RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
Non-gynaecological cytopathology: a look in the current literature
Cytopathology practical microscopy workshops are a popular feature of the IBMS Biomedical Science Congress, and will be repeated at the forthcoming event in Birmingham this September. The focus this year is on non-gynaecological cytopathology. This diagnostic branch of cytopathology covers an eclectic mix of interest, as current literature confirms.- Feature
Point-of-care testing speeds up diagnosis for deep vein thrombosis
Neal Aplin discusses how the introduction of point-of-care testing to Swindon's Great Western Hospital Ambulatory Care Unit eased pressure on staff, leading to improved patient flow and shorter waiting times. In addition, this has been the catalyst for the introduction of further POC testing in the hospital to support patient triage.- Feature
Coeliac disease: diet, diagnosis, dermatitis and refractory disease
The autoimmune condition coeliac disease results from ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. It is, however, more than a pain in the abdomen as the following overview, and update on current research, indicates.- Feature
Statistical quality control: error identification and control procedure complexity
In this fifth article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald focuses on the importance of the methods to detect, at an early stage, potentially medically important errors, which is the cornerstone of what is hoped to be achieved.- Feature
Leukaemia and lymphoma: an example of how flow cytometry aids diagnosis
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.- Feature
Platelet diagnostics: combined technology means improved testing
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.- Feature
Sample inoculum preparation: a UK ring trial of the Inoclic device
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.- Feature
IBMS Congress under the microscope: a mix of practice and theory
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.- Feature
IBMS Congress: focusing in on the exhibition seminar programme
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.- Feature
Chromosome analysis: from karyotyping to microarray analysis
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.- Feature
Evolution of capillary electrophoresis: disease diagnosis and monitoring
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.- Feature
Automated algorithm for lupus anticoagulant testing aids challenging diagnoses
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.- Feature
Point-of-care biomarker testing supports bacterial infection diagnosis
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.- Feature
Bile acids detection: the value of fourth- and fifth-generation tests
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.- Feature
Procalcitonin assay trial: part of initiative to reduce exposure to antibiotics
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.- Feature
Evolution is the solution to challenges faced across the pathology landscape
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.- Feature
Digital transformation of pathology in Leeds: a quartet of positive views
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.- Feature
With the rapid pace of technology, keeping it simple is sometimes best
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.- Feature
Statistical quality control: defining goals by measuring performance
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.- Feature
Improving efficiency in blood sciences: a study of temperature monitoring
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.- Feature