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Discuss the Future of Lab Medicine at the 30th IFBLS World Congress in Berlin

7 Aug 2012
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Industry news

Respected leaders of the clinical laboratory community will deliver an inspiring look into the future of laboratory medicine at a Labs Are Vital-sponsored workshop, to be delivered as part of the main conference programme at the International Federation of Biomedical Science (IFBLS) 30th World Congress of Biomedical Laboratory Science.

The congress is to be hosted by the Deutscher Verband Technischer Assistentinnen/Assistenten in der Medizin e.V (dvta), and more than 600 delegates are expected in Berlin between 18-22 August. More details about the event, which will take place on 20 August from 2:30 – 4pm, and the complete program can be found at: http://www.ifbls-dvta2012.com

The first two presentations will be given by the current Presidents of IFCC (International Federation of Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine) and ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) - Dr Graham Beastall and C. Bruce Alexander, MD, respectively. They will highlight evidencing the value that laboratory medicine adds to healthcare, and ensuring the appropriate utilisation of lab tests. In the final presentation, Prof. Dr. med Georg Hoffman will explore the theme: ‘The future of laboratory medicine – what will we be paid for?’.

Dr Beastall said: “I am really looking forward to meeting the delegates in Berlin, we have some great workshop material to share, and it is an important time for us all to be focusing on these issues. When I started in laboratory medicine, we were seen as diagnosing disease. That was usually what we did. Most often from a basement where nobody could come and see us. But now, the laboratory is involved in identifying risk factors and symptoms, evaluating response, determining appropriate therapy. So laboratory medicine really is being recognised as part of the multi-disciplinary team at the heart of patient care. That’s where we should be!”

To find out more about the Labs Are Vital initiative, follow the company website link below – see you in Berlin!

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Blood TransfusionBlood Transfusion involves giving donor blood to a recipient patient. Screening is essential to avoid transfusion reactions. Blood banks use immunohematological techniques to determine rh and ABO blood group, and screen for antibodies using specific antisera. Blood Banks use Direct Coombs Tests (DCT) and Indirect Coombs Tests (IAT) to detect hemolysis and Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Embryology / IVFEmbryology refers to the development of an embryo resulting from the fertilization of the ovum, to fetus stage. In vitro fertilization (IVF) refers to the fertilization of the egg outside of the human body, and is an important treatment for infertility.IFBLS

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Discuss the Future of Lab Medicine at the 30th IFBLS World Congress in Berlin