IBMS Congress 2025

Biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease

9am – 9.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This presentation will cover

• The emergence of biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease
• Biomarkers of neurological damage
• Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis & Motor Neuron Disease
• Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson's Disease
• Current & future relevance in diagnosis and prognosis of neurological disease

The curious case of microplastics and their journey to the centre of the gut

9.30am – 10am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This talk will provide a brief overview of microplastics and the current research into the topic. It will discuss the potential impact of microplastics on the gut and subsequent clinical biochemistry results.

The influence of folate supplementation during pregnancy on gestational diabetes and fetal outcomes

10.30am – 11am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This presentation will discuss:

• Folate - a brief overview
• Folate status in pregnancy
• Adverse effects in pregnancy including links to diabetes mellitus.

Investigating infertility and supporting assisted conception services

11am – 11.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Understand the interpretation and use of laboratory tests in the investigation of infertility and for assisted conception/IVF
• Gain knowledge on the patient perspective of assisted conception and IVF
• Understand how laboratory medicine supports embryology

Placental-like growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fmslike tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt) testing for pre-eclampsia

11.30am – 12pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Delegates will learn:

• What PlGF and sFlt are
• How they were identified
• How they can be used in relation to diagnosing pre-eclampsia
• Why it is important to identify pre-eclampsia
• How using PlGF and sFlt to diagnose pre-eclampsia compares to other current methods, and what this means for the patients

Speakers

Professor Tim James

Head Biomedical Scientist, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Capillary testing: Operational considerations for a clinical laboratory

9am – 9.30am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

Venesection is still considered the gold standard for blood sample collection and remains one of the most performed medical procedures within the clinical setting. However, the need for specialist personnel and equipment makes this process resource-heavy, which can be a limiting factor.

Self-collected capillary blood sampling, the process of capturing small volumes of capillary blood (typically <500 µL), either using finger prick or transdermal collection devices, has been proven to be a viable alternative to venepuncture and could well be a significant contributor to a more patient-centric, personalized, cost-efficient healthcare system; focussed on patient participation and disease preventive. Given that up to 90% of a blood test's carbon footprint is related to the sample collection process, e.g., phlebotomy, capillary blood testing could also significantly reduce the environmental impact of the blood collection process.

Capillary blood collection kits use less plastic and therefore produce less waste. In addition, self-collection kits can be delivered to the patient and returned to the laboratory by the postal service, using highly efficient and ready-to-go postal and laboratory infrastructure.

The use of this technology can vastly reduce the need to visit a clinical setting while still utilizing high-quality, state-of-the-art laboratory services. However, issues remain in its deployment, including the comparability of capillary and venous samples, sample stability, patient preference, and the ability to include a large number of these samples into the routine laboratory workflow. Here we discuss our laboratory's approach, from utilizing the latest innovations in capillary blood collection, devising comparability and stability studies, to incorporating this sample type into the laboratory testing pathway. 

Learning outcomes

Delegates will be able to:

• Describe operational and logistical factors for laboratories utilising capillary blood samples
• Discuss UKAS considerations for laboratory testing of capillary blood samples

Faecal Immunochemistry Testing (FIT)

9.30am – 10am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This presentation will cover

• FIT testing in the context of Colorectal Cancer
• National screening pathway
• GP symptomatic referral pathway
• Methodology and equipment
• Standardisation and quality assurance
• Impact on colorectal cancer services

Home sampling: Applications and challenges for the laboratory

10.30am – 11am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This presentation will discuss:

• Improving access to healthcare
• Capillary blood sampling options for the laboratory
• Challenges and opportunities

Pregnancy in bariatric surgery patients and unique clinical Biochemistry considerations

11am – 11.30am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

Gain an insight into the challenges faced by clinicians when caring for bariatric patients post surgery. Including dietary considerations to ensure that sufficient minerals and vitamins are available to mother and baby.

Ovarian cancer: The SONATA study

11.30am – 12pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Understand current use of CA125 as recommended by NICE for the detection of Ovarian cancer.
• Understand the unmet needs the detection of Ovarian Cancer.
• Understand the findings of the SONATA study (NHS England funded) into the utility of ROMA (CA125 +HE4) as a potential new tool to detect ovarian cancer early.

Meet the Specialist Advisory Panel: Clinical Chemistry

12.45pm – 1.45pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 1 hour

Clinical Chemistry

This session allows the attendees to ask the clinical chemistry panel questions on a range of topics, such as IBMS qualifications, CPD, career advice etc.

Speakers

Victoria Moyse

Training & Organisational Development Manager , HCA Healthcare

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Martin McFadden

Diagnostic Programme Manager, South Tyneside and Sunderalnd NHS Foundation Trust

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Lee Peters MSc CSci FIBMS

Blood Science Service Manager, Hywel Dda University Health Board

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GP liaison: Pathology demand management

2pm – 2.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Delegates will understand how integrating disparate data sets can:

• Improve right-first-time diagnostics
• Reduce unwarranted variation
• Streamline processes to achieve faster and more reliable patient diagnoses.

Higher Specialist Diploma case study: BRILS reagent shortage for free thyroxine

2.30pm – 3pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Through the discussion of a case study delegates will learn how a laboratory created a contingency plan for a unexpected reagent shortage and assessed the logistical and clinical impact of the shortage.

Higher specialist diploma case study: A case of consistently elevated vitamin B12

3pm – 3.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

Through the discussion of his case study the presenter will:

• Describe how a new IQC monitoring solution was implemented
• Review success of implementation and lessons learned.
• Reflect on IQC monitoring in clinical laboratories

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in type 2 diabetes – a consequence of treatment

4pm – 4.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This talk will provide a brief overview of type 2 diabetes and current treatment strategies.

It will discuss the acute complication of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and how this can develop as a result of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors.

Speakers

Sheri Scott CSci FIBMS SFHEA

Principal Lecturer in Biomedical Science and IBMS Council Member, Nottingham Trent University

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Clinical chemistry EQA report interpretation

4.30pm – 5pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract 

Speakers

Gareth Davies

Deputy Director, Principal Biochemist, R and D Manager , WEQAS

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Acute kidney injury and alerting

9am – 9.30am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This presentation will cover

• AKI background
• GIRFT and AKI survey
• National recommendations

Implementing the kidney function risk equation - a laboratory perspective

9.30am – 10am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

This presentation will cover

• What is the kidney function risk equation and how is it used?
• What are the main challenges in implementing the kidney function risk equation in your LIMS?
• What are the benefits of implementing the kidney function risk equation?
• Pilot outcomes and next steps.

The dangers of nitrous oxide

10.30am – 11am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Learn basic biochemistry of how recreational Nitrous Oxide effects B12 and the consequent pathology that manifests as potentially irreversible nerve damage and muscle weakness.
• Learn how MMA and HCY are useful addition tests and how Total b12 and Active B12 are not helpful in these patients.
• Learn how patients present and can be treated.

Nitrazene opiods and xylazine

11am – 11.30am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Micronutrients and the acute phase response

11.30am – 12pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Illicit medications – Welsh Emerging Drugs and identification of Novel Substances (WEDINOS)

2pm – 2.30pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Delegates will gain knowledge on:

• Illicit medications
• Internet drug purchases
• What is in them, and
• A guide to WEDINOS

Ozempic and others (GLP-1 agonists)

2.30pm – 3pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Gliflozins and euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis

3pm – 3.30pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

The gliflozins are a group of drugs used in the treatment of diabetes that show clear improvements in glycaemic control and renal function as part of the treatment regimen for persons suffering from type 2 diabetes. A rare but important side effect is a euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA). This talk will discuss the mechanism of action of these drugs, the development of EDKA and provide pointers for its laboratory diagnosis.

Learning outcomes

Delegates will understand:

• What are the glilozins
• mechanism of action
• clinical use
• Euglycaemic ketoacidosis (EDKA) and points to watch out for with patients suffering from EDKA