EFLM LabX report by Selin Yıldız, Türkiye

As part of the EFLM LabX programme, I completed a laboratory visit at the University Hospital of Heraklion Clinical Chemistry-Biochemistry Laboratory in Heraklion, Crete, between 17 August and 3 September 2026.
I would like to sincerely thank Professor Christos Tsatsanis for welcoming me and ensuring the smooth and successful completion of my laboratory visit. As my visit coincided with the summer holiday and annual leave period, activities in the research laboratory were limited. I was aware of this beforehand and planned my visit accordingly. This allowed me not only to gain laboratory experience but also to explore Crete and experience the local culture.
During my time in the hospital laboratory, I had the opportunity to spend time with laboratory medicine specialists, biologists, and other laboratory staff. We had many valuable conversations about the healthcare systems, laboratory organisation, and routine laboratory practices in our respective countries. These conversations allowed me to recognise the similarities and differences between our systems, to evaluate my own laboratory practices from a different perspective, and to broaden my professional outlook.
During my visit, I observed the routine workflow of the clinical laboratory. I participated in both theoretical and practical activities related to urine analysis. In the flow cytometry laboratory, I observed sample preparation and processing, case evaluation, and the reporting of results, and I had the opportunity to discuss different cases with my colleagues. I also participated in the evaluation of HbA1c test results and their graphical outputs.
One of the most valuable aspects of this experience for me was the opportunity to observe laboratory practices that are also part of my daily work in Türkiye within a different healthcare system and laboratory environment. Seeing different approaches and sharing experiences with my colleagues helped me re-evaluate familiar practices from a broader perspective.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the EFLM LabX programme for making this valuable international experience possible and for providing bursary support. I would also like to sincerely thank Professor Tsatsanis and all members of the laboratory team for their support, hospitality, and willingness to share their knowledge and experience throughout my visit.

As part of the EFLM LabX programme, I completed a laboratory visit at the University Hospital of Heraklion Clinical Chemistry-Biochemistry Laboratory in Heraklion, Crete, between 17 August and 3 September 2026.
I would like to sincerely thank Professor Christos Tsatsanis for welcoming me and ensuring the smooth and successful completion of my laboratory visit. As my visit coincided with the summer holiday and annual leave period, activities in the research laboratory were limited. I was aware of this beforehand and planned my visit accordingly. This allowed me not only to gain laboratory experience but also to explore Crete and experience the local culture.