FEATURE ARTICLES

The latest diagnostic technology will provide quantitative, laboratory-grade analytical results at the point of sampling, giving accurate answers to important questions and allowing fast decision-making in the field.

A new flow cytometry technique from Beckman Coulter is set to speed and simplify whole blood sample preparation, as Norman Maidment explains.

Two decades of support for tissue sciences across the full spectrum of services is reflected in the latest equipment being launched by Mopec Europe.

Current research by a team working in south-west London suggests that a marker for epidermal growth factor receptor may guide treatment options in patients with colorectal cancer.

A rapid, highly sensitive quantitative molecular assay for the detection of parvovirus B19 was launched recently, expanding the diagnostic portfolio for this potentially life-threatening virus. (CDC/ R Regnery; E L Palmer)

Earlier this summer, CliniSys brought together representatives from 15 pathology service networks across England to participate in a one-day workshop in Birmingham.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Birmingham, was the venue for the recent meeting of the British Blood Transfusion Society Hospital Transfusion Special Interest Group. Barry Hill was there to report on the highlights. (Image courtesy of GE Healthcare)

One of the UK’s flagship NHS hospital laboratories is developing a unique approach to auto-receipting of hospital and GP requests, made possible by its collaboration with managed service partner Beckman Coulter.

A German pathology provider, synlab, is attempting to establish itself in the UK. Here, Hugh Risebrow provides an overview of European pathology provision, and how this could inform UK thinking on the subject.

Ever since the dawn of the antibiotic age, bacteria have adapted by developing new resistance mechanisms to antimicrobial agents. Mast remains at the forefront of the fight against these threats to effective antimicrobial therapy.

The latest point-of-care system from Roche is helping to improve monitoring and care of critically ill patients at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in the West Midlands.

The internet has made it possible to achieve virtually instant global communication. Now, routine microscopy has entered the digital world with the introduction of the latest equipment from Sakura Finetek.

On the 50th anniversary of the development of prosthetic hip replacement, Amanda Parkin examines Professor Sir John Charnley’s influence on orthopaedic surgery, and explains how his realisation that keeping bacteria away from the wound during the procedure is key to minimising the risk of infection.

Man versus machine was the focus of a joint meeting of the UK NEQAS (BTLP) and BBTS Blood Bank Technology SIG groups, held at Manchester Conference Centre. Barry Hill attended and reports on the highlights of a thought-provoking programme.

Point-of-care testing has allowed pathology at Treliske Hospital, Truro, to evolve its service to meet the needs of patients and colleagues in remote locations, as Helen Hobba and Louise Silver explain.

Implementation of the latest automation systems from Beckman Coulter has enables one laboratory to deliver over 95% of critical results within one hour.

In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in requests for HbA1c testing, due to its use in diabetes diagnosis and monitoring. Here, Colin Stone discusses the evaluation of HbA1c analysers to meet the needs of his department.

At Congress, almost every one of exhibitors will display their most recent technological advances and latest products. New technology plays a vital role in diagnosis and patient health, and contributes to the effectiveness and efficiency of everyone in the profession.

Reduction in tissue processing time enables a diagnosis to be made more quickly, and nowhere is this more important than in dealing with bone marrow biopsies, as Patrick McCormack explains in this method assessment.

Biotech specialist Partec has released analytical instruments that use a new method to determine bacterial counts in drinking water. Rapid and reliable, the method is now been recommended by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.