In late October, the 2^nd Conference on Innovative Technology Applications in Laboratory Medicine: Exploring the Source of Mass Spectrometry, Advancing the Path of Innovation was successfully held at Xiamen University from October 26 to 27, which was hosted by the Laboratory Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association, co-held by the Medical Laboratory Physicians Branch of Fujian Medical Doctor Association, Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, New Media of Laboratory Medicine, and exclusively supported by Zybio Inc.

Back in 2015, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer was successfully launched in Xiamen, marking the continuous progress of Chinese IVD enterprises into the realm of global high-end analyzers with independent innovation and continuous breakthroughs in high-end technologies. Given to the deep connection between MALDI-TOF technology and Xiamen, especially Xiamen University, the conference venue was selected at Xiamen University as a tribute to the birthplace of MALDI-TOF technology breakthroughs.

Domestic and foreign experts, scholars and researchers of microbiology and laboratory medicine were invited to participate in the conference for in-depth discussion among industry, academia, research and clinical application. The conference was rich in content, including the release of “Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of MALDI-TOF MS for the Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms”, academic reports, as well as round-table discussions on current heated topics.

The meeting brought together more than 300 people from all over the world and gathered more than 40 industry experts for on-site exchanges, with more than 20,000 audiences of global livestream.

Conference Opening: Development Led By Experts’ Insights

The conference started with an opening speech by Mr. Zheng Lansun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Mr. Guo Yongli, General Manager of Zybio Inc. Prof. Xu Banglao from Guangzhou First People's Hospital and Prof. Guo Dawen from the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University presided over the opening ceremony.

Speech by Academician Zheng Lansun

Academician Zheng Lansun expressed in his speech that although there has been progress in mass spectrometry technology in China, there is still a gap in the high-end realm. He is very much looking forward to new ideas and inspiration brought by the sharing of new technologies and results brought by the participating scholars, to promote the continuous development and innovation of mass spectrometry technology in clinical applications.

Chairman of Laboratory Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association, suggested in his speech that MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has been developed to a certain extent in China, and in the future, he expects that this technology can be more widely applied in China's healthcare practice, providing clinicians with more timely and accurate guidance and assisting in medical decision-making, which will in turn benefit the majority of patients.

Mr. Guo Yongli's speech

Mr. Guo Yongli, General Manager of Zybio Inc. mentioned in his speech that Zybio, as an important contributor to MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technology, is proud of the achievements of Xiamen Mass Spectrometry. He said that Zybio's pursuit of technological innovation will never stop, and that it will continue to refine its flagships, continue to facilitate IVD industry development, and contribute to improved healthcare.

Prof. Xu Banglao and Prof. Guo Dawen hosted the opening ceremony

Release of Expert Consensus: Gathered Wisdom For The Shared Future

The release ceremony of “Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of MALDI-TOF MS for Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms” was held in the conference. The release ceremony was led by Prof. Hao Xiaoke of the All-Army Institute of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, and hosted by Prof. Wang Xianjun of the Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University.

Prof. Hao Xiaoke from All-Army Institute of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Prof. Xie Yi from West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Prof. Zhu Min from Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Prof. Xia Yun from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Prof. Xiao Xiao from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Prof. Xu Xiuli from Greater Xi'an Area Medical Diagnostic Lab Center, Prof. Liu Chang from Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Prof. Gao Rongliang from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, and Dr. RD1277 of Zybio Inc. and other authors as representatives to witness the release.

the Releasing Ceremony

Prof. Hao Xiaoke introduced that the consensus, with gathered efforts of a number of experts from 16 hospitals, was closely centered on 13 practical and targeted clinical topics, originiting from practical clinical pain points in clinical application, and authoritative solutions could provide clear guidance and assistance to clinical users. 

Speech by Prof. Hao Xiaoke

Prof. Wang Xianjun presided over the launching ceremony

Precision Diagnostics Special Session–Academic Reports

In the Academic Report of Precision Diagnostics Special Session, four experts from around the world demonstrated the significant advantages of precision diagnostics in improving diagnostic accuracy and optimizing treatment. This session was hosted by Prof. Li Siping from Dongguan Children's Hospital, Prof. Yao Liqiong from the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, and Prof. Zeng Ji from Wuhan Fourth Hospital.

Prof. Xie Yi, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, made a report on “Interpretation of Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of MALDI-TOF MS for Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms”.

“For composite group where MALDI-TOF MS shows limited ability to differentiate between species or uncommon species is detected, it is recommended to report microbial identification results to the composite group level on the premise that it does not affect clinical decision-making.”

Prof. Min Zhu, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, presented “Expanded Application of MALDI-TOF MS Technology in Pathogenic Bacteria Detection”.

“It is believed that continuous innovation, exploration and expansion will shape the MALDI-TOF MS technology to meet the ever-changing medical and scientific research needs, to be better applied in the detection of bacteria pathogen, and to improve the diagnostic capability and efficiency of infectious diseases.”

Pearl Joy R. Nazareno, Principal Investigator of Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, made her presentation on “Current Status of Microbiology Laboratory Testing Technology Application”.

“Mass spectrometry technology plays a milestone role in microbial identification, with its characteristics of speed, efficiency, accuracy, and high detection rates for filamentous fungi offering significant advantages over other methodologies. In addition to conventional microbial identification, microbial mass spectrometry also has important applications and development prospects in the study of parasites, antimicrobial resistance, and tracing in public health emergencies.”

The deputy director of Xiamen Research Institute of Zybio made a report on “New Progress in Identification of Fungi in Clinical Scenario by MALDI-TOF MS”.

“Fungi, especially filamentous fungi, are prior challenge for microbial mass spectrometry identification. However, with the upgrading of pretreatment methods, database optimization and the popularity of custom-made database, MALDI-TOF MS has become one of the preferred identification methods for common fungi in clinical practice.”

Precision Diagnostics Special Session–Round-Table Discussion

The round-table discussion began with Prof. You Chongge, Director of Laboratory Medicine Center and Medical Laboratory Teaching and Research Department of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Prof. Geng Yan, Discipline Leader of the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Prof. Xu Shaohan, Secretary of the Fourth Branch of the Maternity and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Prof. Guo Feibo, Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the First People’s Hospital of Tianmen, and Mr. Guo Yongli, General Manager of Zybio Inc. Mr. Guo Yongli, General Manager of Zybio Inc. Prof. Sun Baoqing from The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University moderated the round-table discussion.

The round-table discussion was closely centered on “clinical-industrial integration of laboratory medicine graduate training”, “transformation of scientific research results”, “clinical-industrial facilitation of testing technology innovation”, “the demand and exploration of industry-academia-research cooperation prefecture-level hospitals”, “corporate layout in industry-academia-research cooperation”, etc., which brought warm responses from the audience.

Moderated by Prof. Sun Baoqing

The release of “Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of MALDI-TOF MS for Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms” and the impressive academic reports in the Precision Diagnostics Special Session triggered a grand concern and extensive discussion on mass spectrometry technology, which provided a strong support for advanced innovation and development of mass spectrometry technology. It is expected that mass spectrometry technology will continue to lead the trend of science and technology in the future, and make greater contributions to people's health and the progress of laboratory testing technology.

Zybio will also actively take in the valuable suggestions from all walks of life, commit to the development and innovation of mass spectrometry technology, continue to improve the ability of mass spectrometry for clinical practice, and create a high-quality brand of mass spectrometry.