April 15, 2016: IBLS Day

International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day: April 15, 2016

IBLS Day Poster 2016International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IAMLT) established BLS Day in 1996 at the World Congress in Oslo, Norway to promote and celebrate the key role of Biomedical Laboratory personnel in diagnostic and preventive health care systems.

Promote and celebrate

The purpose with the BLS Day is to increase the awareness of the role that Biomedical Laboratory Scientists have in providing health care. BLS’ play an important role in diagnosis, quality development and assurance, treatment, research, development, and public health care.

International BLS Day gives our profession a day to promote and celebrate ourselves as a profession.

The theme is selected by the International Body (IFBLS) related with health issues and support the WHO Millennium Development Goals.

BLS Day is the day for Laboratory personnel to promote awareness of our profession and the key role played by Biomedical Laboratory Scientists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and research in the modern medical sciences.

The theme for 2016 is: Patient Safety First

Importance of BLS Day

Biomedical Laboratory Scientists are one of the largest groups of health care professionals yet our role in medicine is poorly understood by the patients and their families and even our colleagues within health care administration.

A Biomedical Laboratory Scientist finds out the causes of the disease which ensures better treatment and cure. We understand the work we do and its significance to the patients. We are the experts in our field and the very best people to carry our message.

Guidelines for celebrating BLS Day can be found here.  Please feel free to use the attached posters to promote your celebrations.

On behalf of the IFBLS Board of Directors, we hope that you use the BLS Day actively and promote the BLS’ professional skills and contributions to ensure good health services. From Tom Stowe, President of IFBLS.

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SLN Executive Summary report

SLN Seminar Group Photo

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The Strengthening Laboratory Networks and National Biosafety & Biosecurity Systems Seminar was organized and co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP), in partnership with the Biological Risk Association Philippines (BRAP). The seminar was held at the Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel in Cebu, Philippines on April 8, 2016. This was the inaugural event for the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program and Biological Risk Association Philippines to collaborate in promoting improved biosecurity, disease detection, surveillance and reporting in line with International Health Regulation (IHR) requirements.

The seminar served as an opportunity for stakeholders from the human and animal health laboratory networks to discuss strengthening biosecurity guidelines in the Philippines, share best practices, recommendations and expand professional networks. The event consisted of presentations, a case study, panel discussion, scenario, and facilitated breakout groups. The facilitators used the breakout group session to identify best practices and make recommendations to address gaps for efficient, safe and secure sample referral systems. Participants were divided into two focus areas; 1) biosafety and biosecurity, and 2) sample collection quality.

The best practices and recommendations identified by the breakout groups will be leveraged by the BRAP Technical Working Group (TWG). The TWG is comprised of human and animal health stakeholders and will convene regularly to facilitate recommendations for improved communication and implement best practices regarding specimen management, ultimately improving disease surveillance and biological risk management within the Philippines.

Event participants felt that the goals and objectives of the Strengthening Lab Networks and National Biosafety and Biosecurity Systems Seminar were met. The response and outcome of the seminar was so positive that there are plans to hold a follow-on event in the Philippines in late June 2016.

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