FEATURE ARTICLES

Beverley Crossley provides an overview of the techniques applicable to the various sample types encountered in routine practice.

The detection and monitoring of patients suffering from ketoacidosis continues to increase the laboratory medicine workload. Here, Randox Laboratories examines the issues and illustrates the scope of the problem.

The threat posed by antimicrobial resistance was high on the agenda at the FIS/HIS International online conference, where Evelina Tacconelli called for action. Louise Frampton reports on proceedings.

The in vitro diagnostics industry has been at the forefront of the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Here, Mark Reed provides a commercial perspective and overview of the unprecedented times experienced over the past 12 months.

In this third article in his series on method comparisons, Stephen MacDonald moves on to focus on what differences are expected and acceptable, and what other factors need further investigation before implementation of an assay.

The CN-Series of analysers from Sysmex has now undergone multi-centre validation and verification work in the UK ahead of global introduction in 2021. Here, the company introduces the equipment and its various hardware and software features.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition which, if left untreated, may result in intestinal metaplasia, a premalignant condition that occurs in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

A report on the impact of COVID-19 on patients with decompensated cirrhosis, along with an overview of HBV and the role of intestinal microflora in alcohol-related liver disease.

Hepatitis B, a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a major global health problem. It can cause chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma viscosity has been highlighted in patients suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19, but its use in other areas of UK medical practice has gained clinical acceptance over the past seven decades.

With the NHS continuing to struggle as it responds to the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the effects that COVID-19 disease is having on a heavy workload, Gillian Ewers examines the advantages that RFID and a transport and tracking system offer.

The International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science has a global responsibility to support, advance and promote good scientific laboratory practice and education. Here, new IFBLS President Alan Wainwright provides an overview.

Tony Cambridge looks at a changing healthcare landscape as the service continues to respond to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and considers the important role of point-of-care tests and combination testing.

Severe cases of COVID-19 disease exhibit a range of immunological, kidney, liver and heart complications that require laboratory investigation. Randox Laboratories provides an overview and looks at quality control and assessment of testing.

Award-winning NHS partnership SWLP has adopted equipment from Beckman Coulter’s AutoMate 2500 family of sample processing systems, which has streamlined pre- and post-analytical processes to help gain optimal performance and use of resources.

A study in primary care demonstrates how testing can avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and improve patient pathways. Laura Mitcham explains how rapid assessment of full blood count and C-reactive protein contributed to the success of the project.

Unprecedented demand and a need to embrace a personalised approach to medicine: Penny Pinnock looks at these and other challenges currently facing laboratories, and considers the various financial and technological options available to NHS trusts.

Pathology has faced major challenges this year to detect the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and provide support to COVID-19 patients. Sarah Pitt provides an update on the virology, clinical aspects, testing and epidemiology of this pandemic agent.

Introducing the web-based Sysmex Caresphere Dashboard, which offers quality management features that provide full confidence in analyser and assay performance, and easy access to data across multiple clinical disciplines and physical sites.

In this second article in his new series on method comparisons, Stephen MacDonald moves on from his initial general introduction to consider experimental design and analysis, the sources of samples and the number required, and framework design.