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FEATURE ARTICLES

AddenbrookeÆs haematology laboratory at the forefront of innovation and excellence

CambridgeÆs famous hospital is the site of one of the governmentÆs new biomedical research centres. So, what better location could there be for Beckman Coulter to collaborate with haematology to expand the potential of the laboratoryÆs automation installation?

Collaboration the key to better stock management in Newcastle upon Tyne

The management of stock is a crucial factor to smooth running in the laboratory environment. Introduction of the StockTraxx NHS inventory system has enabled Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation TrustÆs biochemistry department to control costs and operate just-in-time ordering.

Digital pathology solution for tissue microarray analysis and research

The use of tissue microarray methodologies has increased dramatically over the past decade. Now, the National Cancer Institute and The Netherlands Cancer Institute have become the first research organisations to adopt TMALab II software.

A new approach to tissue processing

Transport a Victorian laboratory assistant into a modern-day histopathology department and they would feel immediately at home with tissue processing. However, things are moving on at last, and xylene-free processing is one example of changing methodology, as Glyn Woodward explains.

SmartCheck INR: evaluation in the clinical environment

Point-of-care testing is finding increasing application in healthcare, and monitoring patients on anticoagulant therapy is just one example of how this aspect of pathology modernisation is evolving. Here, Robert Powley examines a hand-held coagulometer from Inverness Medical UK.

Automated swab sample processing makes its debut

Although one of the oldest disciplines in pathology, microbiology has experienced little impact from automation. However, the debut of the AccuPAS system may be about to change this perception, as Catherine Balding reports.

Temperature tracking the flow of blood

With strict new blood bank refrigeration and storage requirements now in force to comply with European regulations, and with MHRA inspections imminent, Barry Hill talks to one company that has a solution to the present concerns.

First impression and final impact in cellular pathology

The unmasking, labelling and detection systems that together represent modern-day immunohistochemical technique have been refined over the past quarter of a century. However, Vector continues to produce dividends at the cutting edge of cellular pathology technique, as Ian MacKarill explains.

Computerised imaging in cervical cytology

An Australian study of the ThinPrep Imaging System from Cytyc featured in a recent issue of the British Medical Journal. A synopsis of the findings is summarised below.

Carboxylate-modified microparticles enhance latex agglutination testing

The use of latex agglutination methodology is ubiquitous in pathology, having first been described over 50 years ago. Now, advances in technology employed by Pro-Lab Diagnostics mean that visual results are now faster, clearer and more specific.

Transfusion science banks on blood safety

Concerns in blood transfusion departments about the need to meet the demands of the EU Blood Directive, and other requirements, has led one UK company to develop an innovative standalone information technology solution to address the problem.

Accurate forensics: is the answer hanging by a thread?

According to current popular fiction, forensic science can provide the answer to virtually any question. However, what is not apparent in television programmes such as CSI is the lengths to which commercial companies, such as Thermo Scientific, go to help minimise the problem of cross-contamination.

Two NHS trusts opt for total laboratory solutions from Siemens

Recently, Siemens Medical Solutions acquired Bayer HealthcareÆs Diagnostics Division and Diagnostic Products Corporation to create Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics. The new companyÆs combined expertise in laboratory diagnostics and clinical information technology has proved beneficial for laboratories at St GeorgeÆs Hospital, London, and the Christie Hospital in Manchester.

Replacements for phenol-based detergents

Following the withdrawal of several phenol-based disinfectants, TeknonÆs product Biocleanse stepped into the breach and demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy.

Accurate and easy determination of minimum inhibitory concentration with M.I.C.Evaluators

Currently, antibiotic resistance is a major issue, particularly in the hospital setting, and susceptibility testing plays a vital role in monitoring this problem. OxoidÆs recently introduced simple, precise and easy-to-implement MIC strip system should help.

Fast, reproducible and reliable determination of biomass

Monitoring short-term cell growth in culture and biofermentation assays is notoriously inaccurate and slow using conventional laboratory techniques. However, introduction of the VoluPAC tube has resulted in increased reliability and precision, as Martin Jordan, Matthieu Stettler and Florian Wurm explain.

Support for interpretive skills in Sheffield haematology laboratories

The haematology service across two large Sheffield hospitals is supported by a laboratory informatics system from Beckman Coulter. This Yorkshire facility now represents the largest Remisol set-up in Europe and contributes to cutting-edge biomedical science at its best.

Royal Wolverhampton gets NPfIT-ready order communications

Advanced laboratory information management and order communications are part of the new pathology computer environment being implemented at hospitals in the West Midlands. Here, pathology IT manager Richard Humphrey comments on the utility of an EU-compliant platform.

Rising to the challenge of rebuilding a Sri Lankan maternity clinic

The second anniversary of the devastating Asian tsunami saw the return of a popular television programme to a peak-time viewing slot and also a donation to a worthy cause from CellPath, a Welsh medical supplies company.

Online training programme combats healthcare-associated infections

All new and current members of NHS staff are required to receive training in infection prevention, and a new online learning initiative, designed to combat the spread of hospitalacquired infection, has proved to be remarkably successful.

Latest Issues

Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2024 Annual Meeting & Expo

Hyatt Regency, Vancouver, Canada
19-23 November, 2024

11th Digital Pathology & AI Congress: Europe

Hilton London Metropole, 255 Edgware Road, London, W2 1JU
11-12 December, 2024

Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2025

Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre
31 March - 3 April, 2025

BSMT Annual Microbiology Conference

RAF Museum, Hendon, London NW9 5LL
15 May, 2025

Ghent Pathology 2025

ICC Ghent, Belgium
24-26 June, 2025