RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
Releasing pressure on pathology services: RFID technology has the key
With the NHS continuing to struggle as it responds to the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the effects that COVID-19 disease is having on a heavy workload, Gillian Ewers examines the advantages that RFID and a transport and tracking system offer.- Feature
Hepatitis B virus: a small selection of research in the literature
Hepatitis B, a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a major global health problem. It can cause chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.- Feature
Diagnostic testing in cases of SARS-CoV-2 adverse outcomes
Severe cases of COVID-19 disease exhibit a range of immunological, kidney, liver and heart complications that require laboratory investigation. Randox Laboratories provides an overview and looks at quality control and assessment of testing.- Feature
Barrett’s metaplasia: subtyping, stem cells and receptors
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition which, if left untreated, may result in intestinal metaplasia, a premalignant condition that occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.- Feature
Pathology partnership strengthened during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Award-winning NHS partnership SWLP has adopted equipment from Beckman Coulter’s AutoMate 2500 family of sample processing systems, which has streamlined pre- and post-analytical processes to help gain optimal performance and use of resources.- Feature
Hepatology: researching cirrhosis, HBV and intestinal microflora
A report on the impact of COVID-19 on patients with decompensated cirrhosis, along with an overview of HBV and the role of intestinal microflora in alcohol-related liver disease.- Feature
Innovative haemostasis systems for routine and special testing
The CN-Series of analysers from Sysmex has now undergone multi-centre validation and verification work in the UK ahead of global introduction in 2021. Here, the company introduces the equipment and its various hardware and software features.- Feature
Point-of-care testing aids decision-making in GP-based assessment hub
A study in primary care demonstrates how testing can avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and improve patient pathways. Laura Mitcham explains how rapid assessment of full blood count and C-reactive protein contributed to the success of the project.- Feature
Reducing the COVID-19 burden: diagnostics and the patient pathway
Tony Cambridge looks at a changing healthcare landscape as the service continues to respond to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and considers the important role of point-of-care tests and combination testing.- Feature
Plasma viscosity: accuracy, precision and suitability – who wants it?
The diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma viscosity has been highlighted in patients suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19, but its use in other areas of UK medical practice has gained clinical acceptance over the past seven decades.- Feature
Method comparison studies: an introduction to acceptability criteria
In this third article in his series on method comparisons, Stephen MacDonald moves on to focus on what differences are expected and acceptable, and what other factors need further investigation before implementation of an assay.- Feature
Biomedical laboratory Science: an international perspective
The International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science has a global responsibility to support, advance and promote good scientific laboratory practice and education. Here, new IFBLS President Alan Wainwright provides an overview.- Feature
Interferon-γ-inducible protein-10: a small selection of applications
Interferon- γ-inducible protein (IP)-10 is a small glycoprotein member of a family of chemotactic cytokines structurally related to interleukin-8. Its value as a marker of disease severity is now finding application in COVID-19.- Feature
Pioneering software delivers QC confidence and precision
Long-standing Stago UK customers are pioneering key elements of the company’s My Quality Solutions package as part of their comprehensive laboratory quality control requirements, as illustrated by examples from three hospital sites.- Feature
Embracing change: trusts collaborate to meet laboratory challenges
Unprecedented demand and a need to embrace a personalised approach to medicine: Penny Pinnock looks at these and other challenges currently facing laboratories, and considers the various financial and technological options available to NHS trusts.- Feature
New haematoxylin for routine diagnostic use: a comparative study
The idiom ‘to leave no stone unturned’ means to do everything possible to find something or to solve a problem. Here, Guy Orchard and colleagues apply this approach in the search for an alternative mordant for use in a new haematoxylin solution.- Feature
Laboratory management now as you want it, anytime, anywhere
Introducing the web-based Sysmex Caresphere Dashboard, which offers quality management features that provide full confidence in analyser and assay performance, and easy access to data across multiple clinical disciplines and physical sites.- Feature
Pathway transformation and heart failure: the role of the laboratory
A recent report, commissioned by Pumping Marvellous and Roche, provided surprising statistics on the diagnosis of heart failure. Carly Schott discusses key findings and the pivotal role laboratories play in the patient pathway.- Feature
SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and COVID-19 disease: the pandemic so far
Pathology has faced major challenges this year to detect the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and provide support to COVID-19 patients. Sarah Pitt provides an update on the virology, clinical aspects, testing and epidemiology of this pandemic agent.- Feature
Method comparisons: the importance of study design and requirements
In this second article in his new series on method comparisons, Stephen MacDonald moves on from his initial general introduction to consider experimental design and analysis, the sources of samples and the number required, and framework design.- Feature
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