RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
Placental growth factor: supporting management of pre-eclampsia
Although the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, it is thought to occur when a problem develops with the placenta. Routine blood pressure and proteinuria checks are performed during the antenatal period to detect this condition, and can now be complemented by the addition of near-patient placental growth factor testing.
Molecular detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans strains in Nigeria
Mycobacterium ulcerans infection results in a debilitating disease that is characterised by extensive and severe destruction of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Adewale Oke and colleagues report on a study that aimed to identify cases of so-called Buruli ulcer in five states of south-west Nigeria.
CliniSys and its national conference: back, live to shape the future
The CliniSys national conference returned to The Belfry after a two-year hiatus to debate the big challenges facing the NHS and its pathology services. Matthew Fouracre reports.
Innovation Lab supports Newcastle University study into new COVID-19 test
The North East Innovation Lab works to assess and accelerate the development of new diagnostic tests. Pathology in Practice looks at the support it provided to a study assessing the use of synthetic polymer antibodies in a new test for SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 Point of Care: a new UK NEQAS for Microbiology EQA scheme
Point-of-care testing for the SARS-CoV-2 has expanded exponentially over the past two years, resulting in the need for an external quality assessment scheme for this activity. Here, Heather Crowton and colleagues introduce a new EQA scheme.
Monocyte distribution width: importance in early detection of sepsis
The International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine featured a live symposium hosted by Beckman Coulter devoted to the role of monocyte distribution width. Here, speakers take part in a question and answer session.
Viasure extraction kit: first UK validation by Nuffield Hospital
Nucleic acid amplification tests are the model for detecting SARS-CoV-2, but efficient extraction of viral RNA is essential. Here, David Mathias and Lucy Goulart compare the performance and usability of two RNA extraction kits.
Monkeypox: a selection of open-access research in the literature
Although very small in number, recent cases of monkeypox viral infection in the UK had doubled. The following is a selection of free-to-access research interest in the current literature on the subject of this member of the Orthopoxvirus genus
Standardisation of the FVIII Nijmegen-Bethesda – dream or reality?
Development of inhibitor antibodies interfering with the function of FVIII replacement products is one of the most significant complications in the treatment of haemophilia A. Here, Eleanor Foxton and Áine McCormick consider several approaches to assay standardisation and EQA performance.
Uncertainty in antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Moraxella catarrhalis
Aini Suraya Nizam and Lynne Lawrance examine the role of uncertainty in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, following the introduction by EUCAST of the concept of the Area of Technical Uncertainty in this sector of medical microbiology.
High-sensitivity troponin: bringing testing to the point of patient care
High-sensitivity assays and point-of-care testing are having a significant effect on how quickly acute coronary syndrome can be examined. Here, Holger Gundelach discusses how this is improving patient outcomes.
The Genomic and Microbiology Revolution: In Technology We Trust?
Last year’s annual conference of the BSMT took place in May as a webinar, inevitably on COVID-19. This year the BSMT decided to postpone the conference until July 2022 to maximise chances of holding a face-to-face event. Here, Mark Wilks, on behalf of the BSMT, provides a preview.
IBMS Congress 2022: some examples of leadership at all levels
Summaries of lectures on the comprehensive Biomedical Science Congress programme are requested from individual speakers. In a final review of this important biennial event, Pathology in Practice dips into the education, management, support staff and seminar programmes.
Large-scale soft tissue sarcoma study: introducing a veterinary partnership
The Veterinary Pathology Group – a member of SYNLAB UK and Ireland – has announced that it is partnering with Fitzpatrick Referrals to conduct a canine soft tissue sarcoma study to improve clinical practice and subsequent patient outcomes.
Genomic and microbiology revolution: a commercial preview of the exhibition
The Annual Microbiology Conference hosted by the British Society for Microbial Technology has been the beneficiary of support and sponsorship from a range of relevant companies. With this year’s return to a face-to-face event, the following commercial colleagues have grasped the opportunity to attend this important event.
Haemophilia: some research reported in the current literature
Haemophilia is a rare condition that affects the blood's ability to clot. It is usually inherited and most people who have the disease are male. The following is a selection of research interest in the current literature.
New liver fibrosis marker for psoriasis patients on methotrexate
Methotrexate is used to treat patients with severe psoriasis, but is associated with hepatoxicity. Here, Nicola McDonagh undertakes verification and evaluation of the Siemens ELF Profile test as a marker of the degree of liver fibrosis in such cases.
Looking forward: another preview of BSMT’s Annual Microbiology Conference
The 37th Annual Microbiology Conference of the BSMT will be the organisation’s first full face-to-face meeting for over two years. Here, BSMT committee member David Westrip previews the conference
Advances in surgical specimen management across North Wales
In order to optimise and standardise handling of surgical specimens, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board adopted an innovative vacuum-packing solution across its three main hospital sites in North Wales, reducing formalin use, improving quality and cutting costs.
Expression of PRAME in melanocytic lesions: significance and evaluation
Immunohistochemistry is a vital tool in the classification of melanocytic skin lesions. Here, Karolina Wojcik and colleagues assess PRAME expression as a new marker in recognising and distinguishing the malignant melanomas from atypical naevi.
Featured Supplier
If you have had a blood test, a sample taken or a biopsy undertaken in Western Europe, then the chances are it will have been processed by CliniSys’ software. As the leading European Laboratory Information Management System supplier, CliniSys provides strategically aligned and future proofed systems, meeting the latest requirements of pathology....
Upcoming Events
Point of Care: Innovations
The Bristol - Harbourside (Doyle Collection) hotel
20 September 2022
Arab Lab Live 2022
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre Dubai World Trade Centre - Trade Centre - Trade Centre 2 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
24 - 26 October 2022
Lab Innovations 2022
Hall 2 NEC, Birmingham
2 & 3 November 2022
MEDICA 2022
Messe Düsseldorf D-40474 Düsseldorf, Stockumer Kirchstraße 61
14 - 17 November 2022
Meeting demand: the changing picture of diagnostics
The King's Fund, London, W1G 0AN
16 November 2022
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
