International Federation Of Clinical Chemistry And Laboratory Medicine Ifcc
The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) is a global organization that promotes the advancement of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine for better patient care. Founded in 1952, the IFCC works to enhance the understanding and application of laboratory medicine and to promote the highest quality of diagnostic services worldwide.
History of IFCC
The IFCC was established in 1952, following the Second World War, which highlighted the importance of laboratory medicine in healthcare. The founding members of the IFCC envisioned an international organization that would bring together clinical chemists and laboratory medicine professionals from around the world to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices.
Since its inception, the IFCC has grown to become a leading international organization in laboratory medicine, with over 90 member societies and more than 45,000 individual members from over 100 countries. The IFCC is a non-profit organization that operates under the umbrella of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
Objectives of IFCC
The IFCC has several objectives that guide its activities and programs. These objectives include:
- Promoting the advancement of the science and practice of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine
- Encouraging the exchange of information and collaboration among clinical chemists and laboratory medicine professionals
- Developing and promoting international standards for laboratory medicine
- Advocating for the role of laboratory medicine in healthcare and public health
- Providing education and training opportunities for clinical chemists and laboratory medicine professionals
- Supporting research and development in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine
Structure of IFCC
The IFCC is governed by a Council, which is composed of representatives from member societies and elected officers. The Council meets annually to discuss and approve IFCC policies, programs, and activities. The IFCC also has a number of committees, task forces, and working groups that are responsible for various aspects of its activities and programs.
The IFCC is supported by a Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Secretariat is based in Milan, Italy, and is staffed by a team of professionals who provide administrative, financial, and technical support to the IFCC and its activities.
Activities and Programs of IFCC
The IFCC has a wide range of activities and programs that support its objectives and mission. Some of the key activities and programs of the IFCC include:
- Developing and promoting international standards for laboratory medicine, such as the International System of Units (SI) and the International Reference Materials (IRM)
- Providing education and training opportunities for clinical chemists and laboratory medicine professionals, such as the IFCC eAcademy and the IFCC Distance Learning Program
- Supporting research and development in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine, such as the IFCC Research Grants Program
- Advocating for the role of laboratory medicine in healthcare and public health, such as the IFCC Global Initiative for Quality in Laboratory Medicine (GIQLM)
- Organizing conferences, workshops, and symposia on various topics related to laboratory medicine
- Publishing scientific journals and books, such as the journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Membership in IFCC
The IFCC is a membership-based organization that welcomes clinical chemists and laboratory medicine professionals from around the world. Membership in the IFCC is through a member society, which is a national or regional organization that represents clinical chemists and laboratory medicine professionals in a particular country or region.
Individuals who are interested in joining the IFCC can do so by becoming a member of their national or regional member society. Once a member of a member society, individuals can participate in IFCC activities and programs, attend IFCC conferences and meetings, and receive IFCC publications and newsletters.
Conclusion
The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) is a global organization that promotes the advancement of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine for better patient care. Founded in 1952, the IFCC works to enhance the understanding and application of laboratory medicine and to promote the highest quality of diagnostic services worldwide. With over 90 member societies and more than 45,000 individual members from over 100 countries, the IFCC is a leading international organization in laboratory medicine, with a wide range of activities and programs that support its objectives and mission.
