FEATURE ARTICLES

The mortality rate for breast cancer has fallen dramatically. The latest research offers hope for further improvements, not least through the introduction of highly sensitive blood tests and the innovative use of new and existing treatments.

At Infection Prevention and Control 2020, held in February, NHS leaders warned that increased efforts are required to reduce healthcare-associated infections, if we are to conquer the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance. Louise Frampton reports.

Diverse use of next-generation sequencing in histopathology and microbiology feature in the current issue; however, this molecular methodology is becoming ubiquitous across a wide range of clinical and laboratory applications.

Mandy Campbell from HORIBA Medical provides an overview of COVID-19 screening, prognosis and severity assessment, with a particular focus on the role of biomarkers and the value of point-of-care testing in the initial triage of patients.

Safely easing restrictions will require the development of extensive diagnostic capabilities, including rapid tests for use at the point of care. Andy Lane explains the role that diagnostics play and the importance high-quality reagents.

The recent coronavirus pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of remote working. This is reflected in the value of Stago’s data-sharing and instrument monitoring systems, highlighted in positive results obtained from a customer survey.

Against the ever-changing landscape of SARS-CoV-2 testing and an emerging need for sample storage, Mark Reed and Charlotte Duncan from Pro-Lab discuss a solution currently being adopted across the UK.

As a result of current restrictions, this year’s UK NEQAS BC annual scientific and scheme participants’ meeting was cancelled. Here, Ian Jennings, Dianne Kitchen and Anna Lowe are able to use Pathology in Practice to report.

Recent press coverage of COVID-19 disease has highlighted a possible role for interleukin-7 in boosting T-cell numbers and aiding recovery. However, the current literature reports on a wide range of other benefits of this important cytokine.

With the NHS currently under huge strain, additional time-consuming and burdensome processes add to an already heavy workload. Gillian Ewers examines the advantages that radio frequency identification offers in tracking samples and consumables.

Response to the current coronavirus pandemic has seen many retired personnel return to the clinical laboratory bench to help facilitate realisation of testing targets. Such altruistic action does reintroduce the returnee to the reality of change.

Valerie Bevan looks at how microbiology testing networks have changed over the past 80 years, and how reflecting on this, and lessons from the current pandemic, might inform our response to future epidemics/pandemics.

One of the two recognised early pathology disciplines, histopathology now combines modern practical laboratory techniques with sophisticated molecular biology methods,both of which facilitate the application of personalised medicine.

Establishing the diagnostic and prognostic value of measuring plasma viscosity in patients suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19 is currently underway in several UK hospitals. This article provides an overview of progress in research and practice

Is Fusobacterium necrophorum an underrated anaerobic pathogen, and could Lemiérre’s disease be prevented by earlier treatment of sore throat? Here, Mike Wren looks at the available evidence and illustrates some of the issues in two short case studies

Cutting-edge flow cytometry is underpinning a pioneering multinational research initiative designed to transform the lives of those suffering from leishmaniasis, a disfiguring and potentially life-threatening parasitic disease.

Pathology faces a major challenge to detect the new coronavirus, and to provide laboratory support to COVID-19 patients. Sarah Pitt provides an overview of the virology, epidemiology and laboratory diagnosis of this latest agent of disease.

Does the ‘entourage effect’ explain the increase in antimicrobial efficacy and lack of resistance seen with fifth-generation silane quaternary compounds? Here, Andrew Kemp provides an overview of the development and use of such agents.

The detection and monitoring of haemophilia remains a challenging process for laboratories; however, the introduction of testing algorithms is set to improve the quality and consistency of results while freeing staff time.

Benson Viscometers is developing a novel device that can determine the clotting profile of a blood sample. Furthermore, the company also aims to develop the point-of-care capabilities of this device.