RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
Digital transformation: making the case for clinical system validation
In light of the pressures of delivering digital transformation at scale, clinical teams need more support and investment to ensure IT systems are safe to use and fit for purpose, as Stephen Seagreen-Bell explains.- Feature
Introducing a total sepsis solution at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
A campaign to raise awareness of sepsis in Scotland, combined with the introduction of the latest technology in microbiology, has had a positive impact on the speed of clinical intervention and potential outcomes in the fight against this serious condition, as Janet Young explains.- Feature
SHOT 2018 data: human factors and making the LEAP to transfusion safety
SHOT laboratory incident specialist Victoria Tuckley summarises the 2018 Annual Report, and highlights how to create safer transfusion practices, a more satisfactory working environment and improved patient safety.- Feature
Biomarkers for sepsis and the role of automated haematology systems
In the fight against sepsis, modern haematology and haemostasis technology can assist laboratories looking to provide an early diagnosis of this devastating condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.- Feature
Statistical quality control: an initial assessment of common QC charting
In this seventh article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald moves on from the monitoring of process with rules, to focus this month on the various ways that control can be charted.- Feature
Clinical and Laboratory Haemostasis 2019: a UK NEQAS BC update
Tim Woods collates abstracts that reflect proceedings of the UK NEQAS for Blood Coagulation annual scientific and participants’ two-day meeting, which was held at Sheffield Hallam University earlier in the year.- Feature
Telomeres and telomerase: controlling the genetic arrow of time
Following on from the research undertaken in Cardiff on the impact of telomere length in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia progression (see page 7), a search of the current literature on this important element of chromosome structure, and its complementary enzyme, illustrates the diverse effects they have in health and disease.- Feature
Ebola virus haemorrhagic disease: a look in the current literature
First appearing over four decades ago, the viral haemorrhagic disease that takes its name from a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to blight the region of sub-Saharan Africa. The following selection of free-to-access papers found in the recent literature provide a flavour of current research efforts.- Feature
Biomedical Science Congress: exhibition and opportunity
Next month, the International Convention Centre in Birmingham will host one of the largest gatherings of biomedical and life science companies held anywhere in the world. The following selection of brief exhibitor previews provides a taste of what IBMS Biomedical Science Congress delegates and visitors may find to interest them on individual stands in the exhibition.- Feature
Biomedical Science Congress: making the most of choice, flexibility and opportunity
Next month, the biennial IBMS Congress series returns to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Delegates and visitors to the event will find the very best that biomedical science and commercial colleagues have to offer. Here, Pathology in Practice provides a preview of the scientific programme and the supporting exhibition.- Feature
Coping with change and driving innovation: an annual programme in focus
The CliniSys national conference was given an update on pathology networks and the roll-out of the Getting It Right First Time programme, heard the latest thinking from NHSX, and an opportunity to debate why innovation is vital. Matthew Fouracre reports from The Belfry.- Feature
Safeguarding healthcare against cyber threats and predicting data breaches
In all aspects of 21st-century healthcare, cyber security is critical. In this brief overview, Ram Vaidhyanathan explores the impact of cyber threats on the healthcare environment and shares his tips for better protection.- Feature
Formalin-free surgical specimen management: transforming the workflow
An innovative vacuum packing solution has been adopted in order to reduce formalin use and exposure throughout the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board in Wales, as the following overview of progress illustrates.- Feature
Faecal haemoglobin concentration estimates: how low can FIT go?
In addition to the changing technology used by the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programmes, FIT is rapidly becoming more popular as a triage tool for patients presenting with abdominal symptoms, reducing the immediate need for colonoscopy investigations. Here, Callum G Fraser explores the need for low faecal haemoglobin concentration estimates.- Feature
Multi-site haematology: consolidation and efficiency savings in Cardiff
The first multi-site installation of a new modular automated haematology platform is enabling efficient, secure cross-city haematology working. Fully validated and networked, the new system supports a future-proofed, integrated approach to service planning and delivery.- Feature
Diagnostics done differently: the solution to current staff and workload pressures?
With the increasing reliance on complex and expensive technology, and the loss of highly qualified personnel, Daniel Chapman explores how outsourcing can help solve the challenges faced by diagnostics.- Feature
Respiratory microbiology: BSMT meeting report on a day of inspiration
The 34th Annual Scientific Symposium of the British Society for Microbial Technology took place in May at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon. On behalf of the BSMT committee, Mark Wilks reports on a day of inspiration and excellence.- Feature
Statistical quality control: an overview of monitoring process with rules
In this sixth article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald moves on from the detection of potentially medically important errors, to focus this month on the rules applied to monitor the control of assay performance.- Feature
Blood tests project puts Cambridge and Papworth ahead in IT interoperability
Order communications and results transfer have now been facilitated between different electronic patient record systems in Cambridge. Here, staff from Addenbrooke’s and Papworth hospitals discuss this digital revolution.- Feature
Large-format histology: promoting the popularity and benefits of technology
Siobhan Fairgreaves explores the development and use of large-format tissue processing technology and the benefits that it can bring to the service, staff and patients.- Feature
