FEATURE ARTICLES

Mycoplasma pneumoniae was one of the topics on the scientific programme of the recent BSMT Annual Microbiology Conference, a report on which appears in this issue. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at other recent published work on this microorganism that lacks a cell wall.

In May, the British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference returned to the RAF Museum in Hendon, North London. This 41st iteration since the BSMT was launched in 1985 offered delegates an eclectic scientific programme together with access to many of the leading microbiology companies. Here, members of the committee report.

The integration of molecular pathology into routine diagnostic practice has transformed the classification, diagnosis and management of neoplastic disease, a prime example of which can be found in neuropathology. Here, Eleanor Crossland explores the biological complexity of the glioma tumour microenvironment and examines the role of immune cells, molecular biomarkers and genetic testing in neuropathology.

Following their recent article in Pathology in Practice which proves the relationship between air contamination and surface contamination, Andrew Kemp and Denise Hanson ask how can this knowledge be used to improve cleaning, and reduce potential cross contamination and microbial resistance to disinfectants?

In this second article in his new series, Stephen MacDonald moves on to hypothesis testing. Here, he looks at statistical assumptions, study design and data quality, which are central to arriving at the correct decision about what test to run, if at all.

David Norcliffe, David Manuel and Bernie Benson examine the role of plasma viscosity as a diagnostic marker in sepsis and also plasma–serum viscosity ratio as a predictor of disseminated intravascular coagulation.

The spread of diseases from one natural habitat to another, less-conducive environment is one result of climate change, facilitated by the ease with which individuals can now move around the world. Here, Mike Wren provides a background to the likely impact on microbiological services.

After a busy 2025, the next few months will see further change in the regulation of medical devices around the globe. Jonathan Ripley picks 10 trends to monitor.

The recent outbreak of hantavirus infection on a Dutch cruise ship in the Atlantic has brought this group of viral pathogens into sharp focus. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a selection of recent relevant work in the scientific literature.

The most recent in the POCT Innovators series of one-day seminar events took place recently in Birmingham. Pathology in Practice rounds up an interesting day of learning for point-of-care professionals.

The evolution of digital pathology has revolutionised the study of tissue. But could the traditional glass slide be holding back the potential of digital workflows and artificial intelligence in histopathology? Rachel Finn looks at what is required of microscope slides and cover glass to realise the full benefits of digital technology.

With next-generation sequencing increasingly applied to diagnostics and disease surveillance, this fast-developing technology must also fit into a changing regulatory landscape. Elizabeth Linch examines how NGS fits with Europe’s In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation.

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics’ Access MeMed BV assay, a test that helps clinicians differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, is now approved under the IVDR.

With the UK’s first cobas Mass Spec solution, Roche Diagnostics is promising a step change in advanced diagnostics.

After publishing its predictions for digital pathology in 2026, Signify Research wanted to test those forecasts against clinical reality. Imogen Fitt and Alan Stoddart spoke with seven practising pathologists and laboratory leaders across academic and health system laboratories to find out what pathologists want from digital pathology.

Influenza vaccine campaigns take place twice each year to protect against this rapidly changing virus. Here, Maria Zambon describes the worldwide process of preparing and coordinating such vaccines, as well as how new strains can have an unwelcome impact.

Beth Loudon provides an introduction to value‑based procurement for practitioners working in NHS pathology services, who may have limited exposure to NHS purchasing practice. This article expands on common challenges and offers practical steps to make VBP workable.

Chantell Hodgson and Lorren Mitchell explain how training and development provided by UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique works to strengthen the cellular pathology workforce.

From early applications that saw the development of urine dipsticks, pregnancy and blood glucose testing, to lateral flow COVID devices, point-of-care testing has come far in the past 70 years. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a small selection of work focusing on POCT in the current literature.

Ceri Parfitt and Annette Thomas recount a recent study to review the strengths and weaknesses of different models for determining analytical performance specifications. The study used historical data to determine what was achievable in a real-world environment to establish clinically appropriate APS for several serum chemistry analytes.