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RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

Use of beads to meet auditing requirements in histopathology

There is a surprising, yet cost-effective tool on the market that offers a solution to the issue of labelling tissue samples during the embedding process. And it is one that might remind you of days gone by, as Nicola Forsdyke explains.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia: impact of the Curetis Unyvero system

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the burden of disease due to hospital-associated pneumonia prompted Emma Jones and colleagues to investigate a molecular alternative to microbiological culture.

IBMS Congress highlights: education and training, quality and management

Following the two-part review of the comprehensive IBMS Biomedical Science Congress scientific lecture programme, published in the October and December issues, Pathology in Practice now turns the spotlight on other equally important areas of the laboratory service.

Cardiac biomarkers: from harmonisation to hormones over the past decade

Cardiac biomarker assays are an important feature of laboratory support of patients attending the accident and emergency department. Their use and harmonisation remain a focus of attention and new insights may change the perceived value of these markers.

Microbial technology: review and preview of an annual conference

Mark Wilks looks forward to the 35th Annual Scientific Conference of the British Society for Microbial Technology, which is due to take place on Thursday 14 May at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, in north London.

Statistical quality control: IQC management and troubleshooting errors

In this final article in his series focusing on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald concludes by providing an overview of the methods used in troubleshooting the causes of QC failures when they are detected.

Biomedical Science Congress: highlights from laboratory accreditation to virology

Summaries of lectures on the comprehensive IBMS Biomedical Science Congress scientific lecture programme are requested from individual speakers. In this final review, Pathology in Practice selects programme highlights from alphabetically laboratory accreditation to virology.

EasyScreen flavivirus/alphavirus kit applied to a dengue outbreak

Crystal Garae and colleagues report on validation of the EasyScreen Flavivirus/Alphavirus Detection Kit and its application during the 2016–17 outbreak of dengue virus infection across the islands of Vanuatu.

Learning from haematology external quality assessment: case of a ‘split’ HbA2 peak

Laboratory external quality assessment is more than simple participation in an EQA scheme, as the following case study illustrates. Here, Nikki Emodi and colleagues also consider the limitations inherent in methodology.

Implementation of a new storage solution in a busy virology laboratory

Reliable storage and guaranteed traceability of serum samples is paramount in today’s laboratories. With the ever-increasing pressures on time and productivity, this can prove difficult. Here, James Hudson explains the benefits of the NEO Sample Manager over a previous track-based method used in his laboratory.

Using molecular LAMP to curtail the global threat of carbapenem resistance

Molecular specialist Bradley Horn looks at the application of LAMP technology to combat the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria that increasingly demonstrate multidrug resistance.

Mutation of the BAP1 gene in malignant mesothelioma: a diagnostic evaluation

Evaluation of the identification of a genetic mutation and its association with malignant pleural mesothelioma suggests diagnostic utility, as Justine Ellis and colleagues from East Lancashire and MMU explain.

Statistical quality control: further assessment of more-complex QC charting

In this eighth article in the series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald continues his review of the various ways that control can be charted. Here, he focuses on more-complex QC charting.

Snail mucus: antimicrobial properties found in common species of mollusc

The search for novel antibiotic agents, and those that exert their antimicrobial effect in different ways, is currently high on the research agenda. Here, Sarah J Pitt and Alan Gunn review an innovative approach using mucus from common molluscs.

Increased workflow efficiency: a benefit of HbA1c testing on the latest chemistry automation

Against the background of an increasing prevalence of diabetes and demand for glycated haemoglobin testing, workers in the north-east of England have reaped the benefit from the introduction of Beckman Coulter’s new HbA1c assay.

Needle core biopsies: ease and efficiency of processing with LUMEA BxChip

Siobhan Fairgreaves introduces an aid to biopsy processing that protects tissue and facilitates production of maximum diagnostic information. Here, she talks to an early adopter of this innovative chip, and hears of the success achieved with trials in Durham.

CBC-O: how haematology systems aid investigation of a raised MCHC

Modern analyser systems provide cutting-edge support to the haematology laboratory, the latest prime example of which is the benefits provided by equipment and algorithms in the investigation of the cause of a raised mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration.

Human norovirus: a brief look at research in the current literature

With lower temperatures and shorter periods of daylight at this time of year, norovirus, the so-called ‘winter vomiting bug’, is set to revisit the hospital setting, bringing with it cases of vomiting and diarrhoea. The following items of research interest are all available via PubMed as free PMC articles.

Novel POCT transforms transfusion decision-making in the cardiac theatre

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Stago UK have collaborated in a joint interventional study to reduce blood transfusion costs while ensuring patient safety for those undergoing cardiac surgery.

The pressure is on! Are you ready for the winter influenza season?

With the approach of winter and its effect on respiratory illness, Simon Parker of Roche Diagnostics looks at the role of point-of-care PCR influenza assays in facilitating significant improvements in clinical decision-making.

Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

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

Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

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

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