Acta Biochimica Iranica

Education and Training in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Experiences from IFCC Member Societies

2026-06-23T09:19:08+00:00

The Article Abstract is not available.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Iran: Historical Evolution and Educational Structures

2026-06-23T09:19:07+00:00

Clinical Laboratory Sciences, also known as Medical Laboratory Sciences, constitute a fundamental component of modern healthcare systems, playing a critical role in patient care by providing vital diagnostic information derived from the analysis of clinical specimens. This article presents a historical review of the development of Clinical Laboratory Sciences education in Iran, tracing its origins from the mid-nineteenth century to the present educational framework. Drawing upon primary historical sources, archival documents, and official curriculum records from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran, the article examines the key milestones that have shaped the profession over more than a century. This trajectory began with the establishment of Darolfonoon in the 1850s and the contributions of European physicians who founded the first chemistry and biochemistry laboratories in Iran. The evolution of laboratory sciences education progressed significantly with the founding of the Pasteur Institute of Iran (1918) and the Razi Institute (1924), followed by the establishment of the Central Laboratory of the Ministry of Health (1936) and the laboratories of the Tehran Faculty of Medicine (1939). Subsequent development included a one-year postgraduate course for laboratory directors (1952), the specialist in laboratory sciences program (1958), bachelor’s degrees in Medical Laboratory Science (1968), the doctoral program in Clinical Laboratory Science (1984), and, most recently, the Fellowship in Clinical Laboratory Science (FCLS) in 2017. The current educational structure comprises Bachelor of Laboratory Science (BSc) program, postgraduate degrees (MSc and PhD) in specialized disciplines such as Clinical Biochemistry, Hematology, Immunology, etc., residency program in pathology and the FCLS program. In addition, this article reviews the current structure of clinical laboratories in Iran, which includes more than 8,200 laboratories across hospital-based, private, and public laboratories.

Relationship among job market, higher education and professionals in the clinical analysis area in Brazil

2026-06-23T09:19:00+00:00

Clinical analysis, as the laboratory medicine area is known in Brazil, plays a strategic role in healthcare in the country, supporting diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and epidemiological surveillance. This article aims to analyse the relationship among the job market, higher education, and clinical analysis professionals in Brazil. Despite a vast network of 28,000 laboratories, the sector faces challenges such as outdated test remuneration, regional inequalities, and a shortage of qualified professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these weaknesses but also accelerated regulatory advances, including pharmacy-based testing. Professional training is fragmented, with pharmacists, biomedical scientists, biologists, and clinical pathologists contributing differently to the area. However, heterogeneity in curricula, limited practical training, and the dominance of private higher education compromise quality. The Brazilian Society of Clinical Analysis (SBAC) promotes programs for knowledge, quality control, and accreditation, playing a vital role in expanding access and reducing inequalities. Future perspectives emphasize standardized curricula, improved laboratory training, innovation, and fairer career policies to attract and retain professionals. Strengthening collaboration among universities, professional societies, and health institutions is crucial to align education with national healthcare needs.

Educational Landscape of Clinical Chemistry and Medical Biochemistry in Canada

2026-06-23T09:19:06+00:00

Clinical Chemistry and Medical Biochemistry are evolving fields that play a crucial role in disease diagnosis, treatment, screening, and prevention. They ensure that laboratory values are not mere numbers but actionable information that enables healthcare team to make accurate and appropriate decisions. In Canada, the field has been shaped through decades of collaboration, standardization, and academic innovation, resulting in two distinctive pathways system comprising Clinical Chemists (postdoctoral fellowship) and Medical Biochemists (Residency program). This review aims to outline the significant historical events that have influenced the profession, starting with the establishment of the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists in 1956 to the present structure of accredited training programs, regulatory supervision, and education based on competencies. We present a summary of existing educational routes, featuring fellowship initiatives for PhD graduates at Canadian universities and Royal College residency programs for medical doctors, detailing their frameworks, accreditation criteria, and certification procedures. We also explore the various career paths the graduates can seek, including roles in hospital laboratories, academic medicine, public health, industry, and regulatory bodies. The review highlights not only the quality and the scope of Canadian biochemistry training but also the key role Clinical Chemists and Medical Biochemists play in connecting analytical science with patient- focused care.

Training for laboratory medicine in India

2026-06-23T09:19:04+00:00

Laboratory medicine education is crucial in India for enhancing accurate diagnoses, improving clinical decision-making, and ensuring quality patient care, especially in the face of a growing demand for skilled professionals to detect complex diseases like cancer and infectious illnesses. It provides hands-on skills for laboratory technologists, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers, and helps bridge the existing gap in diagnostic healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This education is vital for making laboratory services accessible, affordable, and reliable, ultimately reducing errors, improving health outcomes, and supporting the overall development of India’s healthcare system. This review summarizes the recognized available options, for medical and non-medical professionals, in laboratory medicine, from undergraduate to postgraduate level. Career prospects of the course as well as the major institutions offering the course in India are also summarized.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: History, Education, and Current Landscape

2026-06-23T09:19:03+00:00

Understanding the historical evolution and institutional framework of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is essential for recognizing its growing significance within the healthcare system. This article explores the origins, expansion, and academic development of CLS programs across Saudi universities, highlighting how these programs have evolved to meet national and international standards. It also discusses the formation and roles of specialized scientific societies and professional associations, which contribute to the advancement, recognition, and standardization of the profession. In addition to this it will discuss the current landscape of Clinical Laboratories in Saudi Arabia. The integration of CLS into national healthcare goals, such as Vision 2030, underscores the strategic importance of laboratory professionals in public health. By tracing the timeline of education, practice, and professional organization, this review provides a foundational understanding of the CLS field’s identity and progress in Saudi Arabia.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Taiwan: Education, Accreditation, and Emerging Competencies

2026-06-23T09:19:02+00:00

Laboratory sciences play a pivotal role in modern healthcare, serving as the foundation for disease prevention, diagnosis, and monitoring. In Taiwan, formal education in this field began in 1956 with the establishment of the first undergraduate program in Asia, and has since evolved into a comprehensive system encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. This review outlines the historical evolution and current structure of laboratory medicine education in Taiwan, the accreditation and certification frameworks that govern the profession, the integration of emerging technologies and competencies, workforce development strategies, and future directions for the discipline

Laboratory Sciences Education and Training in Türkiye: A National and International Perspective

2026-06-23T09:19:01+00:00

Laboratory sciences education in Türkiye is structured across vocational, undergraduate, graduate, and medical specialization levels, reflecting the diverse institutional and regulatory framework of the country. At the undergraduate level, education is delivered mainly through health vocational schools and science faculties, with curricula covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, hematology, pathology, and laboratory techniques. Postgraduate training includes medical residencies in biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and genetics, as well as MSc and PhD programs in related fields. These pathways are regulated by the Council of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health’s Medical Specialization Board. Alignment with the Bologna Process and the ORPHEUS framework has strengthened integration into the European Higher Education Area. Several universities have adopted ORPHEUS standards, requiring structured training and international publications for doctoral completion. Continuing professional development (CPD) is supported through national societies and international collaborations. The Turkish Biochemical Society, in partnership with EFLM, IFCC, FEBS, and IUBMB, plays a leading role by organizing specialized workshops and training courses. Key disciplines such as medical biochemistry, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and immunogenetics are integrated across all levels of training. Education is delivered in both universities and Ministry of Health institutions, supported by modern laboratory infrastructure. This review highlights the organization, regulation, and international collaborations shaping laboratory sciences education in Türkiye. Particular emphasis is placed on curricula, reform processes, and professional development strategies, with attention to evolving global standards. These efforts aim to ensure a competent workforce, strengthen research capacity, and enhance the contribution of Türkiye’s laboratory professionals to global health sciences.