Gary L. Myers, Ph.D., FACB Presents NCCLS Harmonized Terminology Database Session at CSE

Gary L. Myers, Ph.D., FACB, Chairholder, NCCLS Global Programs Committee, Board of Directors, presented a session, International Standards: Research Guidelines and Harmonized Terminology, 16 May 2004 at the Council of Science Editors (CSE)Conference  in Vancouver, BC. The in-depth conference for hundreds of editors, representing international biomedical and scientific journals, government, universities, healthcare institutions, medical and scientific societies, and research centers featured presentations and educational sessions by influential leaders in the scientific and healthcare publications community. The program, themed "Access Now and Into the Future," examined the various means of access to the scientific literature, databases, standards, and resources, and ways in which these issues are evolving for the future.

During the NCCLS educational session, over 30 attendees learned about NCCLS’s Harmonized Terminology Database, a relational database that provides guidance on global terms for the clinical laboratory. The discussion highlighted the important role the scientific editorial community plays in the use of global terminology. This session outlined how harmonized healthcare standards are critical to the global economy; provided examples of international terms and definitions included in the database; explained NCCLS’s current harmonization efforts; emphasized the importance of harmonized terms; and described how to access and use NCCLS’s database.   

One participant congratulated NCCLS for its efforts, and said, “As a journal editor trying to communicate best practices as clearly as possible, the ability to find the terminology all in one place is a distinct advantage.”

In addition to the sessions, attendees explored the CSE exhibit floor, 15 May – 17 May, where they could network and test-drive products, solutions, and resources discussed in the conference program.

The development of harmonized healthcare standards is a key organizational goal for NCCLS. By reaching out to scientific authors, and editors of professional journals about the public on-line terminology resource, NCCLS strengthens its commitment to educate the healthcare community on the use of harmonized terms to improve consistency of language for global uniformity.

For more information about NCCLS’s Harmonized Terminology Database, visit http://www.nccls.org or call the NCCLS Executive Offices +610.688.0100 (127). [ return to top ]