Types of Manuscripts

AUTHOR GUIDELINES SUBMISSION FORMATS

Types of Manuscripts Accepted

ICME Journal of Laboratory Medicine  • Article Formats & Structural Requirements

The ICME Journal of Laboratory Medicine accepts a wide range of scholarly manuscripts covering laboratory medicine, clinical diagnostics, pathology, biomedical sciences, and related healthcare disciplines.

All submissions must be original, scientifically sound, ethically conducted, clearly written, and relevant to the journal’s aims and scope. Manuscripts should not have been published previously or be under consideration by another journal.

1. Primary Research & Clinical Studies

Original Research Articles

Presents new and significant findings based on laboratory, clinical, experimental, epidemiological, translational, or diagnostic research. Must follow the standard structure: Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References, and Tables/Figures.

Biomarkers Validation Studies Molecular Investigations Public Health
Diagnostic Accuracy Studies

Evaluates test, biomarker, or device performance against a reference standard (reporting index test, sensitivity/specificity, predictive values, STARD guidelines compliance).

Method-Comparison & Validation Studies

Compares two or more diagnostic methods assessing precision, accuracy, linearity, detection limits, reproducibility, and method agreement.

Clinical Studies

Investigates laboratory findings in relation to disease diagnosis, prognosis, treatment response, and outcomes (observational, cohort, case-control, prospective/retrospective).

2. Reviews & Syntheses

Review Articles

Critical and evidence-based assessment of published literature, identifying gaps and providing future research directions.

Systematic Reviews

Methodical evaluation of evidence with defined search strategies, risk-of-bias checks, and PRISMA reporting compliance.

Meta-Analyses

Statistical synthesis combining findings from eligible studies to estimate diagnostic performance or clinical effects quantitatively.

3. Case Reports & Short Communications

Case Reports & Case Series

Describes rare, diagnostically challenging, or clinically instructive single cases or patient cohorts with clear educational value and patient consent.

Short Communications & Brief Reports

Concise reports of preliminary findings, pilot studies, small datasets, or early-stage diagnostic research requiring focused presentation.

4. Technical, Protocol & Quality Reports

Technical Reports & Protocols

Details new diagnostic instruments, software, analytical platforms, or step-by-step reproducible protocols with validation data and safety guidance.

Quality-Improvement & Management

Focuses on laboratory workflow, accreditation, turnaround times, risk management, cost-effectiveness, and policy implementation.

5. Visual Studies, Perspectives & Editorial Formats

Clinical & Lab Images: High-quality microscopic, cytological, hematological, or molecular diagnostic images with concise clinical notes.
Perspectives & Commentaries: Evidence-based viewpoints on emerging technologies, policy issues, or debates in laboratory medicine.
Educational Articles: Training frameworks, simulation-based learning, digital education, and competency assessment.
Letters, Correspondence & Editorials: Brief scholarly discussions, responses to published articles, or invited editorial commentary.

General Requirements for All Submissions

Regardless of manuscript category, all authors must ensure that:

The manuscript is original, properly referenced, and within journal scope.
All co-authors have made genuine scholarly contributions.
Ethical approval and patient confidentiality are strictly reported and maintained.
Full disclosures regarding funding sources and conflicts of interest are included.
Applicable reporting guidelines (e.g., STARD, PRISMA, CONSORT) are followed.

Editorial Reclassification Rights: The editorial team may recommend reclassifying a submission if its content and structure are better suited to a different manuscript category.

Quick Formatting Summary
Primary Style IMRAD Structure
Peer Review Double-Blind
APC Fee ₹0 (Free)
Reporting Guidelines STARD / PRISMA
Submissions Open Year-Round
Adhering strictly to ICMJE & COPE standards for manuscript preparation.