Faculty and student researchers from the Silliman University Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (SU-ICLS) presented four poster studies at an international laboratory medicine conference in Taiwan, with one earning a Global Investigator Award.
The studies were accepted for poster presentation at the 19th Asian Society of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Congress (ASCPaLM) and the Asia Pacific Conference of Transplantation Immunogenetics and Blood Transfusion (APCTIBT) 2026. The joint event ran from October 2 to 4, 2026 at the Taipei International Convention Center.
The congress carried the theme “Crossing the Border: Perspectives of Laboratory Medicine in the AI Era.” It explored the evolving frontiers of laboratory medicine amid rapid technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital health, and precision diagnostics.
Student presenter Jellane Leigh Berioso received the Global Investigator Award in the Molecular Diagnosis category for “Exercise-Induced Osteocalcin and Insulin Sensitivity Levels among Non-Diabetic Adults.”
The study looked at osteocalcin, a protein produced by bone, and insulin sensitivity in adults without diabetes who exercise.
Her co-authors were John Francis Andres, Chrissel Kate Cadungog, Claudette Jhane Catalvas, Jellie Mae Espleguera, Jashvil Vlanche Galido, Robelle Anne Meniano, Shane Vincent Nodado, Kirsten Rigonan, Neal Marie Roleda, Jairyll Torres, and Ella Fatima Valencia. Robi Ronaldo Concepcion, a registered medical technologist and Master of Public Health candidate, served as faculty adviser.
In the Hematology category, student presenter Bhea Grace Timbangan presented “Hematologic Profile Among Medical Technology Students in Dumaguete City, Philippines: Users and Non-Users of Mentholated Essential Oil Inhalers.”
The study compared the blood profiles of medical technology students who use mentholated essential oil inhalers with those who do not.
Her co-authors were Angia Reigne Andaya, John Kyle Buenavista, Irish Carpio, Janelle Gariando, Alexa Roschelle Gordoncillo, Gea Therese Kirit, Bill Rabyn Mendez, Zhaenna Reyen Palalon, Cathaeunie Francine Prospero, and Oshea Mekhaila Rizada. Asst. Prof. Lera Almendral served as faculty adviser.
In the Clinical Chemistry category, student presenter Maria Dayamina Jimenez presented “Sociodemographic Profile, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine Levels and Insulin Resistance among Women Living Near a Pyrolysis Facility in Dumaguete City, Philippines: A Correlational Study.”
The study examined whether women living near a pyrolysis facility in the city show links between their levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, and insulin resistance.
Her co-authors were Allianah Junnice Bolotaulo, Khrisha Justine Dos Dayagdag, Jay Venci Etic, Vhenese Cyrine Gutib, Clette Halexa Japay, Nikki Laude, Meg Louis Maxilom, Melbe Pajantoy, Cristelle Ven Pancho, Ethan Dominique Pipo, Rizamae Reelyn Sasing, and Janne Amelia Zerna. Hazzel Mae Tinguban, a registered medical technologist with a Master of Public Health degree, served as faculty adviser.
Tinguban also presented as faculty in the Blood Supply Management and Utilization category. Her study, “Knowledge, Motivation, and Barriers Influencing Voluntary Blood Donation among College Students in Dumaguete City, Philippines,” examined what shapes voluntary blood donation among college students in the city.
The program covered topics including artificial intelligence in laboratory medicine, advanced laboratory techniques, improving diagnosis for patient safety, bioinformatics, histocompatibility and immunogenetics, patient blood management, infectious disease, hematology, and laboratory workforce development.
Scholars and experts from around the world delivered keynote speeches at the congress. (Contributed by Jasper Miranda)