Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) and related conditions remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These include two major categories: non-communicable chronic diseases—such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus—and external causes, including accidents and violence. In parallel, advances in laboratory sciences and the growing field of precision medicine have opened new possibilities for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and personalized management. These approaches aim not only to identify individuals at greater risk of developing NCDs, but also to monitor disease progression and the emergence of complications or comorbidities. In this context, innovative laboratory methods and novel biomarkers are urgently needed to enhance disease detection and surveillance strategies. We therefore invite researchers to submit original articles, reviews, and case studies addressing the role of precision medicine in improving the surveillance and clinical management of chronic non-communicable diseases and their progression.

Keywords: Non-communicable chronic diseases; disease aggravation; biomarkers; laboratory methods; epidemiological aspects; individual risk classification; precision medicine; health promotion; surveillance; innovative laboratory approaches.

The main purpose of the issue is to explore novelties in clinical biochemistry and laboratory medicine. The issue aims to cover different emerging topic.

One significant trend in clinical laboratory medicine is the use of automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve laboratory workflows, reduce turnaround times, and enhance the accuracy of laboratory test results. Laboratories are adopting automated systems that can perform sample processing, analysis, and result reporting with minimal human intervention, resulting in faster and more efficient testing processes.

Furthermore, there has been a growing interest in using machine learning algorithms to analyze large amounts of data generated by clinical biochemistry tests. These techniques can also help to identify new biomarkers, develop more accurate diagnostic tools, and improve treatment outcomes.

The development of new biomarkers for disease diagnosis and monitoring can improve disease detection and treatment.

In this context, metabolomics can be applied to biomarker discovery, drug development and personalized medicine.

Another ongoing trend in clinical biochemistry is the increased use of personalized medicine. This approach involves tailoring medical treatment to the individual patient's unique characteristics, such as their genetics and metabolism. Advances in genomic sequencing and other technologies have made it easier to identify specific biomarkers and genetic mutations that can be targeted with personalized therapies. Moreover, new rapid diagnostic techniques are requested to tackle problems such as antibiotic resistance. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics recommended by physicians/self-medication at the time of infection has meant that drug-resistant pathogens have become a major healthcare issue, with millions of reported cases every year. Rapid diagnostics plays a pivotal role in the treatment of bacterial infection. For the timely treatment of patients, a rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) is urgently needed. Advanced diagnostics would allow clinicians to more quickly determine the most effective treatment, reduce the nonspecific use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, and facilitate enrollment in new antibiotic treatments. A rise in antibiotic resistance is a certainty, therefore, we must develop technologies that will permit rapid AST (within few hours) and are non-invasive (saliva- or urine-based) or minimally invasive. At the same time, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) has gained significant importance in healthcare due to its potential to provide rapid and accurate diagnostic results directly at the patient's bedside or in a non-laboratory setting. POCT indeed offer rapid, accessible, and versatile diagnostic capabilities, allowing for enhanced patient management, reduced turnaround time, and improved healthcare outcomes. POCT has the potential to revolutionize the way diagnostic testing is performed and integrated into healthcare systems.

SUMMARY

Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine have a central role in achieving a quick and correct diagnosis. This Special Issue plans to give an overview of the most recent advances in the field.

This special issue is aimed at providing innovative contribution on new trends and advances on clinical biochemistry related to different topics.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Automated systems

Biomarkers

Metabolomics, Volatolomics

Machine learning, Artifical Intelligence

Rapid diagnostics

POCT

Keywords: POCT, Biomarkers, Metabolomics, Volatolomics, Machine learning, Artifical Intelligence, Rapid diagnostics, Automated systems