ICSH delivers a Special Plenary Session at ISLH 2026

Photo Caption (Left to Right): Susan Guy, Simon Davidson, Cornelis Harteveld, Richard McCafferty & Aditya Tedjaseputra

The ICSH Special Plenary Session at this year’s ISLH Meeting proved to be an outstanding success, drawing a well attended audience to the Pentland Auditorium (Edinburgh International Convention Centre, Edinburgh Scotland) for a morning of high‑quality scientific presentations and lively discussion.

Under the expert guidance of session chairs Simon Davidson and Richard McCafferty, the plenary showcased the latest advances in standardisation, haemoglobin analysis, and molecular diagnostics—perfectly reflecting ICSH’s mission to promote global harmonisation in laboratory haematology.

The session opened with Cornelis L. Harteveld, who presented newly generated HbA₂ certified reference material, a significant step forward for improving accuracy and comparability in haemoglobinopathy testing worldwide.

Susan Guy from the Sheffield Thrombosis and Haemostasis Centre delivered an insightful talk on monitoring Argatroban, highlighting practical considerations and the need for consistent laboratory approaches in managing this important anticoagulant.

The plenary concluded with Aditya Tedjaseputra of King’s College London (& 2025 ICSH Sam Machin Scholar), who outlined the standardisation and validation of FLT3‑ITD measurable residual disease using ultra‑sensitive next‑generation sequencing, demonstrating how advanced molecular techniques are reshaping the landscape of leukaemia monitoring.

Collectively, the session reinforced the value of international collaboration and the essential role of ICSH in driving standardisation across the field.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the clarity, relevance, and scientific depth of the presentations.