FEATURE ARTICLES

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.

The trial of a new procalcitonin assay from Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, undertaken in Portsmouth, is part of an initiative to reduce exposure to antimicrobial agents without a negative impact on patient survival.

Pressure on vital pathology services is mounting as populations age, chronic conditions increase in frequency and services become constrained by staff shortages. Here, Daniel Chapman discusses how to navigate the increasingly challenging diagnostics landscape, and what he and his team are doing to support evolution of pathology services.

A major step towards achieving faster and more accurate diagnosis was taken recently when the histopathology service in Leeds announced that it had gone digital, and now scans every slide produced. Here, different perspectives of the transformation are explored.

Lateral-flow assays have become a common feature across the breadth of in vitro diagnostics. While they are designed to offer a simple visual readout, on occasions weak reactions may cause uncertainty. This is where a lateral-flow reader can help, as Charlotte Duncan explains.

In this fourth article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald moves on to define what standard individual assays are expected to achieve, and the impact of the components of total error.

When the blood sciences department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust needed an end-to-end temperature monitoring solution, a solution provided by Checkit was just what the doctor ordered.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is the hormone detected in urine by modern-day point-of-care pregnancy tests. It is produced by syncytiotrophoblasts and, to a lesser extent, cytotrophoblasts in the developing placental tissue following implantation of a blastocyst in the endometrial lining of the uterus. However, a quick look through the current literature confirms that increased hCG level is much more than an indicator of developing life.

In the third in his series of articles on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald continues his overview of process design with a look at defining process stability, setting target values, and how they should be used.

Antimicrobial resistance is a topic of which we should all be aware, and be actively seeking strategies to reduce use of antimicrobial drugs. Here, Kate Woodhead discusses how general awareness is not as good as it should be, and looks at Public Health England’s relaunched public awareness campaign with poster materials and leaflets.

The search for a universal blood product stretches back decades. Hear, Malcolm Needs looks at the various approaches used, and some prospects for the future.