (AEBM-ML, AEFA & SEQCML). Nov 20-22; Bilbao, Spain; labclin2024.es

ADLM Middle East 2024. Nov 23-24; Dubai, UAE; adlmme.org

DECEMBER

ICID 2024 – 20th International Congress on Infectious

Diseases. Dec 3-6; Cape Town, South Africa; isidcongress.org

ACBICON 2024 – 50th Annual Conference of the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India. Dec4-7; Chandigarh, India; acbicon2024.com

66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition – American Society of Hematology. Dec 7-10; San Diego, CA, USA; hematology.org

2025

JANUARY

SLAS 2025 – International Conference & Exhibition of the Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening. Jan 25-29; San Diego, CA, USA; slas.org

FEBRUARY

Medlab Middle East 2025. Feb 3-6; Dubai, UAE; medlabme.com

Labquality Days 2025 – International Congress on Quality in Laboratory Medicine. Feb 6-7; Helsinki, Finland; labqualitydays.fi

MARCH

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting – United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology. Mar 22-27; Boston, MA, USA; uscap.org

APRIL

ESCMID Global 2025. Apr 11-15; Vienna, Austria; eccmid.org

MAY

26th IFCC-EFLM EuroMedLab Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. May 18-22; Brussels, Belgium; euromedlab2025brussels.org

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