FEATURE ARTICLES

The third in Stephen MacDonald’s latest series of articles focuses this month on the use of risk-based approaches and the application of methods such as FMEA, FTA, RCA and Process Mapping.

The countdown is on, with the 2025 IBMS Congress set to open its doors on 22 September. Here IBMS Vice President Sarah May presents a roundup of the key features of this year’s event.

Drawing on WHO initiatives, the United Nations’ interest in artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare underscores the need for efficient approval of ecosystem classifications. This Scientific Policy Brief – the first in a series of articles from James Henry – proposes ecosystems applicable to the UN, UK, and US for commissioning standardised classifiers for genomic predictive health, aiming for global collaboration and equitable wellbeing.

Advances in monitoring IBD treatment are discussed elsewhere in the May 2025 issue. To complement the coverage, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation selects a small sample of peer-reviewed research in this area of gastroenterology.

For a common condition, multiple myeloma is challenging to diagnose, meaning it is often missed in the early stages. Dale Powner examines how it is discovered, recent advances in diagnostic technologies, and what is required to improve clinical practice.

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a key contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Here, Lynden Rooms examines the advantages offered by novel molecular diagnostics over current options, including improvements in antimicrobial stewardship.

David Norcliffe, David Manuel and Bernie Benson present a comparative review of the three commonly used methods to screen for inflammation markers to diagnose and monitor disease.

Current and future trends in therapeutic drug monitoring for inflammatory bowel disease management was the subject for a recent webinar hosted by our sister title, Clinical Services Journal. Graham Johnson of BIOHIT Healthcare delves into the key points discussed by experts during the session, including the use of innovative new diagnostics.

Stephen MacDonald continues his new series on the management of risk in the pathology laboratory environment with a look at three practical approaches, process mapping, failure mode and effects analysis, and fault tree analysis.

The recent spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the domestic and wild bird population has once again caused thoughts to turn to ongoing pandemic preparedness both in animals and humans. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation reviews a selection of current interest in this virus in the scientific literature.

Following on from his recent article on Escherichia coli, Dr Neil Bentley looks at Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), considering the multiple challenges posed by this pathogen and recent diagnostic advances.

Integrating artificial intelligence into flow cytometry workflows offers huge potential benefits both in research and clinical diagnostics. Here, Shahnawaz Memon looks at current and future applications.

The Royal College of General Practitioners’ Research and Surveillance Centre plays a key role in the UK’s disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness. Dominic Dunn explains how the role has developed in recent years and its plans for future growth and to involve more laboratories.

Werfen UK recently hosted its first Acute Care User Group Meeting, hearing from a knowledgeable line up of speakers as well as launching a groundbreaking update for its GEM range of blood gas analysers.

On Thursday 15 May 2025, the BSMT will celebrate its 40th Anniversary Microbiology Conference. Renowned for the quality of its presentations and speakers, the event will once again offer a cutting edge programme not to be missed.

While most strains of Escherichia coli are harmless and can even be beneficial, others are extensively pathogenic and pose serious health risks. Dr Neil Bentley examines the role of E. coli in human health and disease, looking at how the global health challenges it presents can be tackled.

Recently The Royal College of Pathologists’ virtual conference on antimicrobial resistance brought together leading experts from around the world to discuss the urgent need for solutions to this global health crisis. Here, Carmel Aldridge presents key takeaways from the conference, shedding light on the essential roles of accurate diagnostics and effective antimicrobial stewardship.

In this article, Lauraline Winter delves into the profound significance of tissue archiving within histopathology; shedding light on its pivotal role in advancing medical science.

Implementing a digital pathology workflow comes at a considerable cost; and measuring the return on investment is a difficult and multi-faceted task. Here, the pathology team at Vestfold Hospital Trust in Norway share their experience of going digital and evaluating the benefits.

As recent research illustrates, platelet function and platelet counting have wider application than simply their role in the study of haemostasis. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a selection of current interest in the medical literature.