For the past eight years, Dr. Michael Knauer has helped shape the work of the IQMH Chemistry Scientific Committee, and today he serves as its Chair. Through his leadership, expertise, and commitment to quality improvement, he continues to make a meaningful contribution to laboratory medicine across Ontario. 

Every external assessment tells a story. This year, IQMH’s external audit with the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) told a powerful one: our teams deliver quality with purpose, expertise, and a clear focus on the laboratories we serve.

The 2027 IQMH Proficiency Testing Catalogue is now available, and the 2027 Proficiency Testing programs have officially launched. Released on August 11, 2026, the Catalogue gives laboratories a clear path to plan next year’s external quality assessment activities, select the right programs, and prepare for a successful 2027 testing cycle.

This fall, laboratory and health system leaders from across Canada will meet in Toronto for the Canadian Diagnostic Executive Forum (CDEF) 2026, taking place October 18–20. Presented by In Common Laboratories (ICL), CDEF is a national forum dedicated to advancing laboratory medicine in Canada.

Advancing quality and innovation in genetics was at the forefront of the 63rd Annual Great Lakes Genomics Conference (GLGC), held May 15 in Toronto, Ontario. As one of the longest-running genetics meetings in North America, GLGC brings together professionals to share knowledge and explore developments shaping the future of the field.

IQMH is seeking volunteers to sit on its Proficiency Testing Scientific Committee(s), effective January 2027. Membership on committees consists of a three-year term of office, renewable once. Committees meet an average of four times a year for half-day or full-day meetings. 

The 39th International Symposium on Technical Innovations in Laboratory Hematology (ISLH) took place April 17–19, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. This global forum brings together laboratory hematology professionals to exchange scientific advancements, emerging technologies, and best practices in clinical laboratory hematology. The program included plenary lectures, oral presentations, and poster sessions across areas such as cellular analysis, hemostasis, flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, and quality assurance.

IQMH is pleased to recognize the contributions of the Genetics Scientific Committee. Unique among IQMH programs, the committee members procure all proficiency testing (PT) material internally, in accordance with the Trillium Gift of Life Network Act (Ontario).

IQMH is deeply grateful for the ongoing commitment and support of the medical laboratory community and sincerely thanks the volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise to our programs.

It is our privilege to recognize Wei Liu, MSc, MLT who has served IQMH as a volunteer since 2024.

The IQMH office will be closed from Thursday, December 25, 2025 to Thursday, January 1, 2026. 

Regular business hours will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Happy holidays!

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September 17 marks World Patient Safety Day, a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness and drive action for safer health care. This year’s theme, “Patient safety from the start!” emphasizes the importance of safe care for newborns and children.