minutes for congress 2010

International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science

Management Committee Meeting KICC, Nairobi, Kenya June 3, 2010 Present Gry Andersen, Vincent Gallicchio, Lena Morgan, Tom Stowe, Janna Malseed 1. Prepare for Council meeting All agenda items were reviewed and an action plan was prepared. 2. Prepare for IFBLS meetings, and Council duties, and IFBLS activities during congress. Plans were made and discussed. 3. Internet charges for Council members were discussed and agreed IFBLS will cover the cost of

charges for IFBLS staff. 4. Other topics 2010-06-03/Management Committee meeting/J. Malseed

IFBLS Management 2010 Nairobi - Kenya of 1


Minutes Friday June 4, 2010 Council Meeting KICC, Nairobi, Kenya Present: Gry Andersen, Vince Gallicchio, Lena Morgan, Eddie Ang, Tom Stowe, Janna Malseed, Moses Lorre from AKMLSO and Eyal Halevy from Paragon to Item 4. Absent: Manindra Chaudhuri, Chuan-Liang Kao, Kyoko Komatsu Minutes are written by Janna Malseed 1. The Management Committee discussed the current situation and the work during the Congress. 2. Procedure manual was revised. The amendments are according to the discussions in November

2009 and February 2010. Janna to send revised document to Council. 3. Finances - Gry presented and explained the financial position up to May 2010 and the prognosis for

the rest of the year. 4. Information from congress organiser – Moses Lorre updated the Council members on the most

recent issues being dealt with for the Congress. He advised there is an estimated 400 – 500 delegates and that will be confirmed with the PCO. The contract details were discussed and it was emphasized that if the budget issues were not resolved, IFBLS is put in serious financial jeopardy. Paragon (PCO) confirmed they will do everything that needs to be done to make this Congress a success.

5. Congress and IFBLS meetings – most of the meeting time was used to prepare for meetings and

discussions (documents, presentations and tasks). 6. Future Congresses – Council agreed that it is important to identify the issues from the two previous

Congresses and prepare a list of questions for Future Congress bidders. Minutes from Council Meeting June 4, 2010/J.Malseed

IFBLS Council 2010 Nairobi - Kenya Page 1 of 1


Minutes Saturday, June 5, 2010 Council Meeting KICC, Nairobi, Kenya Present: Gry Andersen, Vince Gallicchio, Lena Morgan, Eddie Ang, Tom Stowe, Manindra Chaudhuri, Chuan_Liang Kao, Kyoko Komatsu, Janna Malseed Absent: Minutes are written by Janna Malseed 6. Future Congresses – Council agreed that it is important to identify the issues from the two previous

Congresses and prepare a list of questions for Future Congress bidders. Eddie Ang presented the bid for 2012 Congress in Singapore and responded to all the questions.

7. The request for IFBLS Endorsement for Biopharma World in Singapore (A Large Scale Event in Asia)

was reviewed and decided that this event was of no interest to IFBLS. The remainder of the meeting was spent preparing for Congress (documents, presentations and tasks) Minutes from Council meeting June 5, 2010/J. Malseed

IFBLS Council 2010 Nairobi - Kenya Page 1 of 1


IFBLS Open Forum 2010 Nairobi - Kenya 1

Minutes Open Forum June 6th, 2010 9:30 am – 15:30 pm KICC, Nairobi, Kenya

• Opening of the meeting -President Gry Andersen welcomed every one and hoped for good discussions and explained the itinerary for the meeting. • GAD procedure-distribution of documents -President Elect Vincent Gallicchio, presented

the rules regarding the GAD procedure in accordance to the IFBLS Procedure Manual and the status of the President Elect to President. Voluntary ballot counters were asked for in preparation for the GAD

• Introduction of candidates for election – Nominee for President Elect was Ms. Kyoko Komatsu – Japan. Nominees for Council were Mr. Eddie Han San Ang from Singapore, Mr. Patrick Joseph Chattad from Cameroon, Mr. Manindra Chauduri from India, Mr. Chuan -Liang Kao from Taiwan, Mr. Tom Stowe from Canada, Ms. Mirjana Stupnisek from Croatia and Mr. Dionysis Vourtsis from Greece. Gry Andersen informed the meeting that Mr. James Sakwa had withdrawn as a canadidate for IFBLS Council. • Council’s report – Tom Stowe presented a Power Point presentation with the highlights of what the Council had done during the last two years. The biannual report had been sent out to the members in advance. • International BLS Day 2011-2012 – Manindra Chaudhuri presented the theme for International BLS Day – The Role of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in the Global Management of Communicable Diseases. • Presentation of finances -Gry Andersen presented the financial status up to May 15, 2010 and the budget for 2011 and 2012. IFBLS receives financial support from some member organisations that pay for hotel and travel for their representative on the Board. Other member associations have sponsored meetings for WHO and also paid for all expenses when IFBLS Council members have been invited to meetings. • Silent Auction– Janna Malseed presented information on the Silent Auction. • 30th IFBLS World Congresses – IFBLS invited member associations that were interested in arranging World Congress in 2012 to make a presentation. Delegates heard presentations from Eddie Ang – Singapore, Annette Artelt – Germany and Dionysis Vourtsis – Greece. • Future World Congresses 2016 – IFBLS asked if any member associations were interested in arranging World Congress in 2016 – none received. • Other Topics suggested by the members - none received • Introduction of topics for Workshops/Group discussions: 1. Future collaboration with WHO: Lena Morgan 2. Development of eLearning Program: Kyoko Komatsu 3. eJournal: Chuan-Liang Kao


IFBLS Open Forum 2010 Nairobi - Kenya 2

4. Core Curriculum: Gry Andersen. Results from the survey will be emailed to those interested and will be available on the members only area. 5. Recruitment of Members – Vince Gallicchio • Preliminary Group Reports were made in plenary. The reports are presented in the GAD minutes. Minutes Open Forum June 6, 2010/J. Malseed

MEETINGSMEETINGS

• Council has met 5 times since the GAD in 2008– New Delhi, India– Hamilton, Canada– Chiba City, Japan – Chief Delegates Meeting– Burlington, Canada– Nairobi, Kenya

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Recommendations from 2008 GAD

• Reduce staff hours by 50%– Janna Malseed hired in April 2009 in a part-

time position• Implement revised bylaws

– Approved by Industry Canada in September 2009

• Revise membership fee structure – a complex issue that requires bylaw revisions and will be addressed before 2012 5

IFBLS Council Progress

• Core Competences and core curriculum– Questionnaire sent to IFBLS member and

non-member organizations– Results will be presented and discussed at

the Open Forum and Student Forum• Auditor’ s report signed for 2008 and 2009

and is included in the GAD documents

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• Koyoko Komatsu and JAMT have produced an interactive e-learning module in Cytology, Hematology, Urinalysis– Future disciplines will be developed

• Professor Chuan-Liang Kao and the TSLM Association have developed the IFBLS e-journal. Professor Kao is the editor in chief

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• Lena Morgan, Marie Nora Roald, members of the Expert Group and GryAndersen have prepared a policy document on Point of Care Testing– Document will be presented at the GAD

• IFBLS has been active recruiting new members: Greece, Chad and reinstating previous members: the United Kingdom– This is an ongoing process and we are in

contact with other countries 8


• Finland and Norway have paid part or full 2009 membership fees for three countries:– Sri Lanka, Ghana, Cameroon– These three countries have all paid their own

fees for 2010• IFBLS has signed NGO agreements with

CLSI and WHO• The ethical guidelines have been revised

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BLS Day 2011-2012Theme

The Role of Biomedical LaboratoryScientists in the Global Management of

Communicable Diseases

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• The 22nd General Assembly of Delegates (GAD), Oslo 1996 adopted to institute a world-wide BiomedicalLaboratory Science Day. The purpose with the BLS Day is to highlight specified health problems with the view ofour profession, and to promote the profession ofBiomedical Laboratory Scientists and their role as keypersonnel within research, diagnosis and treatment ofpatients.The theme for the BLS is decided by IFBLS Council in cooperation with WHO’s Millennium Goals, and thetheme is applied to marketing the day all over the world.

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• Each Biomedical Scientist has a unique role in promotingthe professions importance within Health Care. A Biomedical Scientist with confidence and engagement is the best representative for the profession. You meet thepatients, their relatives and other health personnel in thedaily life. You are the best to tell what BiomedicalScientists do and what importance you have in diagnosisand treatment of patients. That is why it is important to participate in the celebration of the BLS Day at yourworkplace, even if the theme for the day does not correspond to what you actually do at your laboratory.

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IFBLS Finances as of May 15, 2010

Income Actual/year Budget 2010

Membership Fees1 59284.27 99,300.00

World Congress Fees

1000.00 30000.00

Bank Interest 0.00 3000.00

Sponsorship 0.00 10,000.00

Development Fund 0.00 0.00

Other Income (donations)

707.86 0.00

Total Income 60,992.13 142,300.00

Total Expenditures2

48,231.52 116,600.00

1Total membership fee income to May 15, 2010 is $95,890.27 ($36,606.00 was paid inthe autumn of 2009 and is included in the 2009 fiscal year; see Auditors report for 2009).2Actual expenses will be lower once IFBLS receives reinbursement from the Congress.

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2009 Auditor’s Report

• “We have audited the statement of financial position of IFBLS as at December 31, 2008 and the statements of revenues and expenditures, changes in members’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.”

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• “In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the company as at December 31, 2008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.”

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• “We have audited the statement of financial position of IFBLS as at December 31, 2009 and the statements of revenues and expenditures, changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.”

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• “In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the company as at December 31, 2009 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.”

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IFBLS Silent Auction

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IFBLS Silent AuctionIFBLS founded in 1954 in Zurich with Medical Laboratory Technologists from Europe and UK

Good laboratory practices worldwide are promoted through IFBLS in collaboration with the WHO, the Nordic Group, the ASEAN Association of MLT, the Asian Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists and the Federation of East African Associations of Medical Laboratory Sciences.

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IFBLS Silent AuctionTo sustain and to continue to fulfill aims of IFBLS, additional financial support is needed.

Membership subscriptions as well as revenue from Congresses alone are insufficient to manage an office and fund activities.

Member countries have provided donations for the Silent Auction.

Items will be located at the IFBLS booth

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IFBLS Silent AuctionBidding sheets will be attached to each item.

You will sign your name and place your bid for the item of your choice on the bidding sheet

You can place as many bids as you wish

The highest bidder will win the article

Bidding will stop on Wednesday, June 9th at 2:00 pm

The highest bidder will be announced at GAD June 10th

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Future collaboration with WHO

L.Morgan 2010 June 6th

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Main function of WHO

Act as directing and coordinating authority on international health work.Therefor collaborate with many healthcare related NGO’sObjectives for collaboration; to promote policies, strategies and programmes from the NGO’s


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Examples of objectives that are in harmony IFBLS-WHO

IFBLS: To support advance and promote the education, training and professional development of biomedical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technologists

WHO: To promote improved standards of teaching and training in the health, medical and related professions


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Examples of objectives that are in harmony IFBLS-WHO, cont’d

IFBLS: To support, advance and promote to high quality standards in diverse environmentsthroughout the world

WHO: To standardise diagnostic procedures as necessary


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Relation

IFBLS have and official relation to WHO, and we are allowed to participate in the WHA meetings, making intervetion but not votingIFBLS have relations with the designated technical officer in WHOA slumbering contact with Laboratory twinning projects in Lyon.


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WHO objectives supported by IFBLS

Promoting developmentFostering health securityStrengthen health systemsHarnessing research, information and evidenceEnhancing partnershipsImproving performance


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Proposed collaboration issues

IFBLS propose a Expert committee on Laboratory Diagnostic Standardisation and HarmonisationRecommendation for number of BLS’s per capita delivered by 2012Recommendations on core curriculum and core competences delivered by June 2010


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Workshop questions

How can we organise the proposed projects?How do we engage members and other individuals in this work?How do we finance the activities?


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Open Forum of e- Journal (Chuan-Liang Kao)

Questions:

1. How to promote and encourage everyone tosubmit the articles for e-journal (IJBLS)?

2. What kinds of discipline for review articles do you prefer?

3. What is the policy to deal with National Association Journal and IJBLS?Is compete or cooperative?

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Survey Core Curriculum

Open Forum, 29th World Congress 2009Gry Andersen

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1. Select your Region

25.05.2010 09:01 www.questback.com

Curriculum - Biomedical Laboratory Scientists

1 Africa

2 Asia

3 Europe

4 North-America

5 Oceania

6 South-America

N

Current 27

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17. Degree level



1 Bachelor

2 Masters

3 PhD

4 Others, specify

N

Current 27

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21. Number of weeks per year:

1 <30

2 30-35

3 36-41

4 >41

5 Other, specify

N

Current 26


Curriculum - Biomedical Laboratory Scientists 34

22. Number of hours per week:



1 <30

2 30-35

3 36-41

4 >41

5 Other, specify

N

Current 26

35

24. Core science



1 Chemistry

2 Physics

3 Mathematics

4 Statistics

5 Anatomy and physiology

6 Others, specify

N

Chemistry 25

Physics 22

Mathematics 22

Statistics 24

Anatomy and physiology 24

Others, specify 14

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26. Other topics



1 Human and social sciences

2 Systems of Information

3 Economy & Management

4 Public health

5 Ethics

6 Others, specify

N

Human and social sciences 20

Systems of Information 21

Economy & Management 20

Public health 22

Ethics 22

Others, specify 12

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Practical training

• All have practical training in the school• Very few in the industry• All have training in hospital laboratories• Few have training in the primary health

care units

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Study structure

• All have lectures• Around 25 % have Problem based learning

(PBL)• Around 60 % elearning or remote

education• And some have virtual training

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Further work

• “The devil is in the details”:• Very diverse expectations on what a newly

educated biomedical laboratory scientist should have of competence to perform

• Most of the scientific topics in the curriculum are similar, but the number of hours and credits varies a lot

• Open Forum today, then the Student Forum and thereafter presentation at the GAD for further advice

• Professional, scientifically and political important for the development politically for the profession

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Proposal for definition of CoreCompentencies

• A proposal for a short definition on Core Competencies was a part of the Questionnaire

• Over 90% support the proposal• We got very good additional proposals• Will be further developed

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Questions for the discussion

1. How should the information collected in the survey be used to address specific questions regarding core curriculum?

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2. Are the categories/disciplines are the categories/disciplines stated in the survey sufficient and representative such as the number of content hours needed or clinical practicum for any curriculum?

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3. What are the expectations from the delegates regarding the information from the survey?

4. Based on the survey information do you have an expectation regarding core curricula as it pertains across the various academic levels, e.g. polytechnic, BSC, 4-year degree etc.?

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IFBLS Chief Delegates 2010 Nairobi - Kenya 1

Minutes Chief Delegates Meeting June 8th, 2010 11:00 am – 13:00 pm KICC, Nairobi, Kenya

Present: Chief Delegates from Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, India (AIIMT), Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan (TAMT), Taiwan (TSML), Uganda, United States. Board Members present: Gry Andersen – President IFBLS – Norway Vincent Gallicchio – President-Elect – USA Lena Morgan – Past President – Sweden Tom Stowe – Canada Manindra Chaudhuri – India Kyoko Komatsu – Japan Chuan-Liang Kao – Taiwan Eddie Ang – Singapore Gry Andersen, President of IFBLS opened the meeting and welcomed the Chief Delegates. Vince Gallicchio asked the Chief Delegates to introduce themselves and name their country. It was agreed to accept the additional guests in attendance at the CD meeting. Involvement from Member Associations in IFBLS Work Ellen Libby-USA suggested there should be contact with ASCPi to discuss their membership and credentials Patrick Joseph Chattad-Cameroon stated with the Congress being in Africa, this should bring in a lot of members from Africa. IFBLS will be invited to attend an African Congress in 2011 Marie Culliton-Ireland It is hard to have a common goal at the same time. IFBLS needs to work in a regional manner. It is important to share information from region to region. An example is POCT. It works in certain areas and not in others. Gry Andersen responded that it is very important to have one voice globally. Information often stops at the respective Board meetings and does not get to the member. Ellen Libby asked when a member country joins do they commit to a contract to participate. Gry advised there is no contract however there is a commitment to send all information from IFBLS to their membership. Ellen agreed to speak to someone at the US organization about sharing



information from IFBLS with their members. Samanathan Ratanam: Malaysia asked what is the role of the individual member? Individual members must get support from national associations. Vince Gallicchio gave the definition of an individual member. Gry Anderson stated that it is controversial that individual members can run for election and suggested that if a member submitted a resolution to change the by-laws it will be discussed at the next Congress. Britt Valaas Viddal-Norway At every Board meeting they have in Norway, they discuss international topics. They also write about IFBLS in their journal. Clement Opoku-Okrah-Ghana It is very difficult to pursue the goals of IFBLS because employers present obstacles. Gry Anderson responded that if you have a publication in Ghana along with newsletters from IFBLS, this would benefit members with their employers. The Chief Delegates present agreed a quarterly IFBLS newsletter would help to explain the benefits of the profession to their employers. Vince Gallicchio stated that the topic of language was raised in the Membership Workshop as a concern. The group suggested newsletters, ejournal and other publications should be in other languages. Gry Andersen feels it could be very expensive but Council should look into this if that’s what the CD’s want. IFBLS will continue to make information available but we need to know what the issues are so that we can devise strategies. The Chief Delegates agreed that IFBLS should work closely with different regional organizations (FAAMLS, EPBS) to set up a MOU with them. Marie Culliton requested that the logo for EPBS be included in our POCT document. Follow-up Topics from Open Forum E-Learning – Topics to be included in e-Learning were suggested. The objectives of e-learning should be posted on the website. Information to Membership – It was stressed to the CD’s the importance of forwarding IFBLS information to their membership. It was also suggested to send target emails regarding e-learning, get other associations involved by linking their website to the IFBLS website in the member’s only area, make e-learning available at conferences and to also use the Student Forum. Core Curriculum – The document we have now is a good benchmark but we need more replies than the 27 we have. It was recommended that we use what we have to more forward by Christine Neilson – Canada. WHO – Recommendation for the number of BLS per capita was discussed. Many delegates suggested the number of BLS per capita was important however the number of BLS per specialty is more important. A questionnaire on this issue was prepared and a pilot program with 5 countries was initiated. The WHO should be invited to a meeting to discuss standardisation with work shops on accreditation and recommendations on core curriculum. E-Journal – Discussion took place on how to promote submitted articles. It was recommended the e-Journal be put on member country websites and that it could be used by members who do not have a regular publication. There was a lot of discussion on the quality of the journal and that we need more articles to be submitted. Membership – Many delegates commented that there is a lack of information on IFBLS as an organisation and that we need to market ourselves to organisations who do not know about us. The delegates recommend that we promote the benefits of IFBLS membership and also suggested looking at creating different levels of membership fee structure.



Task Force – President Gry Andersen made a presentation that reviewed the number of BLS in relation to population and to look at the number of BLS in each specialty. This topic needs to be addressed globally and requested help from the CD’s to work on this Task Force. A report should be completed for 2012. Mary Culliton (Ireland) agreed that this is an important issue and will take it to EPBS. Manason Rubainu (Nigeria) stated that this is a very good project. IFBLS should have standards so we all walk on the same page. Gry Andersen responded that there is a very good prognosis for the future of the profession. There was a lot of discussion on the topic of a clear definition of a BLS and how it varies from country to country and this is an issue that should be addressed by the Task Force. The following Delegates agree to work on the Task Force: Mary Culliton – Ireland Manason Rubainu – Nigeria Dionysis Vourtsis – Greece Leila Florento – Philippines Gry also requested the Chief Delegates present to recommend people from their association to work on this Task Force. Vince Gallicchio closed the meeting stating this topic continues to generate discussion and thanks the delegates for their active participation. Minutes Chief Delegates Meeting June 8, 2010/J. Malseed



CAMELS, CHIEF DELEGATES REPORT 2008 -2010 Cameroon Association for Medical Laboratory Science, membership stands at 99 registered members The student membership is increasing but at moment I do not have the exact number. Since GAD 2008, CAMELS has organized two national scientific conferences and GAD’s .It celebrated the International Biomedical Science day in 2008 and 2009.New members were elected into national council with Mr Chattad Patrick Joseph replacing Mr Bijengsi Jerome as National President at the 2009 GAD.A students forum which attracted many students from the university of Buea and professional schools in Douala, Bamenda and Buea was introduced into the 2009 conference program.This was very successful l and adopted as an annual activity during CAMELS conferences. The key topics CAMELS has been working on include;

A letter of intention for a law to organize Medical Laboratory Science profession in Cameroon, addressed to the Minister of Public Health.

A draft training curriculum for Medical Laboratory professionals. Feasibility studies for the organization of a workshop on quality control and quality

assurance.

BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS IN THE WORKFORCE IN CAMEROON o No official statistics for the BLS workforce in Cameroon, however, we believe it is

close to 1000. o No official statistics for the number of employed BLS. o No trend analysis on the demand for BLS. o No report to WHO. o CAMELS is yet to take action to get the official statistics to include BLS. o No national recommendation on the number of BLS students. o Yes its recruitment plans go simultaneously with the creation of new health centres

and government development plans and policy. o No recommendations on the number of BLS in the medical laboratory.

CAMELS is determined to consolidate the successes of the outgoing council as well as persue the implementation of professional regulatory issues as iso assessment , quality control and assurance, proficiency test and management. CAMELS is inviting interested partners to assist her. CAMELS is also determined to promote IFBLS activities in Cameroon.

CAMELS chief delegate to the 29th world congress Mr Chattad Patrick Joseph

2010 Report to Chief Delegates Meeting, Nairobi Kenya



Membership status Total membership in CSMLS is over 14,000. Despite retirements and economic pressure (regulatory body dues, which are mandatory can exceed $500 CAD), the roster remains strong. Major Change in Leadership at the Office After over 20 years of service, the Executive Director was replaced by Christine Nielsen, former Director of Certification for CSMLS. She has over 6 years experience with the CSMLS, and had moved to the Ontario regulatory body before coming back as Executive Director. As well, several senior leaders resigned, allowing the Board of Directors to conduct an Organizational Review. Key outcomes include:

• Fewer senior executives, • More support staff, • Increased use of contract services, and • Focus on the membership.

We have moved from a traditional organization to a new team-based concept. This has been the key operational issue for the past six months, staff the organization to fulfill the strategic plan. Certification At the entry level, we are consistently certifying over 500 General MLTs, 40 Diagnostic Cytologists and 20 Clinical Genetics Technologists annually. There is very low interest in the advance registered technologist (ART) certification, and we will consider alternatives in 2011. Prior Learning Assessment Canada receives about 600 people through immigration each year who identify themselves as a medical laboratory technologist or pathology assistant (national occupation code 3211). CSMLS offers a national Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) service, which is the first step to working in Canada. We complete about 300 evaluations each year, focusing on:

• Maintaining the entry to practice standard, • Open, transparent process • Policies are supported by research • Focus on timely assessment and good customer service.

We recently completed a study of the economic need for bridging (upgrade) training for internationally educated MLTs. We find that if the government was to invest in the training (including clinical placements) for all international technologists, and fund the programs, the technologist would start working years earlier, paying higher taxing thus benefitting the government. We are going to use this report to advocate for more programs, with better capacity across Canada. We are just starting our first multi-profession research project funded by the Government of Canada. We are asking the question, “Five years post-certification/licensure, are internationally trained health professionals integrating well into the Canadian workplace?” Most research focuses on the process of coming to Canada, providing good information sources, review of the licensure process etc, but little work has been done to date on the integration piece. This research project will last two years, cost over $300,000 and involve pharmacy, medical radiation technologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and CSMLS. Lack of Clinical Placements



CSMLS is still predicting a shortage of medical laboratory technologists in the near future, and the domestic supply for replacements will NOT be sufficient. For years, CSMLS has been urging provincial and federal government to fund clinical placements (as it does for other health professions), as this is the place where we are limited by capacity across Canada. As well, internationally trained medical laboratory technologists need a clinical placement for best success on the certification exam and to enter the workforce (see Prior Learning Assessment). We continue to lobby governments on this important issue. Changes in Legislation to Impact CSMLS One of the programs offered to members is Professional Liability Insurance. In some jurisdictions, PLI is required to work in the field. In 2011, all practitioners in Ontario (over 7,000 registered) are required by law to have PLI. In 2011, CSMLS is anticipating reinstatement by thousands of members in this province. Free Continuing Education We are now offering one free continuing education module per month for each member. We have registered over 2000 people since starting in January. This is likely a key reason why our membership numbers remain high, despite retirements. New course offerings include Biosafety Officer training, Certificate in Quality Systems and a new immunohistochemistry certificate. Voice of Medical Laboratory Science The CSMLS continues to represent the profession in many places including:

• Health Action Lobby • Coalition for Public Health in the 21st Century • Consensus Building Conference with Pathologists • Taskforce for Immunohistochemistry Standards (IHC) • Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) • Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) • Canadian Network of National Association of Regulators (CNNAR) • Discussion with federal and provincial governments

Key topics that your association has been working on:

• Completion of communications audit • Completion of business recovery audit • Research to influence policies for Prior Learning Assessment

Key areas for development:

• Governance audit (review of all committee structures and format) • Online journal (CJMLS) • Advocacy program to enable members to become more involved at the local level • Fulfillment of Strategic Plan By Carol Green, 2010 President

The Danish Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists Introduction: The Danish Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (dbio) is a trade union for laboratory scientists working in Denmark. The mission of the organization is “to take care of the members



professional, social and economic interests, and work for increased participation in decision-making at the work places.” At dbio there is currently a strong focus and interest on the development within biomedicine and biotechnology, and on how the changes will influence the profession, and the patients of the future. At the same time a historic reorganization of the health care system is taking place in Denmark. Previously the work at the Danish hospitals was organized according to the medical specialties. This has resulted in laboratories that most of all has identified their main tasks to be providing services to the clinical departments. This led to a principal of organization of the work based on the perspective of the employees at either the laboratory, or the clinical departments. The result has been that the perspective of the patient got lost. The organizational problems that the system developed, has led to a strong political pressure from all the Danish parties in the parliament, in order to reorganize the health care system by taking point of departure in the treatment of the patient. Most of the current initiatives in dbio are influenced by the technological and scientific developments within biomedical laboratory science, and the organizational changes taking place in the Danish health care system. The Professional Identity of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists: In dbio we believe that biomedical scientists in the future can play an important role in this reorganization of the work within the health care sector. In order to understand the professional identity, and to support future developments of biomedical laboratory scientists as a professional group, several projects have been developed the past years. In 2009 the project rapport “The Professional Identity of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists” was published. The rapport is based on an ethnographic study at laboratories within all the main specialties of biomedical laboratory science. The rapport has provided a better understanding of the identity of biomedical laboratory scientists, the work culture, and the strengths and weaknesses of the profession. The Diagnostic Partner Based on the insights from the rapport, a new project called “The Diagnostic Partner” has been initiated. The new project is based on a future vision, to make the biomedical laboratory scientist a partner of dialogue with the patient, other healthcare professionals and the leadership of the hospitals. The point is that the laboratory and biomedical laboratory scientists actively take responsibility in planning the treatment of the patient. This change put the laboratory in a much more proactive position than previously. This will enforce a further development of the key competencies of the biomedical laboratory scientists. Being a partner of professional dialogue, demands that the biomedical laboratory scientists see them selves as an equal partner with the doctors and nurses regarding discussions of diagnostics. This will enable the biomedical laboratory scientists to use all their competencies regarding pre-analysis, analysis and post-analysis. Furthermore, skills that enable interdisciplinary work and dialogue will be demanded to a higher extend than previously. In the first phase of the project, the main focus will be on how dbio can support the leading biomedical laboratory scientists in taking a lead in these changes. Later, the focus will be on the role of the shop stewards, biomedical laboratory scientists at the laboratories, and the teaching staff in the university colleges. In-service training In order to enable biomedical laboratory scientists to develop their professional competencies during the progress of scientific and technological development, dbio offers courses in all fields of biomedical laboratory science.



Career tree Although the Danish laboratories, at the hospitals currently are facing financial cut backs resulting in the sacking of biomedical laboratory analysts; in the coming years it is expected that a large number of the work force will retire. Currently the prognosis illustrates that the new generations of biomedical laboratory scientists, will not be able to fill the gap. In order to strengthen recruitment and maintain the existing biomedical laboratory scientists within the profession, a web based career tree has been developed. The tree illustrates the possible horizontal and vertical career strategies of the profession, and shows the varied career options that an education in biomedical laboratory science provide. Ethical Universe Working with forefront technology and science, biomedical laboratory scientists daily faces new dilemmas with no clear cut answers. In order to support the members of dbio in handling ethical dilemmas, dbio has had an increased focus and discussion of ethical dilemmas the past years. The discussions led to a critique of the ethical guidelines, since guidelines are too rigid to follow the technological developments. Instead an ethical tool “The Ethical Universe” which purpose is to create reflexivity, has been developed. The tool, consist of a hands on guide to how ethical dilemmas can be discussed and handled at the laboratory. The Ethical Universe is furthermore successfully used at the University Colleges in the education of coming biomedical laboratory scientists. New educational program for the shop stewards As a trade union dbio is also playing an important role in securing their members an increased influence of their working conditions. In order to support the members during the many radical changes in the Danish healthcare system, dbio has redeveloped the educational program for the shop stewards. The education has an increased focus on the political role of the shop stewards and the safety representatives that today are educated together in order to form a natural political alliance in negotiations with the leadership of the laboratory and the hospital. The new education has furthermore a focus on how the shop stewards can support the members at the laboratory when they face organizational changes, and an increased technological automatization. Equal pay for equal work Another of the key elements of dbio’s work is to negotiate collective agreement of pay for the members. Currently negotiations are taking place with the public and private employers. However, due to the financial crises the expectation for a rise is low. Instead the focus has been turned to the huge gap of wages between male and female dominated professions in Denmark. A wage commission has recently underscored how the Danish labor market not only is extremely gender segregated with women working primarily in the public sector, and men working in the private sector. In the statistics it is illustrated that women is lacking far behind in pay compared to the male dominated professions in the private sector. Together with other trade unions, dbio is working to make this inequality visible at the political level and in the public. Hopefully professions dominated by women such as biomedical laboratory science, will in the near by future be able to get equal pay for equal work. NML- Conferences On a final happy note it can be mentioned that dbio on September 13th to 15th in 2011, is honored to be hosting the NML congress. The theme will be: Biomedical Laboratory Science: “The Wondrous Profession”. The program will soon be available at www.dbio.dk Chief Delegates report 2008-2010 Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland

http://www.dbio.dk/



P.O. Box 110 00060 Tehy Finland The IFBLS Council kindly requests the Chief Delegates to prepare a short report (maximum 2 pages) on the following topics: 1. Membership status and the number of student members 31.12.2008: Total number of members was 4372 and the number of student members was 509. 31.12.2009: Total number of members was 4319 and the number of student members was 505. 26.5.2010: Total number of members was 4563 and the number of student members 532. 2. The celebration of the international Biomedical Science Day (BLS Day) The power point presentation on PAPA-test (sampling). Local associations have had different kinds of presentations and events (lectures, visits). The Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists has also had press releases. 3. Key topics that your association has been working on since GAD 2008 or CD meeting 2009 a. Education: Changes in the organization of education both in bachelor`s and master`s degree. b. Changes in the tasks of biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS): their tasks have been transferred to other health care professionals and vice versa. c. Lack of the BLS Work Force 4. “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in the Work Force” in your country: � How many BLS are in the work force in your country? Approximately 6000 � Do you have official statistics on the number of employed BLS’? In Finland we have official statistics on the number of employed BLS working in the municipal sector, but not in private sector. � Does your country make trend analysis on the demand for BLSs? Trend analysis is made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Tehy (The Union of Health and Social Care Professionals) etc. � Does your country report the number of BLS’s to the World Health Organisation official statistics (such as the report “Working together for health” http://www.who.int/whr/2006/en/ index.html )? If no, has your association taken action to get the official statistics to include BLS’s? Yes, the state authorities (Valvira, National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health). � Are there national recommendations on the number of BLS students? If yes, please provide the number.



Until 2010 the Ministry of Education gave the recommendations. Since the beginning of the year 2010 the Universities of Applied Sciences autonomously decide on the number of BLS student places (this is a big problem, because of the lack of national coordination). In the last years 220-240 BLS students have started each year in Finland. � Does your country have recruitment plans for BLS students? If yes, what kind of plans? The Universities of Applied Sciences have their own recuitment plans. The Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists is also working for recruitment. Every employer has their own strategy for recruitment. � Does your country have recommendations for the number of BLS’s in the medical laboratories? If yes, are there differences between the specialities? No � Other About 50 % of BLS are retiring by 2023. The big changes in the organization of education both in universities and in universities of applied sciences have required great effort from our association, likewise changes in organizations of health care laboratories (centralization etc.) 27.5.2010 Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in Finland GHANA ASSOCIATION OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENTISTS REF: GABMS/NEC/IFBLS/2010 DATE: 29TH MAY, 2010 CHIEF DELEGATES REPORT 2008 - 2010

1 INTRODUCTION Ghana is pleased to be represented again at the General Assembly of Delegates and to give a short report to the IFBLS Council as requested in earlier correspondence.

2 INFORMATION

2.1 MEMBERSHIP

2.1.1 Registration Currently, membership stands at 853 comprising 24 Fellow members, 240 Associate members, 428 Affiliate members, 152 Student members, 6 Corporate members, and 4 Honorary members. The locations and places of work of most of our members can not be traced. Some are have traveled outside the country and not contributing to the welfare of the Association.



2.1.2 Dues It must be noted that even though majority of members now have their dues deducted from source, only very few are of Good Standing. Some members have not yet regularized their membership with Ghana Association of Biomedical Scientists (GABMS) while others have arrears in dues to clear. Only 35, 32 and 28 members were financially of “good standing” for 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively.

2.2 BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS IN THE WORKFORCE IN GHANA There is no official statistics on the number of Biomedical Scientists in Ghana simply because the Ministry of the Health in Ghana had refused to create an office or a unit to handle medical laboratory affairs. Several letters had been written to the Minister of Health requesting for audience to discuss the regulation of medical laboratory practice under a proposed Allied Health Professions (AHP) Act but not a single response had been obtained. Letters were also sent to the Chief of Staff and the Chief Director at the Castle to petition them to fast-track the submission of the proposed Health Professions Regulatory Act to Parliament, but nothing favourable had evolved. Several radio discussions had echoed the importance of the AHP Act but the Government had refused to listen. The fact still remains that medical laboratory practice is not regulated in Ghana.

2.3 STUDENTS’ AFFAIRS The Ministry of Health’s sponsored Diploma of Medical Laboratory Technology at the School of Allied Health Sciences of the University of Ghana ended in 2009/2010 academic year. The Ministry of Health had however, started another school and new private schools had also been established by individuals to train medical laboratory technicians. BSc in Medical Laboratory Science is currently being organized by the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Post-graduate programmes in Medical Laboratory specialties are being run by UG and KNUST.

2.4 THE INTERNATIONAL BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE DAY The International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day had not been properly observed since 2007 but was celebrated with a General meeting on Thursday, 15th April, 2010 at the School of Allied Health Sciences lecture halls. Lovers of the medical laboratory profession were present in their numbers to express their views.

2.5 KEY TOPICS BY GABMS The Role of Biomedical Scientists in the Management of HIV, TB, and Malaria. Regulation of Medical Laboratory Practice in Ghana

3 RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSION Ghana is appealing to the IFBLS, World Health Organization and other Health related bodies to put pressure on our Government for the regulation of medical Laboratory practice in Ghana.



Chief Delegates report 2008-2010 Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) Report 1. Membership status and the number of student members Active membership status of PAMET members is approximately 1000. The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) is composed of Medical Technologists who passed the licensure examination. Hence, members have license to work as Med Techs. Students are not members of the PAMET. They have their separate organizations composed mainly of Medical Technology students all over the country under the auspices of the organization of the Schools of Med Tech. 2. The celebration of the international Biomedical Science Day (BLS Day) PAMET celebrates Med Tech Week yearly every 3rd week of September. Activities for the week included Community Outreach, Continuing Professional Education seminar, Advocacy to the Med Tech profession, Interschool Quiz Competition and Sportsfest activities. We have not done any activity during the April 17 BLS Day. 3. Key topics that your association has been working on since GAD 2008 or CD meeting 2009 - Improving competency in microscopy particularly identification of intestinal parasites and malaria - 4. “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in the Work Force” in your country: � How many BLS are in the work force in your country? To date, there are already approximately 56,000 registered Medical Technologists in the country. However, based on the survey in 2007, there are approximately 8888 employed. � Do you have official statistics on the number of employed BLS’? The official statistics on the number of employed BLS is with the Department of Health. � Does your country make trend analysis on the demand for BLSs? For the past 3 years, we have shortage of Medical Technologists in the country. Yes, there is a great demand in the hospitals, clinics and private practice. � Does your country report the number of BLS’s to the World Health Organisation official statistics (such as the report “Working together for health” http://www.who.int/whr/2006/en/ index.html )? If no, has your association taken action to get the official statistics to include BLS’s? We have WHO office in Manila wherein our Department of Health is in close coordination. The organization will check about the submission of the official statistics. (Most likely submitted). � Are there national recommendations on the number of BLS students? If yes, please provide the number. The Philippines is currently suffering from shortage of employed Med Tech primarily because in the past 3 yrs, there was a decreased in the number of students enrolled in BS Med Tech (Medical Laboratory Science). In 2003, we have 18,649 students but as of 2008, it declined to 9034 only. We developed advocacy plans and for now, we are slowly increasing the enrolment. There is no national recommendation on the number of BLS students. � Does your country have recruitment plans for BLS students? If yes, what kind of plans? Yes, we adopted several plans such as:

1. career orientation to graduating students at intermediate level



2. posters and flyers distributed to the students 3. going to different schools nationwide and giving seminars about the role and importance of

Med Techs � Does your country have recommendations for the number of BLS’s in the medical laboratories? If yes, are there differences between the specialities? The number of Med Techs/BLS in the laboratories would depend on the size of the hospital, bed capacity and work load. In bigger hospitals, there are managers or head per unit of the laboratory supervising several staff. The staff can rotate to different sections. In small hospitals in the province, there are only very few Med Techs/BLS in the whole laboratory. Example: HOSPITAL POSITION Salary

GradeNo. of Positions

JRRMMC (450 authorized beds)

Medical Technologist III 18 4

Medical Technologist II 15 13 Medical Technologist I 11 1 Med Lab Technician III 10 5 Med Lab Technician II 8 6 Med Lab Technician I 6 1 Lab Aide II 4 9 TOTAL 39

ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS

SRI LANKA CHIEF DELEGATE’S REPORT 2008-2010 - SRI LANKA Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists –Sri Lanka (AMLT-SL) IFBLS Chief Delegates Meeting 29th World Congress, June 2010 Nairobi - Kenya 1. Membership status and the number of student members Active members (May 2010) 96 Registered members (397 *) Student members (130 **) * Number given as registered members includes the MLTT who obtained the membership but not continued by paying subscriptions and playing an active role.



** At the moment there are 130 trainees following the Diploma course at the three training schools. All are considered as student members. But they are not enrolled as student members. Association’s activities are opened for all registered members and students. 2. The celebration of the international Biomedical Science Day (BLS Day) Not practical to celebrate BLS day in Sri Lanka as it falls on a national New Year holidays. (BLS Day falls on April 15 every year. This is the day after the Sinhala & Hindu New year day. Almost entire country takes holiday these few days to spend with family members and visit parents and relatives.) 3. Key topics that your association has been working on since GAD 2008

Medical Laboratory Science Degree Programmes Up to few years ago the Diploma in MLT offered by the Ministry of Health is the recognized and highest qualification to practice the trade in the island. After so many years of representations and agitations, the government had taken a policy decision to commence degree programmes at national universities. Degree programs started at 4 universities. Not a single MLS graduate is out yet. At the moment the AMLT-SL is working on establishing distance education equalization programmes so that the diploma holders could upgrade their qualifications to degree level.

Celebration of Golden Jubilee of the pioneer MLT training institute of the island.

The first school of MLT started at the Medical Research Institute, Colombo in 1959 with the auspices of the WHO (World Health Organization). December 2009 the alumni of the school celebrated the event with assortment of activities. ( Media publicity, Golden Jubilee publication, an educational exhibition, scientific meetings, Lecture programmes, & felicitations etc.)

Other Activities The association conducted a number of workshops for MLTT. Conducted educational programmes for school children and teachers. Issued the “Biomedical Laboratory Science -2009” (Journal of the AMLT-SL). Had the Academic Sessions in April 2010 4. “Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in the Work Force” in your country: � How many BLS are in the work force in your country? State sector: 1450 (All are members of the MLT Trade Union) Private sector: Not estimated (Employ both qualified and unqualified workers) � Do you have official statistics on the number of employed BLS’? No � Does your country make trend analysis on the demand for BLSs? ? No � Does your country report the number of BLS’s to the WHO official statistics? ? No (Usually the dealings with WHO is done by Ministry of Health)



If no, has your association taken action to get the official statistics to include BLS’s? Not at the moment. AMLT-SL may liaise with the Ministry of Health on this matter. � Are there national recommendations on the number of BLS students? If yes, please provide the number. ? No (This vary. The Ministry of Health decides the number of Diploma students and the Ministry of Higher Education is the authority of BSc students. At the moment 130 diploma students and over 150 BSc undergraduates at universities) � Does your country have recruitment plans for BLS students? If yes, what kind of plans? Yes ( 100% of the Ministry of Health diploma holders are assured employment in state sector institutions. No plans are available yet for BSc holders when they are out) � Does your country have recommendations for the number of BLS’s in the medical laboratories? No (Number depends on the work load of the laboratory. Sri Lankan MLTT are multi-skilled. Private laboratory regulations require a Sri Lanka Medical Council registered MLT to run a laboratory) H.D.N.Gunasekara Past President (AMLT-SL) Chief Delegate at 29th World Congress Activities in 2010 James Chang President of TAMT � Two main subjects : Celebration of International BLS Day in Taiwan 14~18 April 2010 3rd Asia-Pacific City Forum of BLS in Taipei 1~3 May 2010 �This is the poster of IFBLS days. Remind people this is a day to take care of our health. We suggest people to get a colon cancer screen and blood glucose test.

• BLS Day posters were sent to medical centers, metropolitan hospitals, regional hospitals and commercial medical laboratories nationwide

• All of medical institutions had booths for promotional activities, advocating the importance

of preventive health examination and cancer marker screening �Poster cloth at each laboratories.

Poster cloth hang up in front of the laboratory. �For celebrating the IFBLS day , we had an activity during April 15 to April 18.

Giving free consultation. • Colon cancer and other cancer prevention consultation. • Blood glucose consultation. • POCT glucometer comparison service. • Examination report consultation.

�This is the news about the activity on the newspaper. �On that day , there was a press conference.



�We explaining about the activities to the journalist. Second main activity in 2010 is 3rd Asia pacific city forum. Its been held in Taipei county in this early May. �Group photo of opening ceremony �Group photo of welcome banquet �We had a booth giving service of gluometer comparison. �Also , we had our AAMLS Board of directors meeting in the same day.

• More than 2,300 TAMT members took part in the event. • The theme of the forume is “ Advanced technology and biomarkers in biomedical

laboratory science “. • TAMT arranged the meeting of Board of directors of AAMLS (the 5th BOD meeting) in

Taipei. ※ Invited Foreign Speaker Rachana Santiyanont AAMLS Thailand

Eddie Ang SAMLS Singapore Kyoko Komatsu IFBLS Japan Endang Hoyaranda AAMLS Indonesia Woon Sung Thong MIMLS Malaysia Leila M. Florento PAMET Philippines Christine Nielsen CSMLS Canada

※ Invited Foreign Guests Kwang-Hyun Ryu KAMT Korea Kyu-Choun Lee KAMT Korea Han-Ik Suh KAMT Korea Yiu-Lam Tsim HKIMLS Hong Kong Chi-Shing Leung HKIMLS Hong Kong Cheong-Nan Kuok MDTTA Macao Eleanor P. Garcia PAMET Philippines

IFBLS General Assembly of Delegates (GAD) 2010 June 10th

Nairobi – Kenya

Contents 1. President’s address ............................................................................................................................. 2 2. Membership applications..................................................................................................................... 3 3. Approval of the GAD Vote Counters ................................................................................................... 3 4. Approval of the GAD Secretariat ......................................................................................................... 3 5. Approval of the GAD Agenda .............................................................................................................. 4 6. Approval of the Minutes of the General Assembly of Delegates 2008................................................ 4 7. Confirmation of President 2010 – 2012............................................................................................... 4 8. Election of the President Elect of IFBLS for the term 2010 – 2012..................................................... 4 9. Biennial report 2008-2010 ................................................................................................................... 5 10. Financial and Auditor’s Reports (2008 and 2009), and Budget 2011 – 2012 ................................... 5 11. Auditor for 2011 and 2012................................................................................................................. 5 12. Approval of the revised Code of Ethics ............................................................................................. 6 13. Approval of the Policy documents on Point of Care Testing............................................................. 7 14. Open Forum Reports......................................................................................................................... 7 15. Report from the Student Forum......................................................................................................... 8 16. Election of Council............................................................................................................................. 8 17. Future Congresses – 2012 and 2016................................................................................................ 8 18. Topics submitted by IFBLS members ............................................................................................... 9 19. Token of appreciation........................................................................................................................ 9 20. Closing statement of the President 2008 – 2010 .............................................................................. 9 21. Address of the new President ......................................................................................................... 10

IFBLS GAD 2010 Nairobi – Kenya Page 2 of 12

1. President’s address Chief delegates and delegates, My name is Gry Andersen and I am the president in IFBLS. I wish you all warmly welcome to the 2010 IFBLS General Assembly of delegates. This is the second GAD I welcome to and the last one I will chair. It is five days since we started our work and these days have gone really fast. Thank you to all who has contributed with posters, symposiums and lectures and thereby given us a good scientific program. The Open Forum, the Chief delegate meeting and the Student Forum have been in action and today we learn the result of these meetings. Two years ago we were in New Delhi and I honoured the Congress organisers there for the fact that they had attendances from all over the World at the Congress. What we have learnt at this year’s Congress in Nairobi is the fact that the 2010 tops the 2008 and have even more nations represented as delegates and exhibitors. In 2000 I started to be a part of the official delegates from Norway and I can’t remember that there have been so many Chief delegates present for many years: 30 member countries are represented and will be forming the IFBLS politics and strategies today. Congratulations to our organiser AKMLSO for making this possible! At the moment we have got questions about two collaborating projects: one in Bolivia and one in Tanzania. Both requests have been addressed to me, and the one from Bolivia wanted to be connected with the Nordic group, the Tanzania project is about getting a BLS association up and going in collaboration with the Norwegian association. We will look more into these projects after the Congress. As you can see from the documents we have three associations that have applied for membership. In addition we are in contact with several other associations, groups and individuals and are working actively to recruit them. Last December we visited the Russian Nurse association and hopefully the BLS part of the association will be members in IFBLS. We need you and your network to make sure that we can recruit more members, please be active on this. Yesterday I was invited to the Kenyan Ministry of Health. Moses Lorre and I attended the meeting with the Permanent Secretary. We had very fruitful discussions and an initiative for collaboration was made. During this Congress we have tried something new, the silent auction. Thank all of you who have brought very nice items for auction. In total we got in over 800 US dollars and that is very positive. We have learnt a lot from this experience and will look into the possibility to have a silent auction or an ordinary auction in 2012. Yesterday the Management Committee in IFBLS had a though job; to make the decision about the 2012 Congress. We had three very good bids. I thank Singapore, Greece and Germany for their applications and for being willing to take on arranging the 30th World Congress. We have discussed the bids in the Council, got them presented at the Open Forum, had meetings with all the three bidders and several of you have also gave your advices. On behalf of IFBLS I am happy to say that the 30th World Congress will be in June 2012 in Germany. Then it is time to start with today’s business: All the official documents were sent to you in time according to the IFBLS bylaws and we are ready to start the business of the last IFBLS meeting on the 29th World Congress. You got a short version of the Council’s report at the Open Forum on Sunday. The same goes for a financial status per May 15th. Gry Andersen President IFBLS 2008 – 2010


2. Membership applications A membership report was presented by Mahindra Chaudhury, see IFBLS GAD 2010 Appendix 1. The Membership Committee has received membership applications from associations and for individual membership. The Membership Committee has reviewed three association membership applications for consideration. The applications fulfil the requests in IFBLS’ bylaws: Chad Greece United Kingdom The IFBLS Council proposed: The Council recommended the GAD to approve the membership of the three applicants, Chad, Greece and United Kingdom. Seconded by: Cameroon, Sweden, USA, Finland Vote: Unanimous

3. Approval of the GAD Vote Counters

The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that Ronaldo Puno (Philippines), GC Okara (Nigeria), Linda Ekelund (Sweden) and Hilde Kaasa (Norway) are appointed as vote counters at this GAD Be it moved that Anna Andersen (Sweden), Liv Jorunn Garvik (Norway), Kate Schaeffer (USA), and Kevin O’Connell (Ireland) are appointed as counters at the floor at this GAD.” Seconded by: Philippines Vote: Unanimous

4. Approval of the GAD Secretariat The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that Marie Nora Roald, Norway, and Tom Stowe, Canada, are appointed as secretaries at this GAD.” Seconded by: Canada, Ireland, Nigeria Vote: Unanimous


5. Approval of the GAD Agenda The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the agenda for the GAD 2010 in Nairobi be approved as presented.” Seconded by: Canada, Philippines, Denmark, Ghana Vote: Unanimous

6. Approval of the Minutes of the General Assembly of Delegates 2008

The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the GAD 2010 approves the Minutes from GAD 2008.” Seconded by: USA, Finland, Ghana Vote: Unanimous

7. Confirmation of President 2010 – 2012 IFBLS changed the bylaws at GAD 2008 in New Delhi, India, and prior to the changes Mr. Vincent Gallicchio was elected as President Elect according to the old bylaws. The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the GAD 2010 endorses that Mr. Vincent Gallicchio is appointed President for the term 2010 – 2012.” Seconded by: Croatia, Uganda, Kenya, Denmark, Cameroon Vote: Unanimous

8. Election of the President Elect of IFBLS for the term 2010 – 2012 According to the nominations there is one candidate for the President Elect position in IFBLS Council, Ms. Kyoko Komatsu, Japan. The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the GAD acclaims Ms. Kyoko Komatsu as President Elect of IFBLS 2010 – 2012.” Seconded by: Croatia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Sweden Vote: Unanimous


9. Biennial report 2008 – 2010 The Biennial report was distributed as part of the congress documents prior to the Congress. The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved the IFBLS Biennial report for 2008-2010 be adopted by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: Denmark, USA, Sweden Vote: Unanimous

10. Financial and Auditor’s Reports (2008 and 2009), and Budget 2011 – 2012 Auditor’s report 2008 The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the Auditor’s report 2008 be adopted by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: Denmark, Norway, Finland Vote: Unanimous Auditor’s report 2009 The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the Auditor’s report 2009 be adopted by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: USA, Denmark, Philippines Vote: Unanimous Budget 2011 – 2012 The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the Budget 2011 – 2012 be adopted by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: Canada, Cameroon, Nigeria Vote: Unanimous

11. Auditor for 2011 and 2012 The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the proposed Auditor for the said period, Vine and Partners LLP, be adopted by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: USA, Ireland, Norway Vote: Unanimous


12. Approval of the revised Code of Ethics A proposal for revision of Code of Ethics for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists was distributed as part of the Congress documents prior to the Congress. During the last three years IFBLS has been working to revise/update the current Code of Ethics. There was a need to revise the current Code of Ethics, to reorganise the bullet points according to topics, and to add new items. Codes of Ethics shall: Promote high standards of practice; Establish a framework for professional behaviour and responsibilities; Define acceptable behaviours; Provide a benchmark for members to compare themselves and their behaviour. Developing a Code of Ethics is part of building and defining a profession’s identity. The Code of Ethics functions as a mark of the profession’s maturity. A Code of Ethics should be tailored to the needs and values of the profession. This means the Code of Ethics for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists is intended to function as a support and guide for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in challenging situations. It is also important to consider the fact that the Code of Ethics is an assurance for the general public that Biomedical Laboratory Scientists will practice their professional skills in an ethically responsible manner. At IFBLS’ Chief Delegate meeting in November 2009 the proposal for the revised Code of Ethics was presented for discussion. The recommendation from the delegates was that the revision should be presented to the GAD 2010 for approval. Following discussion the Council proposed that the wording “mankind” is changed to humanity. The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved the revised Ethical Guidelines be adopted by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: Ghana, Ireland, Philippines Vote: Unanimous See IFBLS GAD 2010 Appendix 2 for the revised IFBLS Code of Ethics. Gry Andersen reviewed the plans to build a framework around the Codes of Ethics; this framework will help with implementing the codes. Contents of the framework can for instance be:

• Define to whom the codes apply • Introduction • Ethical theory • Reflections on the development and use of Biomedical laboratory science research and the

role of the Biomedical laboratory scientists • Reflections on the professional ethical guidelines, including questions for discussion • Etc


13. Approval of the Policy documents on Point of Care Testing Two documents were distributed as part of the Congress documents prior to the Congress

• IFBLS proposed Guidelines for Point of Care Testing (POCT); an extended and detailed document.

• EPBS Policy Statement on Point of Care Testing. Approved by EPBS at their annual meeting in October 2009 in Oslo.

In 2008 members from the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS) and the European Association for Professions in Biomedical Science (EPBS) took on the task to prepare guidelines for our members on POCT. Members from the Expert Groups in IFBLS have been active in this work. At IFBLS’ Chief Delegate meeting in November 2009 both documents were discussed. The recommendation from the delegates was that both documents serve an important purpose and should be presented for the GAD 2010 for approval. The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved the IFBLS proposed Guidelines for Point of Care Testing be adopted by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: Denmark, Norway, Taiwan (TAMT) Vote: Unanimous The IFBLS Council proposed: “Be it moved that the EPBS Policy Statement on Point of Care Testing be endorsed by GAD 2010 Nairobi, Kenya.” Seconded by: Ireland, Denmark, Iceland, Nigeria Vote: Unanimous See IFBLS GAD 2010 Appendix 3 and 4 for the approved documents.

14. Open Forum Reports 1. Future collaboration with WHO: Report presented by Lena Morgan 2. Development of eLearning program: Report presented by Kyoko Komatsu 3. eJournal: Report presented by Chuan-Liang Kao 4. Core Curriculum: Report presented by Gry Andersen 5. Recruitment of members – benefits of being members of IFBLS: Report presented by Vincent Gallicchio See IFBLS GAD 2010 Appendix 1 for reports from the Open Forum Working Groups.


15. Report from the Student Forum Report of the 5th Student Forum Jesper Blomquist (Sweden), supported by Marjo Yrjänheikki (Finland), Kate Schaeffer (USA) and Lilliann Skaala (Norway), presented the report from the 5th IFBLS Student Forum. See IFBLS GAD 2010 Appendix 1 for report from the Student Forum. After the presentation a brief discussion occurred regarding extra content for the curriculum such as entrepreneurship or communication. The survey will be re-sent, and a summary of the results will become available on the website in the member’s only section.

16. Election of Council The following candidates stood for election for IFBLS Council 2010 – 2012.

• ANG, Eddie Han San, SAMLS, Singapore • CHATTAD, Patrick Joseph, CAMELS, Cameroon • CHAUDHURI, Manindra, AIIMT, India • KAO, Chuan-Liang, TSLM, Taiwan • STOWE, Tom, CSMLS, Canada • STUPNISEK, Mirjana, CLA, Croatia • VOURTSIS, Dionysis, PETIE, Greece

191 ballots out of 244 votes in total were available at the GAD. 191 ballots were received and all were valid. The following candidates were elected by 2010 GAD Nairobi, Kenya for IFBLS Council 2010 – 2012:

• CHATTAD, Patrick Joseph, CAMELS, Cameroon • CHAUDHURI, Manindra, AIIMT, India • KAO, Chuan-Liang, TSLM, Taiwan • STOWE, Tom, CSMLS, Canada • STUPNISEK, Mirjana, CLA, Croatia

17. Future Congresses – 2012 and 2016 2012 IFBLS Congress: Agreement has been signed between IFBLS and dvta to host the IFBLS 2012 Congress in Berlin/Potsdam, Germany. The Chair reported that a presentation of 2012 IFBLS Congress will be made at the Closing ceremony. 2014 IFBLS Congress: Agreement was signed in 2008 between IFBLS with TSLM and TAMT to co-host the IFBLS Congress 2014 in Taipei, Taiwan. The IFBLS council will welcome bids for 2016 Congress.


18. Topics submitted by IFBLS members The GAD unanimously accepted (with seconding from Norway, Uganda and Finland) a proposal from Ireland be put forward for the GAD. Ireland (AMLS) proposed: “Be it moved that IFBLS marks its first GAD in Africa. Delegates are requested to contribute to a fund for refurbishment of laboratories at the KNH Nairobi.” Seconded by: Ghana, Nigeria, Germany Vote: Unanimous

19. Token of appreciation Eddie Han San Ang was given a token of appreciation for his services in IFBLS council 2008 – 2010. Gry Andersen extended her thanks on behalf of IFBLS Council and members. Lena Morgan was given a token of appreciation for her services in IFBLS council as council member 2000 – 2002, President Elect 2002 – 2004, President 2004 – 2006 and Past President 2006 – 2010. Gry Andersen extended her thanks on behalf of IFBLS Council and members.

20. Closing statement of the President 2008 – 2010 Dear Colleagues and friends, We have had five very good days here at the Congress; all the work prior and during this congress has paid off. Thank you so much to Moses and his crew at the AKMLSO, thanks to the PCOs Paragon and Liberty. Thank you to the Kenyan government that has supported this Congress. And thank you to all the other collaborating partners. Germany – I can’t wait to see what you guys will come up with the top the gala dinner we had on Thursday: the event was fantastic! Hosting a World Congress in Africa has also opened up for more opportunities to future collaborations with several other organisations and associations. Please join me in a warm applause to AKMLSO! I have been the President since January 2007. I thank you all for your patience and collaboration during these years. I feel very privilege for the possibilities I have got both personally and professionally by working together with you. The years as President has been very demanding; when we started our work IFBLS had a very unstable economy, we lost members, eight of nine Council members were new in their positions and the list goes on. I am very glad to say that this Council together with our member associations have made the necessary priorities to stabilise the finances, to work on the development for the profession by creating the e-Journal, the e-learning program, preparing a policy document on POCT, strengthen our code of ethics, strengthen our collaboration with WHO and others we have MOU with. And we have even moved forward in our work with the Core Curriculum and Core Competencies. Congratulations to you all for the well done work! During these IFBLS meetings we have got new topics to work with and I am sure that the new Council will dig in! Gry Andersen President IFBLS 2008 – 2010


21. Address of the new President Greetings It is customary at this time in the Congress Program for final remarks of the new President. I wish to express my very best wishes and acknowledgments to all delegates, dignitaries, practitioners, students, friends, and supporters of IFBLS who have attended and participated in the 29th World Congress. We have just concluded five successful days of meetings, engagements, discussions, and most importantly, what I hope has been a time to renew existing friendships amongst colleagues. I also hope it has been an opportunity to craft new relationships that will continue to develop over the years to come. I am honoured and deeply humbled to serve as your new President for the next two years. Much has been accomplished over the several decades that IFBLS has been in existence representing the profession of biomedical laboratory science around the world. Many accomplishments have taken place in both “good times and bad” and would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all of you, members of the IFBLS extended family. I would especially like to acknowledge Past President Gry Andersen. Thank you, Gry, for your tireless dedication to IFBLS during the past years of service, especially your efforts to shepherd us through periods of acute personnel changes and financial difficulties. Through your leadership IFBLS is now a more secure organization due in part to its much stronger financial position. Please join me in acknowledging her efforts on behalf of IFBLS, giving her a sign of our gratitude and appreciation. I also at this time wish to acknowledge all who have previously served as Council members and those newly elected members of IFBLS Council. I acknowledge your collective hard work and dedication to the organization. To the newly elected Council, I look forward to working with you during the next two years as we continue to develop IFBLS into all that we know it can be: the best organization to meet the needs and demands of the biomedical laboratory profession world-wide. I would also like to acknowledge at this time the effort of our office administrator Ms Janna Malseed for her tireless efforts on behalf of IFBLS. She is truly the “force behind the scenes” that helps keep our Management and Council team on task and focused. Janna, thank you. We have just concluded a very successful 29th World Congress. On behalf of the IFBLS family, I wish to express gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Moses Lorre, Local Chairperson, as well as to all members of the Association of Kenyan Medical Laboratory Science Officers (AKLMSO) and the numerous individuals who served on all committees that contributed to the success of this Congress meeting. Having organized several international congresses in the past, I am fully aware that any endeavour of this size and magnitude does come off easily. The hard work and dedication demonstrated by this collective group of professionals was clearly evident though out the course of the Congress. Beginning with all of the many Pre-Congress activities, including the preparation of what was a superb scientific as well as cultural program, through the many events that were planned and executed on and off-site, all were pleasurable and rewarding. I am confident that all attendees will have joyful memories of their time spent here in the Congress Hall, its associated venues, the city of Nairobi, and the country of Kenya. To all, thank you for “a job well done”. For those who do not know me, and my relationship to biomedical laboratory science, I’d like to indulge your patience for a brief capsule summary of my background. I received my basic undergraduate education and clinical training in “medical technology” in the United States back in the early 1970’s. After spending several years as a practicing “medical technologist” I grew eager to learn more about the subject that I found simply “fascinating”, haematology. I was “amazed” at what one was able to see when peering through the microscope examining that blood smear. It stimulated me to learn more. I then became aware of a graduate doctorate program in haematology at New York University Medical Centre so I applied. I was accepted and awarded a research fellowship to study haematology – specifically in the area of haematopoiesis and stem cell biology. I gave up my “day job”, as a practicing technologist and began a career as a scientist and researcher. I never forgot my “roots” in what then was being called “clinical laboratory science.” With my credentials as a research scientist secure, I began to devote more of my time and energy to clinical laboratory science education. Since the mid-1980’s I have maintained an active interest in international biomedical laboratory science education. This still remains the focus of my academic pursuits and interests to this


day. I enjoy teaching and educating the next generation of clinical laboratory scientists and other health care professionals no matter what their country of origin may be. So the moral of this story and my message to all students here today: “once you identify your goal, just do it”. As for my involvement with IFBLS, I attended my first IFBLS Congress in 2002 in Orlando, Florida and have attended every Congress meeting since that time. I was elected to Council in 2006 in Seoul, Korea and have since that time I have worked for the benefit of IFBLS. I am distinctly aware that as I serve as your President for the next two years, we must continue to navigate through challenging times. The world is still feeling the effects of the global recession. Global economies continue to struggle to recover. Many, if not all, of our member countries continue to face economic challenges. Our particular interest is how to manage limited, even shrinking, resources while upholding standards of integrity, educating the next generation of professionals and providing better and more cost effective delivery of our laboratory services. Please allow me to now share what will be the focus of my attention during the next two years: (First Goal) I remain dedicated to foster and continue to deliver IFBLS’s Vision and Mission. If you are not familiar with the Vision and Mission and its Objectives, I encourage all to read it on our website, www.ifbls.org (Second Goal) I will enthusiastically promote our IFBLS Code of Ethics and encourage each of you to rededicate yourself to the code. It is also found on the IFBLS website, and one portion of it reads: Uphold and maintain the dignity and respect of the profession and strive to maintain a reputation of honesty, integrity and reliability (Third Goal) I will continue to work cooperatively and collectively promoting IFBLS with other associations around the world who share similar goals in the promotion of health care and human health. Several of these organizations are: WHO, UNESCO, CLSI, and the Global Society for Nutrition, Environment and Health (GSNEH). (Fourth Goal) I will work with you to increase the number of member associations to the IFBLS family. Areas of focus to increase memberships are: South America, the Middle East, and Sub-Sahara Africa. It is fantastic that several of our former members have now decided to rejoin IFBLS. We enthusiastically welcome them back to the IFBLS family. (Fifth Goal) I will continue to strive to elevate the image of biomedical laboratory science and scientists throughout the world through being as engaged as possible. I hope to be able to visit many associations – both those that are members and those associations in countries that are not currently members, and have expressed interest in joining IFBLS. (Sixth Goal) I will work with you to continue to improve the financial status of IFBLS, in particular by identifying ways we can successfully establish a secure funding base through the promotion of sponsorships. We continue to seek ideas from our entire membership. One idea we are trying for the first time at this Congress is a “Silent Auction”. Council will determine whether this activity is worthy to continue. Again, we seek your ideas and suggestions to improve the financial status. (Seventh) We must support our e-Journal. We thank Professor Kao and his colleagues for their tireless efforts in launching the e-Journal. Please recognize that a journal is only successful if the membership or audience for which it was created supports it. Thus, I ask all delegates to read the e-Journal, share it with others, and importantly, contribute to the Journal by submitting your manuscripts – and encourage your colleagues to do so as well. We look forward with great anticipation to receive reports at future Congresses documenting the success of our e-Journal. And finally (Eighth Goal) We must work cooperatively through our member associations and other professional accreditation organizations to identify issues related to improving and perhaps standardizing curricula for educating the biomedical laboratory scientists of the future.


To maintain our momentum going forward requires a tem effort. Whatever the obstacles and challenges, success depends on our collaborative efforts. I look forward to working with you and thank you for your support and trust in me. In closing I wish you God speed, safe travels to all whether you are headed home, near or far, or headed on safari. I would like to close by leaving you with a list called the Thirteen Things to Remember on a Daily Basis. 13 things to remember on a daily basis The Value of Time The Virtue of Patience The Power of Kindness The Worth of Character The Pleasure of Working The Influence of Example The Dignity of Simplicity The Obligation of Duty The Success of Perseverance The Wisdom of Economy The Joy of Originality The Beauty of Cheerfulness And finally……. The Strength of Innovation Vincent S. Gallicchio President IFBLS 2010 – 2012

IFBLS GAD Minutes 2010 – Appendix 1 Page 1 of 8

IFBLS GAD Minutes 2010

Appendix 1

Contents IFBLS membership report ....................................................................................................................... 2 Report from Working group number 1: Future collaboration with WHO ................................................. 3 Report from Working group number 2: Development of eLearning program.......................................... 4 Report from Working group number 3: eJournal ..................................................................................... 4 Report from Working group number 4: Core Curriculum ........................................................................ 6 Report from Working group number 5: Recruitment of members – benefits of being members in IFBLS................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Report of the 5th IFBLS Student Forum.................................................................................................. 8


IFBLS membership report IFBLS Membership report was presented by Manindra Chaudhury. Key words from the presentation:

• Invoices for 2010 Membership Fees mailed in late November 2009

• Payment has been received from Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Iceland, India (AIIMT), India (AIMLTA), Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan (TAMT), Taiwan (TSML), Uganda and USA

• Payment from Individual Member Saminathan Rathanam has also been received

• Payment has not been received from Bangladesh, Estonia, Fiji and Korea

We have continued to follow up with these countries with respect to their membership status

• We are pleased to announce we have two new Provisional Members – Chad and Greece

• We are also pleased to announce that the United Kingdom has re-joined IFBLS

• There has been an active Recruitment Program spear headed by Gry Andersen, Vincent Gallicchio and Janna Malseed

This program will continue in 2011 and 2012 to strengthen IFBLS for the future


Report from Working group number 1: Future collaboration with WHO Report from working group number 1 was presented by Lena Morgan Key words from the presentation: BLS’s per capita

• IFBLS create questionnaire to membership Ratio per capita, other professions Public health panorama, different burden of disease Per unit testing per discipline Different levels of lab staff/BLS/technologist/technician Private - public sector Compare with other professions

• Important to just not count BLS’s per capita, but to also look in to the need of the different laboratory specialities need.

• Trial pilot questionnaire to for example five different countries • Look at statistics from the OECD

Expert committee on laboratory diagnostic Standardisation and harmonisation

• Take help in our collaboration with CLSI and also look into how to also collaborate with ILAC. • Take contact with the technical officer for WHO • Relationship with regional bodies, collaborate with IFBLS and let WHO participate in the

meetings • Workshops about accreditation • Workgroups on concrete questions, close to heart for the different groups • Use e-journal to spread information and on website • Show good examples

Core curriculum

• Proceed the started way Other ideas

• WHA – let someone from close by Europe attend • Use a professional lobbyist? • Collaborate with other organisations like ReAct, to show our standpoint in matters (Antibiotic

over use)


Report from Working group number 2: Development of eLearning program Report from working group number 2 was presented by Kyoko Komatsu Key words from the presentation: What type of contents do members want to see in the e-learning program?

• New Technologies (instrumentation) • Pre-analytics • Point of Care • Quality Control • Quality Assurance • Interpretation of Results • Statistics • Laboratory Safety • Patient Safety • Case Studies • Urinalysis • Parasitology • Immunohematology • Mycology • Ethics/Professionalism

How do we promote E-learning?

• Through our member Associations • Use of Conference emails • Other large organizations: Immunohematology, Microbiology • Links to IFBLS website • National Conferences • Tags in Google • Student forum

How do we involve many countries in the program?

• Use of certificates • Teaser • Link to universities – when they do not cover all disciplines


Report from Working group number 3: eJournal Report from working group number 3 was presented by Chuan-Liang Kao Key words from the presentation: 1. How to promote and encourage submitting articles for e-Journal?

• Promotion through each national member association, important with web links directly to the journal

• Develop the culture for writing and publishing • Establish a reputation to recruit the best articles

Establish a reputation • Ensure a robust peer review system • Editor invites prominent laboratory professionals to write articles for the journal • Invite plenary speakers from IFBLS congress to write articles for the journal

2. What kind of disciplines for review articles do you prefer? Additions to the topics listed at the website:

• Genes and genomes • Inter-disciplinary sciences (e.g. Physical chemistry) • Research and Biostatistics • Blood Transfusion Sciences • Cytology and Histopathology • Laboratory Quality Management • Laboratory Safety • Nuclear medicine • Fertility medicine • Other topics

3. What is the policy to deal with National Association’s Journals and IJBLS – Compete or Cooperate?

• Some countries do not have their own journal – IJBLS is a very welcome opportunity • Those with own journals – some have promised to encourage suitable articles to be submitted

to IJBLS • Abstracts from articles in IJBLS can be published in national journals – will raise interest and

promote the Journal • Hope to have a cooperation and not a competition


Report from Working group number 4: Core Curriculum Report from working group number 4 was presented by Gry Andersen Key words from the presentation: • Consensus on an international core curriculum will lift up the education globally and develop the

profession to a higher academic level and thereby take higher responsibility for the development of the science

• The survey is useful because we need to get an overview in order to harmonize the BLS education globally

• Tool to benchmark our national education • Learning outcome is more important than the learning hours/per week. Needs to specify the

credits, the hours should be specified as practical training, mandatory lecture etc. • Establish a consensus regarding number of years and level • We need to have a credits system that is comparable worldwide • Have replies from 27 countries, at least 50 countries should answer the survey before the results

are distributed • IFBLS should work for a statement declaring that no BLS shall be able to graduate from a school

that is not accredited • Follow up survey related to learning outcome • We need a standard structure of practical training that covers all the specialties. Duration of

practical training should be measured in credit hours and not in years • The skill of critical thinking is important and should be included in the education • We need a standard structure of practical training that covers all the specialties. Duration of

practical training should be measured in credit hours and not in years • The core curriculum should be standardized to include a few subjects • Use the competence and experience CSMLS has to evaluate the survey and to prioritise • Look to what other BLS associations/organisations do • Follow up with letter to Ministry of Education in member countries and inform about IFBLS work on

Corr Curr and Corr Comp and encourage governments to collaborate with national associations in developing the BLS education

• Look into other projects like NACCLS to exchange information


Report from Working group number 5: Recruitment of members – benefits of being members in IFBLS Report from working group number 5 was presented by Vincent Gallicchio Key words from the presentation:

• Focus on Regions rather than Continents • Create different levels of membership • Is language an issue? Should other languages be used to improve communications? • Diversify sponsorship, less dependency on dues for source of revenue • Little is known about IFBLS – Make IFBLS more visible • Increase contact with non-member associations. Invite to future Congresses to see how

IFBLS operates • IFBLS needs an ambassador to perform outreach • Communication is the key!


Report of the 5th IFBLS Student Forum Report of the 5th Student Forum was presented by Jesper Blomquist Key words from the presentation: 3 questions to answer

• What should be included in an international Core Curriculum for BLS? • Is there need for more information prior to give a recommendation? • How do the students recommend the continuing process? • Why do we need an international Core Curriculum?

Why Core Curriculum?

• Everybody should be at the same educational level • Strengthen the reputation of the profession to other medical professionals and the society • Responsibility to patients • Increase mobility across countries

What should be included?

• International certification for BLS which would follow IFBLS suggested Core Curriculum • Define a minimum degree level at which a BLS would practice • Define by objectives or ultimate goals achieved so that a learning outcome, rather than time or

hours are the main measure country to country What else should be included?

• Definition of courses and goals for learning outcome • For example

Chemistry (organic-, inorganic-, bio- and clinical-) Anatomy and physiology Training in quality assurance Practical training in laboratories Management Statistics and research methodology Microbiology (virology, bacteriology, mycology and parasitology) Immunology Histology/cytology (cell biology) Bio safety

Need for more information?

• More response to survey Explain why it’s important

• Take help from students • Comparing the learning outcome or goals for the core curriculum courses

What do we recommend?

• Student representative • Send out results of survey, learning objectives for core courses that are collected and look for

further input or responses • Publish on IFBLS website

Code of Ethics for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists

This code of Ethics applies to Biomedical Laboratory Scientists worldwide. As practitioners of an autonomous profession, Biomedical Laboratory Scientists have the responsibility to contribute from their sphere of professional competence to the general well being of the community. The Code of Ethics is a resource for the profession and a support for the individual in everyday practice and in challenging situations. At the same time they are society’s guarantee that the Biomedical Laboratory Scientist (BLS) practises the profession in an ethically sound manner. Duty to the global society

Biomedical Laboratory Scientists shall: • Be dedicated to the use of biomedical laboratory science to benefit humanity • Perform biomedical research to improve and develop public health globally • Be responsible for establishing new standards and develop existing standards for

improved laboratory practice and patient safety • Take responsibility and play a leading role towards issues regarding the global and

local environment

Duty to the client Biomedical Laboratory Scientists shall:

• Be responsible for the logical process from the acquisition of the specimen to the production of data and the final report of the test result

• Be accountable for the quality and integrity of biomedical laboratory services • Exercise professional judgment, skill and care while meeting international standards • Maintain strict confidentiality of patient/client information and results of laboratory

analysis • Safeguard the dignity and privacy of patients/clients • Implement scientific advances that benefit the patient/client and improve the delivery

of results of laboratory analysis Duty to colleagues, the profession and other members of the health team

Biomedical Laboratory Scientists shall: • Uphold and maintain the dignity and respect of the profession and maintain a

reputation of honesty, integrity and reliability • Continuously improve professional skills and knowledge • Actively seek to establish cooperative and harmonious working relationships with

other health professionals • Provide expertise and advise, teach and counsel students, colleagues and other

health professionals • Be loyal to the policies, laws and legislations which apply to the workplace, as long as

they do not conflict with the professional ethical guidelines Code of ethics for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists were first adopted by IAMLT in Dublin 1992, and revised by IFBLS in Nairobi 2010.

IFBLS’ Guidelines regarding Point of Care Testing (POCT) Point of care testing (POCT) involves collecting specimens and performing biomedical analyses near the patient. Patient safety and quality assurance are best addressed by virtue of a multi-disciplinary governance system. Point of care testing is performed in the following “near-patient” areas:

• Within hospitals: in emergency units, in acute departments, e.g. anaesthesia and intensive care units, other hospital departments and outpatients’ departments.

• Outside hospitals: in institutions, in nursing and care units, in community treatment centres, at clinics in primary health care, in physician’s offices and in patients’ homes.

• As part of the ambulance services or other mobile facilities. • Patients’ self-testing.

Terms and Abbreviations Several terms and abbreviations are used to describe Point of care testing: Point of care testing – POCT Near-patient testing – NPT Bedside testing – BT Patient self testing – PST Introduction Modern healthcare and laboratory medicine constitute elements of a society in continual development. New medical advances and new technology provide us with new opportunities to meet human needs for accessible and safe health care. Health care previously requiring prolonged and highly specialised institutional care can today be performed close to where people live and work in their day-to-day lives (1). Point of care testing has an important role to play in the delivery of an efficient healthcare service because of its ability to provide a rapid test result, in a timely manner, close to the patient. This may lead to increased clinical effectiveness and improved outcome for patients. However, this is only true if the result delivered is accurate and reliable. It is important that where POCT is delivered there is a clearly defined and well structured approach and robust clinical governance framework, in order to ensure that it is performed in a safe and effective manner and conforms to acceptable analytical and clinical standards (2). It is highly recommended that the guidelines drawn up in this document is adopted by those responsible for POCT.

IFBLS’ Guidelines - Point of Care Testing (POCT) Page 1 of 7

The development of point of care testing will impact on professional roles and functions within health care. Professional groups, or individual patients, – who, today, lack formal training or practical knowledge of laboratory methods now become responsible for performing analyses. In order to meet this need, laboratory medicine has to develop functions which take on responsibility for quality assurance of POCT, but which also support planning, purchasing and validation of analysing equipments and tests. Other important functions are training, supervision and working consultatively, not only with personnel performing POCT, but also with patients performing their own analyses. Biomedical Scientists have the necessary expertise and competence to take a lead role in ensuring safe and effective governance of POCT. This includes the responsibility for areas such as selection and validation of equipment, education and training of users, internal and external quality assurance, maintenance, record keeping of quality and patient data, incident reporting, risk management and clinical audit, advice and interpretation. Self testing Self testing is a laboratory analysis performed in the homes of patients with chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes), or by individuals in order to screen their own state of health. Such equipment can be purchased at a chemist or through the Internet. The quality of self testing depends on the precision of the test, adequate user guidance, an understanding of the analytical procedure involved and knowledge of how to interpret the result of the analysis (1). Patient safety Today, it is a relatively simple and quick process to produce test results using point of care testing. An essential element of POCT is equipment and methods should be relatively straightforward in order to achieve a high degree of user friendliness. It is important to bear in mind that patients depend on accurate and reliable results from POCT devices to allow for effective diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. Operator competence is essential for optimal POCT performance. A central role for laboratory medicine is to provide expertise and resources in order to have overall governance of quality assurance work within POCT (3). Certification and accreditation of point of care testing Use of POCT must be accredited or certified if this is required by national laws and regulations. All POCT should comply with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO 22870 Point-of-care testing (POCT) – Requirements for quality and competence (4). ISO 15189 Medical laboratories – Particular requirements for quality and competence (5). ISO 15190 Medical laboratories – Requirements for safety (6).


Policy statement and primary principles for point of care testing in Health Care Policy statement Biomedical laboratory scientists are responsible for the quality assurance and quality improvement of all analysis carried out in near-patient areas, and for the evaluation of benefit and resource allocation in near-patient analysis. This means biomedical laboratory scientists are responsible for:

• The evaluation and selection of methods and equipment to be used in point of care testing. • The content of user guidelines (standard operating procedures) and practical training for

users. • Training and guidance to ensure that methods are carried out and equipment is used in

accordance with approved protocols and to secure patients safety. • Designing and conforming to internal and external quality control protocols. • Organising quality systems for all measures surrounding the POCT analysis. • Protocol for reporting analytical results from POCT analysis.

Primary principles for point of care testing in Health Care In order to safeguard care and treatment of patients, comply with these guiding principles for point of care testing:

• Point of care testing should be integral to a quality system and be embraced by the same quality requirements which are required of analysis within the clinical laboratories.

• POCT activities should take place in cooperation with an acknowledged/accredited clinical laboratory.

• POCT activities should be integral to a quality control program. • Local protocols for cooperation between partners in respect of POCT should be established. • The clinical laboratories shall be responsible for ensuring equipment and procedural guidelines

are adapted for POCT and they are accessible to those performing POCT. • The clinical laboratories shall be responsible for continuous education and follow up to ensure

that those performing POCT are competent to perform the analyses in question. • The clinical laboratories shall be responsible for evaluation of a quality system in respect to

POCT. • Protocols shall exist for obtaining results from and documenting POCT analysis. • Instrument data should be recorded and retention times should be linked with quality assurance

and patient data, if possible. • An instrument log, which should be retained for the life of the instrument, is essential. • Cooperation between clinical laboratories and equipment manufacturers should be developed

with regard to evaluation, purchasing and service. • All those performing POCT should be fully familiar with factors present prior to, during and

following testing, which may influence the test result. • Patients who analyse their own specimens and evaluate the results, with regard to their

disease, should regularly be offered appropriate training, follow-up and access to quality assurance, in respect of the method of testing and equipment used.


Questions to consider before introducing point of care testing in Health Care Potential advantages of POCT include:

• Improved turn-around time. • Enhanced clinical management. • Better patient compliance with results of analytical tests. • Savings in cost and time for patients.

Potential disadvantages of POCT include:

• Inappropriate testing leading to increased costs with no benefits to the patient. • Inaccurate results, leading to less than optimal health outcomes for the patient with additional

testing and treatment. • Possible health damages to the patient. • Possible increased consultation and waiting times. • Analytical results from POCT possibly not being reported as part of the patient chart or

electronic health record (EHR) Questions to consider before introducing POCT in Health Care

• Is the use of POCT providing a faster result to effect clinical treatment? • Is it good patient safety to perform POCT? • Is the effectiveness of POCT at least as good as for the same clinical laboratory analysis? • Is it the same or more cost-effective to perform POCT compared with clinical laboratory

analysis? • How will POCT be financed? • Are there differences between POCT environments, such as rural or urban settings, and target

populations? • How will laws and regulations apply to implementation of POCT? • Possible microbiological, chemical and environmental hazards.

Criteria for selecting tests suited for POCT

• Clinical needs in public health. • Minimal risk to patients. • Following clinical evaluations documenting test performance. • Easy to perform and interpret for the intended users. • Approved risk assessment (7).

Consider these elements before introducing point of care testing (8, 9): Decision criteria for or against POCT

• Medical aspects • Clinical benefits • Turnaround Time (TAT) • Sample volume • Analytical quality

Organizational aspects • Personnel • Storage and safety • Training • Management and leadership

Economical aspects • Fixed costs • Variable costs • Personnel costs • Cost-effectiveness

Quality assurance • Adequate sensitivity / specificity • Internal quality control • External quality control • Documentation


Quality assurance of point of care testing The chronological link between test results, quality control results and instrument status must be retained. Any users of POCT must comply with any relevant standards that may be required under national and international regulations (10). Internal quality control (IQC) IQC is a system for validating the results before they are issued. This means that the operator must know the acceptable range of results for the QC material. It is important to devise a protocol that will distinguish between instrument malfunction and a procedural error. External quality assessment (EQA) EQA involves the analysis of samples received into a clinical area from an external source – this could be from the local laboratory itself, from the manufacturer or from an external body, such as a NEQAS, CAP or similar national or international bodies. It is a means of validating the results after they are issued, which means that the acceptable range of results is unknown to the operator. Organisation of Point of care testing Primary responsibility for quality coordination A multi-disciplinary team consisting of staff from the clinical laboratories and the wards/clinics performing point of care testing shall be established. They will coordinate activities, to ensure organisation and continual re-evaluation of point of care testing. Before performing point of care testing, the multi-disciplinary team shall evaluate whether the analyses in question are suitable for POCT, i.e. with regard to operator competence, patient safety, health economics, and that the point of care methods have been evaluated against corresponding analyses at the clinical laboratory (1). Local point of care testing coordinators Coordinate:

• Point of care testing activities on the ward/clinic or equivalent • Together with biomedical scientists from clinical laboratories, train and certify personnel who

are to perform point of care testing • Maintenance and simple troubleshooting • Internal quality audits • Competency maintenance and development

Descriptions of procedures and equipment For each measuring instrument, there shall be written instructions/procedures for equipment maintenance/use and a technical description. For each point of care method, there shall be a procedural description, in respect of how the testing shall be performed, possible sources of errors and reporting protocols for the measurement result. The method description should include:

• Clinical indication • Patient preparation, sampling technique and sample material • Handling of samples • Measuring principle • Apparatus and additional equipment • Reagents, storage and shelf-life • Internal and external controls • How to carry out analysis • Reference range/therapeutic range • Maintenance log • Sources of error and deviation management • Recording, reporting and interpreting results • Contact persons at the laboratory

Documentation of measurement result Analysis results from POCT shall be properly documented in the patient’s medical chart. It shall be clearly stated in the medical chart that the measurement result is derived from near-patient testing.


Documentation of quality assurance work The results of control tests performed, deviations and management of these shall be documented and evaluated by internal audit. The documentation shall include the name of the person performing the measurement, the time, deviations and procedures followed when the controls are out of range. Method development The clinical laboratories are responsible for monitoring national and international developments in the area of POCT and for disseminating information in respect of these. Change of method must be done in cooperation between the POCT coordinators on the ward/clinic and the POCT responsible biomedical scientists at the clinical laboratories. Annual evaluation and quality audit Local POCT coordinators on the wards/clinics lead and support quality assurance work to ensure compliance with protocols and undertake internal audits. Once annually the cooperating clinical laboratory performs a quality audit and a joint evaluation of POCT activities takes place.


References: 1. Point of Care Testing. NITO The Norwegian Institute of Biomedical Science. 2. edition, revised

2008. 2. Guidelines for Safe and Effective Management and Use of Point of Care Testing. Approved by the

Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland, Irish Medicines Board and RCPI Faculty of Pathology. November 28, 2007. Ireland

3. Near patient testing activities - a development of the health care process. Vårdförbundet (The Swedish Association of Health Professionals) and IBL (The Swedish Institute of Biomedical Laboratory Science), April 2005.

4. ISO 22870:2006 Point-of-care testing (POCT) - Requirements for quality and competence. 5. ISO 15189:2007 Medical laboratories - Particular requirements for quality and competence. 6. ISO 15190:2003 Medical laboratories - Requirements for safety. 7. Australia: Point of Care Testing trial. PoCT in general practice. May 7th, 2009.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pathology-poctt-index.htm. 8. Rizzottia P, Villanib A. Il caso del Point of Care Testing. Riv Med Lab - JLM, 2004, 5: Suppl. al n. 3. 9. Briedigkeit L, Müller-Plathe O, Schlebusch H, Ziems J. Recommendations of the German Working

Group on Medical Laboratory Testing (AML) on the introduction and quality assurance of procedures for Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) in hospitals. Clin Chem Lab Med, 1999, 37: 919-925.

10. Point-of-Care Testing (Near-Patient Testing). Guidance on the Involvement of the Clinical Laboratory. Institute of Biomedical Science, United Kingdom

Suggestions for further reading:

• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, CLSI: www.clsi.org • International Organization for Standardization, ISO: www.iso.org • College of American Pathologists, CAP: www.cap.org • United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service, UK NEQAS:

http://www.ukneqas.org.uk • Scandinavian evaluation of laboratory equipment for primary health care, SKUP:

http://www.skup.nu/ • Umgang mit Point-of-Care-Testing – labmed-Empfehlungen:

http://www.labmed.ch/doc/doc_download.cfm?uuid=11F2BEBDD9D9424C46B2DA91FAB1EB25&&IRACER_AUTOLINK&&. Labmed Schweiz Suisse Svizzera.

• Management and Use of IVD Point of Care Test Devices: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Safetyguidance/DeviceBulletins/CON007333 The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom.

• Point of care testing - top 10 tips: www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Postersandleaflets/CON008382. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom.

• SIMeL-POCT Position Paper 2009. Available at http://www.simel.it/it/notizia.php/101573. • Point of Care: The Journal of Near-Patient Testing & Technology:

http://journals.lww.com/poctjournal • NHS Guides and evaluations on Point of care and self testing, United Kingdom:

http://www.pasa.nhs.uk/PASA/Templates/Content.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7BD41FABCF-73FC-4D96-974E-EB457B152037%7D&NRORIGINALURL=/PASAWeb/NHSprocurement/CEP+old/outputs/Labmed.htm&NRCACHEHINT=NoModifyGuest#POC .


http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pathology-poctt-index.htm.

http://www.clsi.org/

http://www.iso.org/

http://www.cap.org/

http://www.ukneqas.org.uk/

http://www.skup.nu/

http://www.labmed.ch/doc/doc_download.cfm?uuid=11F2BEBDD9D9424C46B2DA91FAB1EB25&&IRACER_AUTOLINK&&

http://www.labmed.ch/doc/doc_download.cfm?uuid=11F2BEBDD9D9424C46B2DA91FAB1EB25&&IRACER_AUTOLINK&&

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Safetyguidance/DeviceBulletins/CON007333

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Postersandleaflets/CON008382

http://www.simel.it/it/notizia.php/101573

http://journals.lww.com/poctjournal

Policy Statement on Point of Care Testing (POCT) Point of care testing (POCT) involves collecting specimens and performing analyses near the patient. Patient safety and quality assurance are best addressed by virtue of a multi-disciplinary governance system. Point of care testing is performed in the following “near-patient” areas:

• Within hospitals; in emergency units, in acute departments, e.g. anaesthesia and intensive care units, other hospital departments and outpatients’ departments.

• Outside hospitals; in institutions, in nursing and care units, in community treatment centres, at clinics in primary health care, in physician’s offices and in patients’ homes.


Point of care testing has an important role to play in the delivery of an efficient healthcare service because of its ability to provide a rapid test result, in a timely manner, close to the patient. This may lead to increased clinical effectiveness and improved outcome for patients. It is important that where POCT is delivered there is a clearly defined and well structured approach and robust clinical governance framework, in order to ensure that it is performed in a safe and effective manner. All POCT should comply with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO 22870 Point-of-care testing (POCT) – Requirements for quality and competence. ISO 15189 Medical laboratories – Particular requirements for quality and competence. ISO 15190 Medical laboratories – Requirements for safety. Biomedical Scientists have the necessary expertise and competence to take a lead role in ensuring safe and effective governance of POCT. This includes the responsibility for areas such as selection and validation of equipment, education and training of users, internal and external quality assurance, maintenance, record keeping of quality and patient data, incident reporting, risk management and clinical audit, advice and interpretation. It is important to bear in mind that patients depend on accurate and reliable results from POCT devices to allow for effective diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. Operator competence is essential for optimal POCT performance.

Policy Statement on Point of Care Testing (POCT) Page 1 of 2

Potential advantages of POCT include: • Improved turn-around time. • Enhanced clinical management. • Better patient compliance with results of analytical tests. • Savings in cost and time for patients.








Glossary and abbreviations Several terms and abbreviations are used to describe Point of care testing: Point of care testing – POCT Near-patient testing – NPT Bedside testing – BT Patient self testing – PST



Policy Statement on Point of Care Testing (POCT) Point of care testing (POCT) involves collecting specimens and performing analyses near the patient. Patient safety and quality assurance are best addressed by virtue of a multi-disciplinary governance system. Point of care testing is performed in the following “near-patient” areas:

• Within hospitals; in emergency units, in acute departments, e.g. anaesthesia and intensive care units, other hospital departments and outpatients’ departments.

• Outside hospitals; in institutions, in nursing and care units, in community treatment centres, at clinics in primary health care, in physician’s offices and in patients’ homes.


Point of care testing has an important role to play in the delivery of an efficient healthcare service because of its ability to provide a rapid test result, in a timely manner, close to the patient. This may lead to increased clinical effectiveness and improved outcome for patients. It is important that where POCT is delivered there is a clearly defined and well structured approach and robust clinical governance framework, in order to ensure that it is performed in a safe and effective manner. All POCT should comply with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO 22870 Point-of-care testing (POCT) – Requirements for quality and competence. ISO 15189 Medical laboratories – Particular requirements for quality and competence. ISO 15190 Medical laboratories – Requirements for safety. Biomedical Scientists have the necessary expertise and competence to take a lead role in ensuring safe and effective governance of POCT. This includes the responsibility for areas such as selection and validation of equipment, education and training of users, internal and external quality assurance, maintenance, record keeping of quality and patient data, incident reporting, risk management and clinical audit, advice and interpretation. It is important to bear in mind that patients depend on accurate and reliable results from POCT devices to allow for effective diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. Operator competence is essential for optimal POCT performance.


Potential advantages of POCT include: • Improved turn-around time. • Enhanced clinical management. • Better patient compliance with results of analytical tests. • Savings in cost and time for patients.








Glossary and abbreviations Several terms and abbreviations are used to describe Point of care testing: Point of care testing – POCT Near-patient testing – NPT Bedside testing – BT Patient self testing – PST


Minutes Friday June 11, 2010 Council Meeting KICC, Nairobi, Kenya Present: Vince Gallicchio, Gry Andersen, Kyoko Komatsu, Tom Stowe, Chuan-Liang Kao, Manindra Chaudhuri, Patrick Joseph Chattad, Mirjana Stupnisek, Janna Malseed Minutes are written by Janna Malseed President Vince Gallicchio welcomed the new Council members and congratulated everyone of their election to Council. Council received a presentation from the AKMLSO Vice Chair of the Organizing Committee on the Congress. See Attachment 1. Discussion took place on the Congress in Germany. Past-President Gry Andersen proposed that Tom Stowe be appointed to the Management Committee for another term of two years as a Member-at-Large. Seconded by Chuan-Liang Kao Unanimous Past-President Gry Andersen proposed Eddie Ang be appointed as a Member-at-Large to Council as the CSLI Liaison. His expenses will be paid by the Singapore Association or himself. Seconded by Tom Stowe Unanimous There are two working documents for IFBLS, the By-laws and the Procedure Manual. The By-laws were given to new Council member Patrick Chattad and Mirjana Stupnisek. Janna Malseed will email the PM to all Council members which was updated at Congress 2010. New Council members Mirjana Stupnisek and Patrick Chattad introduced themselves and informed Council about their background and their future interests. Discussions regarding task and responsibilities during the next two years: Patrick – membership recruitment, Scientific Committee, any Committee to do with regulations and partnership with WHO Manindra – IDMLSE, education and learning outcomes Tom – Awards Committee, pamphlets and By-law updates Kao – eJournal, core curriculum, Scientific Committee, Senior Advisor in TAMIT, ISO Vince – Core curriculum, CDC Gry – Finance, Past Presidents Awards, Learning outcomes, Membership fee structure, BLS/Work Force, WHO (only as an advisor), Kenyan government collaboration Kyoko – By-laws, eLearning, new guidelines and new subjects for eLearning, accreditation, ISO, WHO, Expert Group Janna – By-laws, pamphlets, membership (recruitment), office functions Gry said the liaison for WHO (Geneva) should be the President Proposed meeting plan:

Management and Council Meetings. A proposal to hold a Management and Council meeting in collaboration with CLEC was reviewed. Vince will check to see if there is a single occupancy

IFBLS Council 2010 Nairobi - Kenya 1


rate and compare costs to attend the cruise compared to costs for a meeting in Canada. Vince will also see if ASCLS will cover any of his expenses if he is invited to give a presentation.

CD Meeting September 2011 Burlington, Canada or Zagreb, Croatia. Vince will research to

see if there is an opportunity for one of the membership associations to extend an invitation to host the CD meeting. Mirjana and Janna will research opportunities for this meeting to be held in Croatia or Canada.

Site visit to Germany – dates to be determined. (Management Committee)

Project Plan The WHO document was reviewed by Council Members to be submitted to the WHO on July 1, 2010. Minutes of the Council Meeting June 11, 2010 /J. Malseed



Minutes Saturday, June 12, 2010 Board Meeting KICC, Nairobi, Kenya Present: Vince Gallicchio, Gry Andersen, Kyoko Komatsu, Tom Stowe, Chuan-Liang Kao, Manindra Chaudhuri, Patrick Joseph Chattad, Mirjana Stupnisek, Janna Malseed Minutes are written by Janna Malseed Appointment of the Board of Directors Tom Stowe moved Vince Gallicchio, Gry Andersen, Kyoko Komatsu, Tom Stowe, Chuan-Liang Kao, Manindra Chaudhuri, Patrick Joseph Chattad and Mirjana Stupnisek be the Board of Directors for 2010 – 2012. Tom Stowe will contact legal representatives for advice for the terminology Board of Directors for future consideration. Seconded by Patrick Joseph Chattad Unanimous Appointment of the Auditor Vince Gallicchio moved Vine and Partners be appointed the auditor from 2010 – 2012. Seconded by Gry Andersen Unanimous Review of Reports from Open Forum Groups and Student Forum See Attachment 2 A proposal from Ireland for a donation to be made to the Kenyatta National Hospital lab was reviewed. A letter will be drafted requesting donations from IFBLS members. Gry Andersen proposed the $800.00 from the Silent Auction be used for this donation. Seconded by Patrick Chattad Six yes, Two no (Tom Stowe and Kyoko Komatsu are concerned that the Chief Delegates were informed the money raised from the Silent Auction was going to be used to fund IFBLS) Other members said that the GAD decided to support giving financial support and this is, therefore, an IFBLS activity. Silent Auction Council agreed to hold an auction at the Congress in Germany in 2012. Gry Andersen proposed it should be an active auction and Tom Stowe suggested it should be part of the social activity. Gry agreed to contact Denmark to see if they would run the auction. It is recommended that a letter be sent to members to let them know about the auction and recruit for volunteers to help with it. The Germany association and the PCO will be advised that we will be holding an auction and that there will be no cost to them. Student Forum There was a discussion on the number of students who attended the Congress. A letter should be sent to member associations to encourage them to bring students to future Congresses. Principle Discussion on ASCPi The relationship between IFBLS and ASCPi was discussed. It was agreed there should be a MOU between the two organizations or ASCPi should become a member of IFBLS. Vince Gallicchio agreed to speak with the Executive Director of ASCPi to encourage them to become a member of IFBLS



representing BLS members in ASCPi. It was also recommended that we investigate what kind of collaboration we can work with them. Council members were requested to provide the pros and cons of ASCPi and the Management Committee will review them. Vince Gallicchio will contact ASCPi to request their views on membership in IFBLS Agreed on the following Committee Structure: IFBLS Committee Structure for 2010 - 2012 Structure and Management Committee Responsible for; Management Finances Regulation Nominations Biomedical Laboratory Science Committee Responsible for; Awards Development Education Information and Image Committee Sponsorship Membership Decision about Member at large (MAL): The Board agreed to invite Eddie Ang to be a member at large during 2010 – 2012 for the purpose of being the liaison with CLSI and other QA related organizations.

Management BLS Committee Information & Image committee Vince, Gry, Kyoko, Tom

All Council Members and Janna Manindra, Vince, Patrick, Mirjana

Finance – Vince, Gry, Kyoko and Tom

Awards –Tom, Kyoko, Patrick, Janna

Membership – Manindra, Patrick, Mirjana, Janna

Nomination - Gry, Tom, Kyoko, Vince, Kao, Mirjana, Patrick

Development – Vince, Manindra, Mirjana, Kao

Sponsorship – Kyoko, Tom, Manindra, Patrick, Mirjana

Regulation – Gry. Tom, Patrick, Mirjana

Education – Gry, Kyoko, Vince, Kao, Mirjana, Manindra

• CLSI Liaison - Eddie • CDC Liaison – Vince • Membership at Large - Dionysis • UNESCO, ASCPi Liaison -Vince • WHO International - Gry • WHO Asia - Manindra and Eddie • WHO Europe - Gry • WHO Americas – Vince

Scientific Expert Group – Kyoko eJournal – Kao eLearning - Kyoko



Special Project Assignments By-laws Tom and Janna Pamphlets Tom and Janna Membership Fee Structure Gry and Tom Work Force Task Force Gry, Vince and Janna Auction Vince and Janna A time line project management worksheet will be created to plan deadlines for projects. Action Plan for Congress Fees There was a discussion on the action plan for Congress fees and expenses payment to IFBLS. An invoice will be prepared and sent to AKMLSO for Council flights to be paid within 14 days and an invoice for Congress fees will be sent to AKMLSO to be paid by August 31, 2010. If payment is not received by these dates, this becomes an issue for the Regulation Committee. Minutes from Council Meeting June 12, 2010/J. Malseed


minutes for congress 2010

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