FEATURE ARTICLES

This study was conducted by Epredia to evaluate the scannability rate of 2D barcodes generated by the SlideMate Laser slide printer that have been printed directly on SlideMate Laser PLUS slides.

The AUTOPLATE study group has used partnerships to offer improved evaluation of new light transmission aggregometry technology to diagnose platelet function disorders. George Tarpley explains how the group was established and looks at its progress so far.

As a small community hospital, Pennsylvania’s Doylestown Health had to rely on external services for next-generation sequencing. Here, Allison Eck explains how she was able to bring NGS testing in-house and the benefits it has brought to patients and researchers.

In September, the biennial IBMS Congress will return to the ICC in Birmingham. The focus once again will be on the very best that biomedical science and those supporting the event have to offer. Here, Pathology in Practice focuses on a small selection of scientific programme abstracts, alphabetically from cellular pathology to haematology.

By moving away from fixed quality control schedules and embracing a framework rooted in clinical risk and analytical performance, laboratories can tailor their quality systems to reflect real-world challenges. Here, Stephen MacDonald introduces the role of analytical performance specifications, Sigma metrics, and the MaxE(nuf) model.

Metagenomics sequencing analyses DNA from a sample containing mixed microbial communities, which allows the identification and characterisation of microbes without the need for cultivation. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation selects a small sample of relevant research papers in this area, all of which are free to access.

Women with long-term conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome are often left feeling abandoned and alone. Our healthcare system could do so much more to recognise – and therefore mitigate – their suffering. Anne Connolly discusses the latest advances in diagnosis and the need for better guidance.

To fully realise the transformative power of data-driven services and personalised medicine, they require structured integration of digital and genomic innovations that network and account cultural, and ethical implications, explains James Henry.

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.