Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Beyond Heart Failure: Role of NT-Pro-BNP in Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction.","authors":"S S Ramaprabha, Hariharan Alexander, Josephine Latha, Pradipta Kumar Mohanty","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite advancements in medical care, including coronary interventions and medications, cardiovascular-related mortality and morbidity remain disproportionately high among patients with diabetes mellitus. A significant factor contributing to this issue is the presence of asymptomatic macrovascular and microvascular angiopathies in many diabetic patients. These vascular complications are often detected at later stages, resulting in the failure of treatment strategies to effectively prevent the progression of heart failure and mitigate worsening conditions. Given this background, our research aims to explore the potential of the biochemical marker NT-pro-BNP (N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide) in the early detection of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in diabetic patients who maintain a preserved ejection fraction. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a condition where the left ventricle has difficulty relaxing and filling with blood, which can precede the development of heart failure. Identifying this dysfunction early could be crucial in preventing major adverse cardiac events (MACE) such as heart attacks, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death. The focus of our study is to determine whether NT-pro-BNP, which is typically elevated in heart failure, can serve as an early marker for diastolic dysfunction in this specific patient population. By identifying diabetic patients at risk earlier, interventions could be tailored more effectively, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the incidence of severe cardiovascular events.</p><p><strong>Study population and methods: </strong>This study was conducted at a tertiary care medical care hospital in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, with a sample population of 500 patients who had preserved ejection fraction. The participants were divided into two groups: 169 diabetic patients and 150 non-diabetic patients. As part of the baseline assessment, routine clinical chemistry analysis and 2D echocardiograms were performed. Additionally, the biomarker NT-pro-BNP, which is associated with heart failure, was measured using the electrochemiluminescence method.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Among the diabetes and non-diabetes groups, the biomarker NT-pro-BNP were significantly different and the serum concentration of NT-pro-BNP was found to be higher in poor glycemic control type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Serum NT-pro-BNP screening and 2D echocardiogram showed the best predictor of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and hospital stay due to major adverse cardiac events in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study highlights the clinical significance of NT-pro-BNP among (left ventricular diastolic dysfunction) type 2 diabetes mellitus with preserved ejection fraction > 60 %.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"165-170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing Ergonomics Practices Using Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle in Clinical Laboratories.","authors":"Farhat Jahan, Hafsa Khan Tareen, Lena Jafri, Hafsa Majid, Aysha Habib Khan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Musculoskeletal injuries may be directly caused by workplace practices such as poor posture, high frequency static muscle work, repetitive motion and forced exertion. Healthcare professionals are more likely to be exposed to common risk factors related to the nature of their work requiring repetitive tasks, insufficient breaks and long stressful working hours. They are predisposed to musculoskeletal injuries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The plan, do, check, act cycle (PDCA) was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The team was assigned with the roles and responsibilities of disseminating accurate information and supervision of relevant ergonomic activities. The goals were enacted upon using videos, songs, and posters as a means of raising awareness of ergonomic practices. Pre and post activity assessment related to knowledge and practice of ergonomics were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After conducting micro-lectures and sharing informative videos, flyers and recordings of all micro-lectures via a WhatsApp group, awareness about posture-related musculoskeletal disorders increased from 85% (n=35) pre-audit to 100% post-audit. Knowledge of the 20-20-20 rule was initially 49% (n=33) before the audit and reached 100% (n=41) after awareness and training. Understanding of exercises to strengthen the back, shoulders, and hands improved from 80% (n=33) pre-audit to 100% post-audit. Following these awareness activities, which included multimedia photos and videos, 88% of participants adopted ergonomic practices, up from the previous 34%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The implementation of a structured training program using the PDCA cycle will significantly enhance ergonomic practices. By integrating multimedia tools such as videos, and posters, a single training intervention led to a marked improvement in participants' ergonomic practices. To sustain and further enhance this progress, ongoing education at regular intervals is essential, as it is likely to continue improving ergonomic knowledge and practices, thereby reducing the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"171-176"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Standardizing The Biochemical Tests for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Where Do We Stand? A National Survey of Laboratories Across Pakistan.","authors":"Sibtain Ahmed, Fatima Muhammad Asad Khan, Ghazanfar Abbas, Sahar Iqbal, Mohsin Shafi, Khushbakht Arbab, Rizwan Uppal, Asma Shaukat, Muhammad Dilawar Khan, Muhammad Qaiser Alam Khan, Adnan Mustafa Zubairi, Syed Haider Nawaz Naqvi, Junaid Mahmood Alam, Imran Siddiqui","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>CKD affects 8.6% of the global population, with South Asian countries seeing prevalence rates between 10.6% and 23.3%, including 21.2% in Pakistan. CKD's burden is further exacerbated in South Asia due to rising hypertension and diabetes. Accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria are vital for CKD management. Despite increasing CKD studies, regional testing remains underdeveloped. This survey evaluates CKD testing practices in Pakistan, aiming to propose recommendations for improving uniformity, enhancing surveillance, and advancing CKD care standards.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted by the Chemical Pathology section at Aga Khan University (AKU) using a validated questionnaire developed by International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) which was modified for local context. The survey, distributed via Google Forms to major laboratories across Pakistan, focused on CKD testing methods. Data were analyzed using Excel (Microsoft Corporation, 2018) software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 13 laboratories participated in the survey. All laboratories measured serum creatinine, while two measured serum cystatin C, eleven measured urinary protein, and ten measured urinary albumin. GFR was estimated using equations in 10 laboratories, with CKD-EPI 2021 (29%), MDRD (22%), and CKD-EPI Pak (14%) being the most commonly used. However, only six laboratories employed pediatric equations for children. Significant variability was observed in the testing methods for serum creatinine, urinary protein, and urinary albumin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings emphasize the urgent need to standardize CKD testing in Pakistan. Inconsistencies in estimated GFR reporting, serum creatinine measurement and proteinuria testing highlight the need for harmonized protocols to improve diagnosis, management, and public health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"143-153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205145/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive Analysis of Renal Stones Using FTIR Spectroscopy in a Referral Laboratory in Nepal.","authors":"Devish Pyakurel, Keyoor Gautam, Robin Bahadur Basnet, Vivek Pant","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Renal stone disease, a prevalent urological disorder, significantly impacts public health in Nepal. Analyzing the composition of renal stones is crucial for understanding their etiology and guiding treatment and prevention strategies. FTIR spectroscopy is a reliable technique for identifying the chemical composition of renal stones. This study aims to analyze the composition of renal stones using FTIR spectroscopy in a referral laboratory in Nepal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 300 renal stones from patients were analyzed. The stones were collected, cleaned, and powdered before being subjected to the Thermo Fisher Scientific FTIR Spectrometer. The spectra obtained were compared to the reference spectra to determine the composition of the stones.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed that calcium oxalate monohydrate in 41% and calcium oxalate dihydrate in 29 % were the commonest types. Other less common compositions included uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>FTIR spectroscopy effectively identified the composition of renal stones in the studied population. The predominance of calcium oxalate stone highlights the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies in Nepal.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"177-186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving Laboratory Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.","authors":"Marilyn Masih, Chillarige S Ankita, Renu Sehrawat, Partha R Saha, Pradeep K Dabla","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare human form of prion disease caused by misfolded, transmissible proteinaceous infection particles (prions). As a fatal neurological illness, it mostly presents with rapidly progressive dementia, and most patients die within a year of clinical onset and diagnosis. The lack of an intravital test for CJD limits its timely diagnosis. A brain biopsy/autopsy is considered the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of CJD, however owing to its highly invasive and transmissible nature, it is rarely performed. In this case report, we try to highlight the important role of combining serology, EEG, and CSF investigations, often used for the diagnosis of CJD. Combining these in the laboratory improves the timely diagnosis of this rare and fatal disease.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>We report a clinical case study of a 65-year-old female, who presented to the Neurology OPD at a tertiary care referral centre, with chief complaints of forgetfulness, behavioural changes, and involuntary movements in the right upper limb for the last 7 months. According to the informant (daughter), the patient was asymptomatic 7 months ago after which she started developing these gradual onset symptoms. Later she was bed-bound and dependent on her family members for her daily chores and had even lost control over her bowel and bladder habits. On physical examination, the patient was found to be disoriented and afebrile with normal vitals, however, CNS examination showed a low Mini Mental Examination Score (MMSE). The patient was admitted to the neurology ward for further evaluation and a definitive diagnosis. Differential diagnosis was ruled out using various lab tests, CSF analysis, and neuroimaging. CSF report tested positive for 14-3-3 protein and CSF protein marker by RT-QuIC was outsourced. The confirmatory diagnosis of sporadic CJD was made based on clinical presentation, CSF analysis, and neuroimaging.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Definitive diagnosis of CJD was possible with the help of various lab tests which helped rule out differential neurodegenerative diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"193-200"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maximizing Returns: Optimizing Biochemistry Lab Performance through Six Sigma application, a Yearlong Cost-Benefit Study in an Indian Laboratory.","authors":"Mohini Rathore, Dharamveer Yadav, Mithu Banerjee, Sojit Tomo, Shailja Sharma, Shrimanjunath Sankanagoudar, Kamla Kant Shukla, Maithili Karpaga Selvi, Purvi Purohit, Praveen Sharma, Snigdha Singh, Amandeep Birdi, Raghavendra Singh Shekhawat","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>One of the most essential components of a clinical laboratory's overall quality management system is quality control (QC) validation. We typically tend to use more reagents and resources than necessary in an attempt to preserve quality. Achieving higher results while using fewer resources is time imperative. We have attempted to address this issue by providing cost-benefit analysis by implementing effective QC procedures using six sigma methodology and their financial benefits.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Six sigma calculation of 23 routine chemistry parameters was performed over a period of one-year using bias% and cv%. New Westgard sigma rules were applied using Biorad Unity 2.0 software. A comparison was made before and after new sigma rules application including false rejection rate, probability of error detection rate, cost of all reruns, repeats, etc. Relative and absolute annual savings were computed and compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to the current rule, there was absolute savings of Indian Rupees (INR) 750105.27 when both internal failure and external failure costs were combined after the candidate rule was employed. The reduction in expenses varied with the quantity of samples examined and the quantity of QC operations carried out each day leading to an internal failure costs cut down by 50% (INR 501808.08) and external failure costs by 47% (INR 187102.8).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlighted how quality control techniques in clinical laboratories need to be carefully planned in order to achieve significant cost reductions by lowering internal or external failure costs and effective prevention and appraisal cost planning activities prior.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"106-123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205154/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of Metabolomics in Chemical Pathology Research in Pakistan: A Less Explored Path and New Frontier.","authors":"Sibtain Ahmed, Zaib Un Nisa Khan, Adnan Mustafa Zubairi, Tomris Ozben, Imran Siddiqui","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metabolomics involves the study of unique chemical fingerprints left behind by specific cellular processes. Metabolomics encompasses the analysis of both \"endogenous\" compounds, such as amino acids, lipids, cofactors, nucleotides, carbohydrates, hormones, etc., and \"exogenous\" metabolites including drugs, toxins, environmental contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Initially, metabolic analyses heavily relied on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), but recent advancements in mass spectrometry (MS) and Tandem MS have expanded the horizons of research, service, and education in this field. In this overview, we delve into the domain of mass spectrometry from the perspective of Chemical Pathologists. To establish a baseline, we conducted a search using the PakMediNet search engine. Our literature review yielded a total of 1167 articles, of which 1155 were excluded, and 12 were included. Our findings indicated that while MS is utilized for method development and biomarker evaluation in the fields of basic biological sciences and the pharmaceutical industry, there are limited collaborative efforts with Chemical Pathologists for clinical applications. It is imperative to harness the advancements in MS for research and development, as this technology is a driving force behind progress in service and education. Looking ahead, areas such as newborn screening, diagnostics for inherited metabolic disorders, heavy metals analysis, and toxicology hold great potential for research in collaboration with Chemical Pathologists. To achieve these goals, the formation of working groups, establishing partnerships with institutes possessing relevant expertise, and providing funding opportunities are essential steps forward.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"97-105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205152/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reference Intervals of Thyrotropin, Thyroid Hormones, and Thyroid Autoantibodies in Adult and Older Individuals According to Iodine Status.","authors":"Surapat Tanticharoenkarn, Phongsapak Pipatnavakij, Lawan Piyasuwanying, Panudda Srichomkwan, Thiti Snabboon, Poranee Ganokroj","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background-aim: </strong>Several factors, including ethnicity, age, iodine status, and assay method, can influence thyroid test results. This study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for thyroid parameters in adults and older individuals, considering their iodine statuses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study at a single tertiary center was conducted. Participants underwent interviews, physical examinations, thyroid ultrasounds, thyroid autoantibody testing, and a spot urine iodine concentration analysis. The included participants were grouped into adult (age 18 - 59) and older (age ≥60) groups. The studies for 2.5th-97.5th values of thyroid parameters were committed to establishing RIs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 357 individuals were screened, with 216 (112 adults, 54% women, 104 older, 50% women) were included in the analysis. The RIs for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were as follows: 0.39 - 4.17 mIU/L for the overall group, 0.35 - 3.98 mIU/L in the adult group, and 0.42 - 4.83 mIU/L in the older group. The prevalence of adequate iodine intake (urine iodine level ≥ 200 μg/L) was 62.2% (186/299). Though RIs for TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 were slightly higher in the adequate iodine intake group, no statistically significant differences were noted. Positive anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were more prevalent in older participants (27.3% VS. 21.2%), as were anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (24.2% VS. 13.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Older individuals exhibited significantly higher TSH levels and lower FT3/Total T3 levels, while FT4/Total T4 remained comparable to adults. All thyroid parameters and thyroid autoantibody levels showed no statistically significant differences between those with adequate iodine intake and those with iodine deficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"154-164"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A National e-Survey of Adult Reference Intervals of Routine Chemistry Analytes Used by Laboratories Across Pakistan: A Step Towards Harmonization.","authors":"Nayab Afzal, Hijab Batool, Saba Raza, Salma Ayub, Sibgha Bashir, Asma Hayat, Khushbakht Adnan, Siraj Muneer, Ghazanfar Abbas, Sahar Iqbal, Kiran Imran, Mohsin Shafi, Sibtain Ahmed","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify the variation of reference intervals, reporting units used for key blood chemistry parameters in laboratories across Pakistan and to understand the factors contributing to these discrepancies.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A comprehensive e-questionnaire developed using google forms covering key blood chemistry parameters (Electrolytes, fasting glucose, glucose random urea, creatinine and lipid profile), reference intervals, reporting units, and laboratory practices was administered via email to the Pathologists. Frequency and percentages were calculated for each response and descriptive results were also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A total of 38 responses were received five responses were excluded due to incomplete forms. The responses from 33 laboratories revealed substantial variability in reference intervals (RIs) for routine blood chemistry parameters, underscoring a significant lack of standardization. 66.66% laboratories had not developed specific RIs, relying instead on manufacturer-provided RIs, with infrequent reviews or updates. Challenges were prevalent due to non-harmonized RIs, leading to patient and physician counseling issues. Primary obstacles included funding deficiencies and limited access to healthy samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings emphasize the critical need for national regulatory guidelines to standardize RIs, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of laboratory diagnostics in Pakistan.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"132-142"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Educational and Practice Needs of Laboratory Profession - Findings From an IFCC Survey.","authors":"Hikmet Can Çubukçu, Smeralda Skenderaj, Adrian Park, Tze Ping Loh","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Laboratory medicine is an evolving clinical specialty that is driven by technological advancements, availability of new evidence and new clinical workflows to cater to changing demographic and socioeconomic landscape. This report summarises the educational and practice needs based on the responses provided to a survey.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The IFCC TF-GEL conducts regular educational webinars. At the end of the webinar, a participant survey is administered anonymously, which included an open-ended question for suggesting topics and areas in laboratory medicine for which future webinars can be organised for. This question was designed to take pulse of the educational and practice needs of the laboratory practitioners. All survey responses for this question between February 13 and September 23, 2024 were extracted from the online survey platform and objectively summarised using ChatGPT 4.o.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 3902 comments were received from 12 webinars' global survey participants in 2024. Comments were qualitatively summarised into broad headings in laboratory medicine, including quality management and compliance, clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine, emerging trends and technologies, specialized testing and techniques, healthcare management and leadership, case studies and practical applications, public health and emerging health topics, innovation and future directions.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Many of the topics highlighted by the laboratory practitioners have matching IFCC functional units. They can be engaged to developed freely accessible educational and practice guidelines resources to maintain the standards of profession of the laboratory practitioner globally. Additionally, the topics summarised here can also be used to develop local resource and curriculum.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"36 2","pages":"210-215"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12205147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}