International Society for Laboratory Hematology

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International Society for Laboratory Hematology (ISLH) is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 to share ideas and information about laboratory hematology. The idea began in 1984 when Dr. Berend Houwen organized meetings that brought scientists, manufacturers’ representatives, clinicians, and regulators together to discuss new techniques. The first meeting was in Banff, Alberta, Canada. When ISLH was formed, members decided to start a journal for research and review articles in laboratory hematology.

In 2003, the journal Laboratory Hematology was indexed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The current official journal of ISLH is The International Journal of Laboratory Hematology, which provides an international forum for new developments in practice and research in the field. It publishes invited reviews, original articles, research results, and correspondence.

ISLH contributed to the field by publishing the first flow-based reference method for platelet counting in 2001. In 2005, it published The International Consensus Group for Hematology Review: Suggested Criteria for Action Following Automated CBC and White Blood Cell Differential Analysis. This brought together 20 hematology laboratorians from around the world to discuss slide review.

ISLH is affiliated with the International Committee for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) and supports review studies in hematology. The society also covers many subfields, including cellular analysis, flow cytometry, hemostasis and thrombosis, molecular diagnostics, hematology informatics, hemoglobinopathies, hemolytic anemias, point-of-care testing, and standards and guidelines. It addresses these through symposia, research, and journal reviews.

As of 2015, ISLH had about 900 members from more than 50 countries. The society organizes annual international scientific meetings in the United States, Europe, or Asia. The spring meeting brings laboratory hematology professionals from around the world to discuss important issues, featuring invited speakers, oral and poster presentations, and vendor exhibits/workshops.