RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
Saving time and breaking down barriers with digital pathology
Initially a digital sceptic, being introduced to digital pathology technology and methods has ignited a new passion for Dr Azzam Ismail, a Consultant Neuropathologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Here, he tells Pathology in Practice how his working life has changed.
Risk management in POC testing: learning from industry standards
In the risk assessment of point-of-care services, the aim is to provide a robust service that provides the right result on the right patient every time. Here, Carole Gough looks not only to standards in the laboratory, but also to international risk management standards applicable across, for example, the pharmaceutical, medical device and aviation industries.
Clostridioides difficile: new testing method helps to stop it in its tracks
A new method to detect Clostridioides difficile can yield accurate results in as little as 15 minutes, leading to faster clinical decision-making and improving case management. Here, Jürgen Becker describes how this innovative assay can be integrated into near-patient testing, and outlines the positive impact it could have on hospital workflows and patient care.
Future regulatory changes for medical devices and IVDs: the pathology edit
Starting a new series of articles on the changing state of regulation for medical devices and in vitro diagnostic equipment, Ashleigh Batchen, Head of Regulatory Affairs at BIVDA (the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association) writes for Pathology in Practice looking at the current situation and forthcoming changes as a result of Brexit.
How laboratories can overcome the ‘big data’ challenge of genomics
The potential benefits to personalised medicine likely to be offered in the near future by genomics are huge. But to start realising them, laboratories need to overcome the challenge of ‘big data’ which could stop them embracing these new technologies, says Emma Huntridge of Clinisys.
POCT discovery project: strategic changes for primary care settings
Specialist biomedical scientist Rakhee Surti details a recent project to evaluate community POCT services around Milton Keynes, initiated to document key strategic recommendations for improving and digitally transforming POCT services within the primary care community.
NE Innovation Lab celebrates two years of cutting-edge diagnostics
The North East Innovation Lab is celebrating its second anniversary having expanded its work in accelerating the development of diagnostics across a wide range of applications. Pathology in Practice hears from the laboratory about recent changes and the important role it has played in a number of high-profile projects.
Microbial technology: a preview of the annual BSMT microbiology conference
This year's British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference will be held on 11 May at the RAF Museum in Hendon, North London. It will cover a range of different topics but this year there is a particular focus on different aspects of antimicrobial resistance. Here, BSMT Chair Dr Mark Wilks, on behalf of the organising committee, introduces some themes of the meeting.
IBMS Congress 2023: now is the time to start planning your visit
In September, the fifteenth iteration in the biennial Congress series will return to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. The full programme is scheduled for launch in March and once again will focus on the very best that biomedical science and commercial colleagues have to offer. Here, IBMS Deputy Chief Executive Sarah May provides a brief preview of this important event on the laboratory medicine calendar.
Influenza in the era of COVID-19: a look at research published in the recent scientific literature.
Following the limiting effect that the various COVID-19 restrictions had on influenza rates over the past two years, infection due to this virus has return with a vengeance this winter. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a small selection of current virology research activity.
Antimicrobial resistance: local solutions for a global problem
Esmita Charani looks at the global issues presented by antimicrobial resistance and considers the strategies and policies that need to be created and properly implemented to tackle the problem at a local level in communities around the world.
Predicting risk of pre-eclampsia with PIGF-based testing
Pre-eclampsia remains a common complication during pregnancy, but the methods used to initially determine the presence of the disease still rely on simple non-specific parameters. Testing for placental growth factor has huge potential to improve management of a condition that is challenging to diagnose explains Dawn Hannah, clinical educator at Quidel.
West Mids to transform cancer diagnosis through digital pathology with Sectra
NHS patients throughout the West Midlands are to benefit from a digital pathology programme delivered by Sectra, designed to help reduce cancer backlogs, transform services, and improve the speed and accuracy of cancer diagnosis.
Reducing preanalytical errors: introducing a new commercial partnership
Two companies have recently joined forces with the aim of reducing errors in the preanalytical phase following blood collection and before samples arrive in the laboratory.
The transition to digital pathology is happening: How are you going digital?
Sanj Lallie of Source LDPath looks at the benefits of transitioning to a digital pathology workflow and charts a vision of a virtual histopathology department for every NHS trust.
On-demand printing in a world of developing technology
The emerging technology of on-demand printers can offer significant benefits to histology laboratories and pathology procedures, while also facilitating error reduction, explains Lauraline Winter.
How can POCT help to alleviate NHS winter pressures?
New point-of-care testing technology boasts rapidly expanding capabilities, and a new piece of equipment from HORIBA offers under-pressure NHS frontline staff laboratory-accurate tests within minutes, allowing them to make quicker treatment decisions.
Messenger RNA: a basis for vaccine technology and cancer treatment
Recent media coverage has highlighted the relatively new technology involving mRNA that has found application in COVID vaccination, but also in the treatment of cancer. The mRNA technology works by sending instructions to cells to produce an antigen or protein, thus enabling the immune system to target cells for destruction. Here, Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a small selection of activity in this important research.
Back with a buzz – Point-of-care Innovations event returns
The first post-pandemic Point of Care Testing: Innovations conference took place during September in Bristol, with Tony Cambridge’s Thornhill Events bringing together a diverse programme of speakers to discuss the future of decentralised diagnostics.
Pathology and technology – developing together to optimise services
Richard Craven of CliniSys considers some of the big developments in pathology and how technology will help laboratories to confront current challenges while preparing for the future of personalised medicine.
Featured Supplier
CellPath Limited is a UK-based independent company, specialising in the manufacture and worldwide supply of products, consumables and services to the Cellular Pathology sector.
With an in-house state of the art injection moulding capability, we differentiate ourselves in the marketplace through being able to directly manufacture many of the...
Upcoming Events
ECCMID - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Bella Center, Copenhagen
15-18 April
Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2023
Birmingham International Convention Centre.
17-20 April 2023
British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference
Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, London
11 May 2023
Genomics and Precision Medicine Expo
ExCeL London
23-24 May
UKMedLab23
Royal Armouries, Leeds
12-14 June 2023
Liverpool Pathology 2023
University of Liverpool
27-29 June
Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.
Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store
