The SMH meeting offered a very well-balanced programme combining an up-to-date scientific focus with important topics of relevance to the Society and its future activities.

The very well attended scientific morning session was particularly successful in its structure and thematic continuity. The individual presentations complemented each other very well and moved seamlessly from clinical aspects of FLT3-mutated AML to bioinformatic challenges of FLT3-ITD detection. This created a coherent and highly topical overview of a rapidly evolving field in molecular hematology.

The session opened with a very comprehensive and up to date talk from Corinne Widmer on the clinical treatment and relevance of FLT3-ITD and other FLT3 mutations. Josefin Ahmann subsequently provided an insightful and technically focused overview of FLT3-ITD as an MRD marker, highlighting its increasing relevance in modern AML management. This was followed by an illustrative case presentation by Britta Hartmann, which translated the preceding concepts into clinical practice and stimulated an engaging discussion among the participants. Vanessa Roch concluded the scientific session with a well structured and researched presentation on bioinformatic pipelines for FLT3-ITD MRD analysis, including analytical sensitivity, methodological differences, and current technical challenges. Taken together, the four contributions provided a broad yet well-integrated perspective ranging from treatment decisions to highly specialized molecular diagnostics in the important and fast developing field of FLT3 in AML.

The afternoon was dedicated to recurrent topics and current developments within the Society. Discussions included updates on the revision of the IVDR framework at the European level, external quality assessment and interlaboratory exchange, as well as the harmonization of NGS reporting. Current FAMH-related topics were also addressed, including the harmonization of the NGS certificate, and the timeline for recognition as an FAMH training center.

Further organisational and strategic topics included the duration of storage of biological samples, planning of the next journal club and technicians’ meeting, and the upcoming election of board members in autumn 2027.

Importantly, the meeting acknowledged several topics requiring more structured follow-up at Society level. In particular, the harmonization of the NGS reporting and recommendations concerning the storage of biological samples were recognized as areas of high relevance for the community. Dedicated working groups will therefore take these topics forward, with the aim of developing practical guidance, consensus recommendations, and, where appropriate, formal Society guidelines.

Overall, the meeting combined a scientifically strong and highly coherent morning session with a productive afternoon focused on harmonization, quality, education, and future Society activities.

We would like to thank all participants for their active contributions and lively discussions and are already looking forward to our next meetings, in particular the upcoming Technicians’ Meeting in Bern on 26 January 2027. So save the date!

It was once again a pleasure to attend the 6th Diagnostim Meeting. The meeting was well-attended and characterized by exciting discussions. The conference day began again with a crash course in molecular and cytogenomic diagnostics. Special attention was given to the pitfalls of the respective techniques used. Darius Juskevicius and Friedel Wenzel from University Hospital Basel guided the audience through the various risks of the analyses with charm and a wealth of knowled and delighting even some of the more experienced attendees with important new insights.

This was followed by a Joint Keynote Lecture together with our colleagues from flow cytometry. The topic “from CHIP to MDS” was explored from both the molecular diagnostics and flow cytometry perspectives, highlighting how increasingly relevant this subject is becoming. Constanze Baer from the Munich Leukemia Laboratory provided an excellent overview and the latest findings in the field, delivered in a very well-structured presentation. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Constanze for sharing her expertise with us. Her presentation is available in the members’ area.
The topic was further complemented from the flow cytometry side by the highly experienced Marisa Westers from Amsterdam, and rounded off by a case presentation from Diana Ditz at the University Hospital Basel, which demonstrated that CHIP can also occur under CAR T therapy.
After a break with time for networking, the afternoon session—also focused on CHIP—began. It was highly engaging and sparked many discussions. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the centers in St. Gallen, Sonic Suisse, USZ, and Insel Spital for their exciting and comprehensive sessions covering the entire CHIP field. There was lively discussion, and many challenges in this area were attempted to be better defined.
Overall, it was a truly successful meeting, and we are already looking forward to next year!

Corinne Widmer, SMH president, Darius Juskevicius, Contanze Baer, Diana Ditz

On March 31, 2026, the annual Technician Meeting took place in the beautiful city of Geneva, offering an inspiring setting for a day dedicated to knowledge exchange. Under the theme “MRD – how low can we go?”, HUG curated a compelling and thought-provoking program that brought together experts and participants from across the field.

The meeting stood out not only for its scientific depth, but also for the enthusiasm and commitment of all contributors. Each presentation was delivered with great dedication, providing valuable insights into current developments while encouraging meaningful discussions. Beyond the technical aspects, many speakers succeeded in broadening perspectives by looking beyond the immediate scope of their work and exploring future directions, challenges, and opportunities in the field.

Overall, the event was both intellectually stimulating and highly motivating, leaving participants with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of inspiration for their daily work.

During the breaks, there was ample opportunity for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional relationships in an open and collegial atmosphere. These informal discussions further enriched the experience and fostered collaboration across institutions.

The SMH Business Meeting also provided an important platform to address key topics concerning the society, as well as to announce upcoming meetings and initiatives. It was particularly encouraging to see the continued development and strong engagement within the community.

A special highlight was the announcement that venues for the popular Technician Meeting have already been secured for 2027 and 2028. This news was met with great enthusiasm, and further details will be shared in due course.

The subsequent lab tour through the various units was very well attended and provided an excellent opportunity to explore a range of innovative new equipment. Participants were able to engage in in-depth technical discussions and exchange expertise on workflows and process optimization in a practical, hands-on environment. We specially thank Liza Ho an her team for an really successful event!

This year, Geneva welcomes us as we open new doors to advancing our understanding of MRD in hematologic diseases. Together, we will explore the critical question of sensitivity—how far we have come and how much further we can go. Join us for an inspiring and dynamic (Labtour) meeting filled with cutting-edge insights, lively discussions, and scientific exchange and solving the question:

How low can we go?

The meeting is free of charge. Registration will open soon.

Please find in the member area the presentation from the last SMH Business Meeting. We added the informaiton on various quality and FAMH politics informaiton and you can find the recommendation paper and die GSPR Checklist officially published on the homepage of the FAMH.

FAMH recommendation on IvDV

It was once again a very well-attended and content-rich business meeting. In addition to the engaging presentations on the clinical aspects of eosinophilia by the charming Dr. Natalia Baran and the in-depth insights into molecular diagnostics presented by the President of the SMH, Corinne Widmer, there were stimulating discussions throughout the event.

These discussions were fueled not only by the much-appreciated opportunity for in-person exchange but also by several pressing political topics, such as outpatient flat rates, the inclusion of new analyses in the official analysis list, and reporting obligations to QUALAB. On the latter topic, SMH Vice vPresident Britta Hartmann provided a valuable overview of the necessary requirements and administrative procedures.

To conclude, the announcement of the next Technician Meeting was made. It will take place at HUG under the motto „MRD: How low can we go?“. So save the 31th of March for an interessting trip to Geneva.

We sincerely thank the members of the SMH for their active participation and for contributing to a highly enriching exchange.

On the 27th of March.

Just in time for the start of spring, we  looked at allergies in the scientific section and examinated mastocytosis and hereditary alpha-Tryptasemia from a clinical and molecular genetic perspective. We thank all 40 virtually persent members for their participation and you can find the talks on the member area.

The numerous visitors to the Technican Meeting were greeted by wonderful Ticino weather.

The perfectly organized meeting startet at the Ospedale Reginale di Bellinzona with the opening by the dircetor of the hospital and the director of the institute of medcial laboratroy. Until lunch time, several very well coordinated and interessting CLL topics were covered from the various clinical and diagnostic point of view. In the after noon there was a more technical part rounded up by demonstration of the application of liquid biopsy. You can find some of the talks in the member area.

The day was completetd perfectly with a visit to the modern IOR/BIOS Lab including the IOSI Lab from Davide Rossi and a super charming insight into the SGM EOLAB-EOC from the SGM Team of Gloria Gaudio.

We would like to warmly thank our colleagues from Ticino for their hospitality and the exciting insight into their laboratory world.

We are looking forward to meet on the 4th of February at the SMH Technician meeting, that will take place in Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona, San Giovanni. The topic will be on CLL, followed by an labtour.