RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

The 34th Annual Scientific Symposium of the British Society for Microbial Technology took place in May at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon. On behalf of the BSMT committee, Mark Wilks reports on a day of inspiration and excellence.

In this sixth article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald moves on from the detection of potentially medically important errors, to focus this month on the rules applied to monitor the control of assay performance.

Order communications and results transfer have now been facilitated between different electronic patient record systems in Cambridge. Here, staff from Addenbrooke’s and Papworth hospitals discuss this digital revolution.

Siobhan Fairgreaves explores the development and use of large-format tissue processing technology and the benefits that it can bring to the service, staff and patients.

A report from the Roche ‘Excellence in Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Impact on the Patient Pathway’ meeting held in Nottingham last February, an event supported by a wide range of experts from across the UK.

Diabetes mellitus, in particular type 2 disease, is an increasing health problem associated with poor diet, lack of exercise and the resulting trend towards obesity, especially in the young. Monitoring glycaemic control is of vital importance, and new evidence suggests that fructosamine testing has an importance part to play.

Cytopathology practical microscopy workshops are a popular feature of the IBMS Biomedical Science Congress, and will be repeated at the forthcoming event in Birmingham this September. The focus this year is on non-gynaecological cytopathology. This diagnostic branch of cytopathology covers an eclectic mix of interest, as current literature confirms.

Neal Aplin discusses how the introduction of point-of-care testing to Swindon's Great Western Hospital Ambulatory Care Unit eased pressure on staff, leading to improved patient flow and shorter waiting times. In addition, this has been the catalyst for the introduction of further POC testing in the hospital to support patient triage.

The autoimmune condition coeliac disease results from ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. It is, however, more than a pain in the abdomen as the following overview, and update on current research, indicates.

In this fifth article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald focuses on the importance of the methods to detect, at an early stage, potentially medically important errors, which is the cornerstone of what is hoped to be achieved.

An expanded portfolio of standardised in vitro diagnostic reagents has enhanced the work of the clinical flow cytometry laboratory, as recently published examples in a Beckman Coulter ClearLLab Casebook illustrate.

The investigation of platelet disorders is a major area of interest in haematology and haemostasis. The use of a range of Sysmex technology reduces manual intervention, simplifies processes, improves standardisation and benefits patients.

Preparation of a correct inoculum is vitally important when performing antibiotic susceptibility testing. The Inoclic sample preparation device is intended to provide a standardised, reproducible inoculum that produces EUCAST-compliant confluent growth. Here, Anne Grayson and Charlotte Duncan present the results of a UK-wide comparative trial.

In September, the biennial Congress will return to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. While the main focus is on the comprehensive multidisciplinary lecture programme, workshop sessions also provide delegates with an invaluable opportunity to discuss cellular pathology and cytopathology cases with the experts.

In September, the thirteenth in the biennial Congress series will return to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. The main focus once again is on the very best that biomedical science and commercial colleagues have to offer, a prime example of which may be found in Hall 4.

Although the introduction of molecular genetics and use of microarray technology in routine practice has largely replaced conventional karyotyping, there remains a place for the latter in 21st-century cytogenetics.

The analysis of serum proteins by capillary electrophoresis has been a feature of routine laboratory practice for several decades. Here, Kayleigh Kirk looks at its development, applications and current instrumentation.

A validation study of a lupus anticoagulant testing algorithm, undertaken by Ghent University Hospital in Belgium and presented at a recent symposium, points to increased quality through standardisation and harmonisation.

Mandy Campbell provides an overview of the value of using CRP with FBC testing at the point of care, with examples of how this application can impact on antibiotic use in paediatric emergency care, in a frailty assessment centre to prevent unnecessary admissions, and its impact on influenza diagnosis.

Obstetric cholestasis is a serious complication of pregnancy that can result in an increased risk of premature birth or even stillbirth. It is vital, therefore, that women with the disease are monitored carefully using the latest complete testing package.