The report from the (EMD) was given by its Chair, Janet Smith.  She began by giving a synopsis of the scope of the work of each of the EMD Committees

and the Working Groups

She also highlighted the workshops and courses that have been held during the last year, particularly on evidence based laboratory medicine, flow cytometry and molecular biology and the contributions to international meetings by all the committees in the planning and presentation of specialist symposia.

The most successful project for the Division in recent months has been the Visiting Lecturer Programme (VLP) which has received generous sponsorship from Abbot Diagnostics allowing significant expansion, with more visits arranged to many parts of the world.  A two-part VLP to the Asian Pacific Region was undertaken by A Rita Horvath in 2006 and 2007 and Mauro Pantaghini will make visits to the same Region this year and in 2009.  In both cases, lectures have been organised in several countries. 

The work of the EMD in recent months has been directed to the IFCC project for developing quality competence in clinical laboratories.  A questionnaire has been sent to National Societies, requesting information on analytical quality and accreditation, the need for support and help in these areas and the willingness of national societies to provide support in terms of expertise to other countries.  Although a significant number of responses have been received, the EMD would welcome further responses, so that as clear a picture as possible of need around the IFCC Regions can be obtained and resources targeted in the most effective way.

Finally, the EMD Chair recognised the importance of the hard work and commitment of the Chairs and members of the EMD committees and working groups in making the activities of the Division so successful.