FEATURE ARTICLES
Pathology services reform: making it work in practice
Application of the recommendations in Lord Carter’s review of pathology services has proved to be no easy ride, but Chris Charlton offers a tale of success involving Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside.
Specimen transport a different way: four years on, was it successful?
Having posed an important question about improvements to specimen reception, Helen Dasley explains the process by which a better system was realised, and the advantages now enjoyed.
Clostridium difficile: past, present and future
Since its first identification 1935, C. difficile has been the focus of much research. Here Charlotte Duncan provides an overview and update on the methodologies available to detect and identify this infective agent.
Pathology in practice: a performance, quality and training report
Hamilton House in London was the venue for the PQT Conference, the first in a series of one-day events organised by Pathology in Practice. Each speaker provided a summary and these are reproduced here.
A successful chapter in a continuing journey: a 40-year celebration
In September, Lorne Laboratories will celebrate four decades of support predominantly to those working in transfusion science, as this company profile illustrates.
Fluorescence microscopy in the pathology laboratory
From the visualisation of acid-fast bacilli labelled with auramine and the detection of autoantibodies, to the labelling of specific markers, cytoskeleton and nucleus, fluorescence microscopy is used widely across pathology.
Innovative solutions deliver operational savings: a view from Europe
A collaborative, long-term approach to the innovative delivery of operational savings has paid dividends for Beckman Coulter and a flagship European medical complex.
Autoimmune help to meet the new ISO 15189:2012 laboratory standards
Meeting the requirements of the ISO 15189 standards is currently occupying the thoughts of laboratory personnel. Here, Julie Chatman provides an overview of the help available from Instrumentation Laboratory.
Company Members update: report from a commercial perspective
Company Members represent a proactive and supportive class of IBMS membership. Here, Mark Reed reports on a post-Congress meeting held to investigate how the symbiotic relationship between the profession and commerce could be enhanced.
Process management: sharing ideas and knowledge in pathology evolution
Lean methods were at the heart of a two-day Siemens meeting held last year at The Crystal in London, the focus of the event being the evolving pathology landscape.
Innovation in pathology: from concept to realisation
A case study focusing on how a Roche Optimall Managed Pathology Service agreement has allowed the North Bristol NHS Trust to achieve its aims for modernisation and innovation.
Corporate social responsibility: examples of impact on society
From helping disadvantages youngsters to taking part in a gruelling endurance challenge, Sysmex UK is taking its social responsibilities very seriously, as Simon Kimber explains. (Image: www.commons.wikimedia.org Banavie)
Faecal elastase: testing for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
Great strides have been made over the past 25 years in testing for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, as Ivor Smith explains. However, the test has a wider role in diagnosis than once thought.
Sexual health: benefits of point-of-care testing
A recently published study highlights the benefits of pointofcare nucleic acid amplification tests for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in genitourinary medicine. Here, some of the authors highlight the advantages over traditional immunoassay techniques.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: slow Mohs procedures in the diagnostic laboratory
Mohs surgical procedures are achieving greater prominence in the clinical management of a range of skin tumours. Here, in focusing on one lesion, Guy Orchard and Mohammed Shams outline an optimal complementary laboratory method.
Quality and productivity improvements: partnership drives innovation
Partnership working between Beckman Coulter and pathology staff in Chester once again has demonstrated what connectivity and a small footprint can achieve, as Martin Langan explains.
Alzheimer’s: record number of risk genes discovered in largest ever study
Recent research led by a team in Wales has revealed 11 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Trial of lymphoma treatment: a Cancer Research UK update
Cancer Research UK’s Drug Development Office has launched a new clinical trial to treat lymphoma patients using the body’s own immune system to attack cancerous B cells. (Image National Cancer Institute/Louis M Staudt)
Studying hypoxia: blood gas analysis at Everest’s peak
Point-of-care test has now become a familiar feature of 21st medical practice. Beyond the ward, GP surgery and local pharmacy, once again it has travelled to the very roof of the world to aid in hypoxia research.
Wireless blood glucose system enhances safety at Dorset County Hospital
The complete Roche point-of-care glucose testing solution, including wireless connectivity, data management, training and support, has helped Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to change smoothly from one system to another and to benefit from unique safety features.
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