IBMS #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare @IBMScience

There’s a lot more to blood grouping than knowing your blood type.🩸 During her Harvey’s Lab Tour, Freya matched donors with patients and learned about compatibility and antibodies. Read about her visit to Sheffield Children’s Hospital: bit.ly/4AjoY2D

Biomedical science wasn’t the career Helen Markland originally had in mind. Now a Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Lead, Helen shares how getting more involved with the IBMS has helped her connect with others, support trainees and give back to the profession. “Initially, I became an IBMS member to access their qualifications but I regret not being more involved earlier." Catch up on Helen’s Membership Journey here: bit.ly/4dNKu5X

Are you considering taking the next step in your biomedical science career through Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST)? Join the September Community of Practice for Advanced Practice and Consultant Biomedical Scientists (CAPCOP) event, Are You Ready for HSST? Hear personal stories from professionals currently on the HSST journey as they share their experiences, challenges and achievements. You’ll also hear directly from the HSST Programme Manager, with an overview of the programme, guidance on the application process and insights into what candidates can expect. 📅 Wednesday 30 September 🕕 6:00pm 💻 Teams Whether you’re thinking about applying or simply want to understand where HSST could take your career, this session is an opportunity to learn from those who know the journey first-hand. Register now: bit.ly/470P7px

How long should your laboratory keep records and specimens – and when can they be disposed of? Our latest IBMS Quality SAP webinar, Do I need to keep it?, hosted by Michael Chorlton, is now available to watch on demand. The session examines the changes introduced in Version 6 of the Royal College of Pathologists’ retention and storage guidance and shares a practical example of how one pathology service approached its gap analysis and implementation. Watch the webinar: bit.ly/3VeYnUn

Today is World Patient Safety Day 2026, focusing on safe care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) under the slogan ‘Safe care for life!’ For people living with long-term conditions such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, safe care depends on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and reliable monitoring throughout their care journey. Biomedical science makes that possible. Every day, biomedical scientists provide the test results that help healthcare professionals detect disease, make diagnoses, guide treatment and monitor how patients respond to care. Their work is vital to protecting patients from avoidable harm and supporting safer clinical decisions. This World Patient Safety Day, we recognise the expertise and commitment of biomedical scientists and laboratory professionals working behind the scenes to help deliver safe care throughout patients’ lives.

A new blood test needs just three microlitres of blood. By detecting damage to tiny blood vessels, researchers hope the technique could identify signs of heart and kidney disease earlier and eventually become part of routine biomedical laboratory testing. Read more: bit.ly/4iqY0Qi

The Thirlwall Inquiry has recommended that GIRFT guidance on laboratory insulin and C-peptide testing be made mandatory and applied nationally. The guidance sets out best practice for testing, interpretation and the timely communication of clinically significant results. Read more: bit.ly/4xwUMyl

Researchers at the University of Manchester are developing a pioneering test to detect signs of brain tumours in tear fluid. Professor Petra Hamerlik, who is leading the study at the University of Manchester, said she was 15 when she lost her father to a brain tumour that had taken eight months to diagnose. Around 500 people have now taken part in the NHS-approved study, with initial trials showing promising results. The research highlights the vital role of biomedical science in developing new approaches to earlier diagnosis and improving patient outcomes. Read the BBC article to discover how the test works and the story behind its development. bbc.in/3VvDrZj

OneFile Essentials for Registration Training Portfolio Candidates will take place on 24th September at 12:30. This practical webinar, designed specifically for Registration Portfolio candidates, will cover the purpose of OneFile and how it supports completing the IBMS Registration Portfolio. Register here: bit.ly/46N8qm6

From medical laboratory assistant to Senior Biomedical Scientist in five years. For Alex Wildsmith, IBMS membership has been part of every stage of that journey – from registration to specialist qualifications and developing the confidence to progress. “I wouldn't be in the position I am now without the IBMS.” 🎥 Watch Alex's story and discover how IBMS membership can support your career.

Join us on 24 September for a webinar introducing the Version 5 Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Specialist Portfolios. Donna Torrance, Sylvia McConnell and Sarah Dyer will take you through the updated portfolio, including: • How the portfolio is structured on Brightspace • The resources available to candidates and trainers • Examples of questions and suitable evidence • Practical guidance to help you work through the new requirements The session is designed for both candidates completing their Specialist Portfolio and those supporting them through the process. Book your free place: bit.ly/3TlfumS

Meet Alex Wildsmith. Alex joined the IBMS while working as a medical laboratory assistant and has since become a Senior Biomedical Scientist. In his Membership Journey, he shares how IBMS membership has helped him build his knowledge, gain specialist qualifications and progress in his career. You can watch Alex's video and read his full case study here: bit.ly/4xePnvP

The latest IBMS Support Hub is now available to watch on demand. In this session, Tahmina Hussain and Sheri Scott discuss how to strengthen CPD submissions for CSci audits, covering key requirements, common pitfalls and practical tips to help improve your evidence. Catch up at a time that suits you: bit.ly/4xcnKU9

OneFile Essentials for Registration Training Portfolio Candidates will take place on 24th September at 12:30. This practical webinar, designed specifically for Registration Portfolio candidates, will cover the purpose of OneFile and how it supports completing the IBMS Registration Portfolio. Register here: bit.ly/46N8qm6

Join us on 24th September for our webinar Introducing Version 5 of the IBMS Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Specialist Portfolio. Get up to speed with the latest requirements and hear guidance to help you navigate the updated portfolios. Find out more and register: bit.ly/3TlfumS

Biomedical science had a place on the Maes at this year’s National Eisteddfod. After a busy week welcoming thousands of visitors to the IBMS Learning Lab, Council member Victoria Bradley reflects on the experience, the importance of Welsh-language science engagement and the volunteers who made it possible. Read more: bit.ly/4yN63Mn

The Biomedical Scientist features an in-depth interview with the North West London Pathology Managing Director and AHA Biomedical Scientist of the Year, Angela Jean-Francois. Angela reflects on her career and the people and experiences that shaped it. Read Angela’s story and discover the journey behind her career in biomedical science: bit.ly/4djPy1F

Our next Training for Trainers: Verifiers event will take place on 11th September at 9am. It will provide information on the updated registration training portfolio (V5) and how to use OneFile. Register here: bit.ly/4xnYRp9

Join us on Wednesday for our next IBMS Support Hub, featuring Tahmina Hussain and Sheri Scott. In this session, they will discuss how to strengthen CPD submissions for CSci audit, including key requirements, common pitfalls and practical tips to improve your evidence. Register here: bit.ly/3TTI7Yk

We are excited to launch our new IBMS Membership Journey campaign next week, following three members from different backgrounds and career stages. Through personal stories, Alex Wildsmith, Helen Markland and Zonya Jeffrey share how IBMS membership has supported their professional development and opened up new opportunities in biomedical science. You can follow their membership journeys here: bit.ly/4xJCKKv