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FEATURE ARTICLES

Whooping cough, the resurgence of a vaccine preventable disease

Dr Neil Bentley looks at the history, causes and treatment of whooping cough, as well as examining the vaccine issues which may have contributed to a recent resurgence of the condition in many countries around the world.

Putting patients at the heart of phlebotomy booking services

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has transformed the service it offers to GPs and patients for phlebotomy appointments by deploying two key innovative technologies that make the whole process paperless.

Measurement uncertainty in results with no numbers: an overview

In this sixth article in his series, Stephen MacDonald looks at the widespread use of semi-quantitative assays where more research and discussion is needed into how to apply statistical approaches to their measurements, and the impact that has on clinical decision-making.

Rapid diagnostics – warts and all: a report on the fight against AMR

In this second report from this year’s British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference, BSMT Chair Dr Mark Wilks and colleagues look at three further presentations, all of which focus on and illustrate issues related to antimicrobial resistance.

Bordetella pertussis infection: testing for the re-emergence of whooping cough

Despite the high vaccination coverage in developed countries, Bordetella pertussis infection is considered a re-emerging disease that is underreported and underdiagnosed. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a selection of research interest.

Is manual cell counting in CSF specimens a thing of the past?

Cerebrospinal fluid cell counts performed using haemocytometer chamber methods are prone to high interobserver variability and poor reproducibility. Utilising an automated system minimises errors and simplifies the testing process.

Quantifying the value of AI workflows in real-world laboratories

Quest Diagnostics commissioned a feasibility study in conjunction with Proscia and Ibex Medical Analytics in order to quantify the value of digital pathology and artificial intelligence workflows in a real-world diagnostic laboratory. Pathology in Practice presents an extract of the report.

Enhancing laboratory sterilisation practices: addressing challenges

Laboratory sterilisers play a key role in safe ongoing operation of the laboratory and training operators in the safe use of these machines and laboratory managers in managing the processes is more important than ever, says Keith Miller.

From COVID-19 tests to free lessons: how well do you know UK NEQAS?

Barbara De la Salle, President Elect of UK NEQAS and Dina Patel, Scientific Director for UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry and Allergy (IIA) offer a look inside UK NEQAS and how it works in practice. They share real-world examples to demonstrate who are UK NEQAS, and how the organisation delivers exceptional value to clinical and scientific stakeholders.

POCT Innovators Clinical Diagnostics Expo: an event preview

The ninth POCT Innovators event takes place in London during September, expanding its remit from point-of-care-testing to include clinical diagnostics. Pathology in Practice previews the exciting ‘The Power to Disrupt – Clinical Diagnostics Expo.’

Pathology Horizons: discovering the future of pathology

This year’s Pathology Horizons event, hosted by Cirdan, made its return after a pandemic-enforced break. Pathology in Practice reports from an event which boasted a wide array of interesting and influential speakers.

MedTech Breakthrough pathology award win for Epredia’s SlideMate Laser

Epredia’s SlideMate Laser printer was recently named ‘Best New Technology Solution for Pathology’ at the 2024 MedTech Breakthrough Awards Programme.

Bias and measurement uncertainty: a duo rarely handled correctly

In this further article in his series on measurement uncertainty, Stephen MacDonald moves on to look at bias, and considers its nature, detection, clinical and statistical significance, and correction.

Point-of-care Innovators: the power to disrupt – an event review

The latest in the series of POCT Innovators events took place this spring in Leeds with a typically diverse and engaging panel of speakers. Pathology in Practice reports from the event.

Tropical diseases on our doorstep: is it time to wake up?

With increasing travel post-COVID-19 coupled with a warming planet, tropical diseases and the viruses that cause them are closer to UK shores than ever. Dr Neil Bentley looks at the increasing prevalence and spread of dengue fever and the barriers to correct diagnosis.

Rapid diagnostics – warts and all: a report on the ante meridiem session

In this first of two reports from this year’s British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference, BSMT Chair Dr Mark Wilks and colleagues look at three presentations from the morning session. Two demonstrate the efforts being made at the cutting edge of practice, while the third what can be achieved with limited resources.

The challenges of creating an EQA scheme for digital pathology

UK NEQAS CPT currently has an EQA scheme for digital pathology in a pre-pilot phase. Here, Scheme Manager Lorren Mitchell details the research and planning required to ensure it will be suitable and effective for this evolving field.

Enhanced in-house MRSA testing algorithm for detecting PVL toxins

Staphylococcus aureus is one of a number of pathogens with increased abilities to evade the effects of antimicrobial agents, with MRSA continuing to evolve. New technology is now allowing quicker identification of infection-causing pathogens, allowing earlier treatment and adoption of other measures to limit spread, explains Camila Onyekwere.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats: research at the cutting edge of biomedicine

A look at the CRISPR technology that research scientists use to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms, adapted for use in the laboratory from naturally occurring genome editing systems found in bacteria. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a selection of current research interest.

X-ray irradiated viruses: a new research product from NCPV

X-ray irradiation is enabling inactive virus material to be available for research use from The National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses, part of UKHSA Culture Collections. Team leader Dr Jane Burton and virologist Teresa Ramalho explain how.

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Microbe Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheffield, UK
20-22 September, 2024

Cardiac Marker Dialogues: Cardiac Biomarkers in Real Time – Experiences and Opportunities

Hilton Glasgow, 1 William Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G3 8HT
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The British Association for Cytopathology Annual Scientific Meeting

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18 October, 2024

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Medica

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