FEATURE ARTICLES

The first in a series of seminars dedicated to Lean in the laboratory was held in February. It focused on enhancing histopathology laboratory efficiency and accuracy, and Pauline Connor demonstrated how her department at the North Middlesex University Hospital is embracing Lean processes.

Clostridium difficile has gained notoriety as a hospital ‘superbug’, which has led to strict monitoring and controls on infection rates for hospital trusts. Accurate diagnosis, effective infection control and the use of good screening tools is a major contributor to success, as Charlotte Duncan explains.

Biomedical scientist Barry Hill examines some of the specific problems posed by working conditions in the laboratory, focusing here on lighting, noise and temperature.

A pathology team at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland recently switched from manual to fully automated HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridisation staining, using Leica Microsystems’ BOND-III staining platform and the Leica HER2 FISH system. Here, Tony O’Grady discusses the switchover and the advantages of automation.

Edward Burnham looks at the use of procalcitonin as a biomarker for sepsis, which could provide greater specificity than previously possible, ensuring timely, effective and cost-effective treatment.

The next-generation separation method for HbA1c, launched by Sebia, has been tested successfully in France. Frank Mentz responds to questions on the Biologie-Prospective-Réalité (BPR) initiative and gives his views on the latest Capillarys technology.

The debate about erythrocyte sedimentation rate versus plasma viscosity has gone on for a considerable length of time. Here, Sabrina Chetcuti provides an update on current thinking.

Recently, Roche set up a co-marketing agreement with a private laboratory to support greater access to human papillomavirus testing. In an innovative commercial agreement, leading healthcare company Roche and foremost private cellular pathology laboratory Unilabs-IHS are collaborating to facilitate state-of-the art testing for signs of cervical cancer more accessible to thousands of women around the UK.

Elevated protease activity in chronic wounds is currently under-recognised yet it has a significant impact on treatment. Now, a point-of-care test is set to improve the outcome for patients who have diabetic, venous or pressure ulcers.

Roche equipment has helped Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport and York Teaching Hospital meet Clinical Pathology Accreditation standards for data management and audit at the point of care. Stepping Hill Hospital and York University Hospital are in the vanguard of trusts that are using Roche packages to help them comply with Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) standards for point-of-care testing (POCT), as this article illustrates.

Pathology networks and challenging geography are not immediately compatible but the latest automation solutions from Beckman Coulter can minimise the inherent problems, as the following case study from north-west England demonstrates.

Strong partnership working between Siemens and its customers was the focus of recent user group meetings, the objectives of which were to promote close relationships and share knowledge in the areas of plasma proteins, chemistry, immunoassay, haematology and point-of-care testing.

A new point-of-care blood gas analysis system offers easy-to-use, trusted technology that delivers laboratory-quality test results and a comprehensive menu of critical care parameters.

In the 21st century, information technology is set to plays a leading role in the commercialisation of pathology and in delivering cutting-edge services.

Good technique when using liquid-handling devices is vital in order to achieve accurate and reproducible results with a wide range of pipette types. The information here is designed to provide a step-by-step guide to facilitate the consistent transfer of liquids.

An international gathering of transfusion specialists, held in Lisbon, was an Ideal opportunity for Ortho Clinical Diagnostics to present user experiences and preview its latest immunohaematology platform.

Correct pipetting techniques combined with high-quality equipment are essential for good laboratory analysis and performance, as Pathology in Practice discovered when in conversation with representatives from a leading UK commercial specialist in the field.

The prospect of pathology service centralisation introduces the potential for increased transport of biological specimens. Here, Rachel Adams looks at the way one company can facility improved safety with a range of leakproof and pressure-validated products.

A recently reported scientific breakthrough gives hospitals new hope by eradicating killer germs with ‘friendly’ bacteria.

Following the incorporation of Beckman Coulter into the Danaher portfolio of companies, and the recent launch of cutting-edge analysers in clinical chemistry and haematology, the company’s UK aim is to improve patient care and reduce costs.