FEATURE ARTICLES
Digital pathology systems and their applications
Telepathology provides a range of benefits in cellular pathology, and at the heart of this technology are digital pathology systems and so-called virtual microscopy. Paul Cormack provides an overview of progress in this exciting field of laboratory medicine.
Regular thermal cycler validation can improve PCR results
Temperature plays a vital role in polymerase chain reaction methodology. Thus, it is important to verify that thermal cyclers used in the technique are functioning properly. Here, Tom Hendrix, Marc Verblakt and Roger Pierik report on a study of cycler performance and on a validation service.
Microscope slides how do they get there?
The use of glass microscope slides across pathology is largely taken for granted, but the technology that produces these ubiquitous laboratory consumables varies considerably, depending on which part of the world you happen to explore. Here, Andrew Cuthbert peers through the looking glass at slide production worldwide.
PathLore: five years on û the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
PathLore was established in 2001 to provide an alternative private sector model for cellular pathology support and provision in the UK. It was designed to meet emerging and anticipated future needs and those of other branches of pathology. Here, Professor Ian O Ellis gives an historical perspective and provides an overview of progress so far.
Pathology û a look at the real agenda
Agenda for Change and the latest government pathology review are evolutionary pressures on pathology the effect of which will only become fully apparent with the passage of time. However, forewarned is forearmed, so Pathology รป the real agenda will inform, update and advise.
Labmedics û clinical diagnostics and analysis specialist
Clinical Diagnostics and Water, Environmental and Industrial Analysis are the two divisions that comprise Manchester-based company Labmedics. Now, two decades of expertise has resulted in an international reputation.
Hammersmith introduces new end-to-end system for blood transfusion
Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust has just gone live with a modern, multisite blood transfusion system that exceeds expectations and offers unprecedented support for EU directives on haemovigilance and electronic vein-to-vein tracking. Dave Simm provides an overview.
Derriford combines and streamlines testing services
Two of the main suppliers to the automated diagnostics market have joined forces in the south-west of England to provide a managed service and equip a combined laboratory facility.
Lighting up the haematology laboratory
The concept of extended leucocyte differentials in automated haematology has considerable appeal, with haematologists calling for the ability to bring extended differentials into routine practice. Here, Louise Nichols looks at current laboratory practice, the clinical significance of an extended differential and the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire.
Llanberis to Los Angeles: immunodiagnostics service and support at its best
Few diagnostics manufacturers combine a state-of the-art facility with some of the most stunning scenery that Mother Nature can provide, yet DPC UK has done just that at Llanberis in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. However, there is substance behind the scenery.
Increased chemistry capacity paves the way for laboratory automation in Oxford
After almost four months of meticulous planning, three hospital laboratories in the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust now have automated chemistry systems that set new standards in cost-effectiveness and efficiency and extend the benefits of high-throughput analysis.
Pathos û a tragedy for conventional tissue processing
Tissue processing changed little over the course of the last century until the introduction of microwave equipment into histopathology. Now, the technology that revolutionised work in the kitchen appears set to do the same in one of the oldest disciplines in pathology, as Sue Wollington explains.
Real solutions produce real benefits in transfusion
Legal requirements that demand absolute traceability of each unit of blood and blood component means that an affordable, easily implemented system that provides compliance and additional document management capability is essential. Enter the Plumtree Group.
Standardising erythrocyte sedimentation rate with stable controls
The importance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a laboratory investigation is often overlooked, but it is one that clinicians use to judge the efficacy of certain forms of treatment. Thus, confidence in the test requires accurate control, as Peter Hooper explains.
Closed-tube sampling delivers cost savings, greater efficiency and safety
Convenience, time saved, health and safety benefits and improved workflow are just a few of the advantages that staff experience when using analysers that incorporate closed-tube sampling technology.
Autologous blood transfusion following hip arthroplasty
Reduction of potential risks and greater cost efficiency are fundamental surgical ideals. Here, David Coates considers the benefits that can be provided for hip arthroplasty patients by the use of autologous blood transfusion.
Measuring cleanliness in the hospital environment
Hospital-acquired infection is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in the clinical setting. Here, Fiona Macrae discusses some ways in which hospitals can assess and monitor the microbial cleanliness of critical areas.
Middlesex University unveils high-tech biomedical science laboratories
The opening of state-of-the-art biomedical research and teaching laboratories will support current scientific research that now focuses on proteomics rather than genomics.
Automated urinalysis in the United Kingdom û a success story
Recent installation of three UF 100 automated urinanalysis instruments in hospitals in north-east England brings the UK total to 30. Here, two NHS Trusts provide an overview of their experiences.
Digital microscopy: its capabilities and the importance of training
Digital imaging and telemedicine have developed in leaps and bounds over the past decade. To get the best out of the technology, however, focused training in the latest techniques will pay dividends for the novice and experienced user alike.
Latest Issues
Your partner for equipment and consumables for medicine and science
Sarstedt, one of the world's leading providers of laboratory and medical equipment, develops, manufactures and sells equipment and consumables in the field of medicine and science.
Founded in 1961, the company has continued to grow to the point where it now employs a...
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