FEATURE ARTICLES

The enzyme-linked immunospot assay is a useful method for monitoring a patientÆs immune response, but an accurate cell count and viability determination is an essential prerequisite. Here, workers at the BBI Biotech Research Laboratories compare the standard manual counting method with the Guava PCA system and ViaCount assay.

More widespread treatment of individuals at risk of venous thromboembolism and otherforms of thrombosis is likely to lead to greater demand for monitoring anticoagulant levels. Now, new colorimetric kits can provide sensitive, convenient and accurate means to achieve such measurements.

A remarkable new system is now available from Olympus osYris, which promises to revolutionise the way that multidisciplinary clinical teams (MDTs) can work.

Plumtree Group is a leader in the field of electronic document management and has provided solutions and support to some 100 NHS Trusts. From specimen reception to report printing and archiving, the company has the answers to the paper management problems that plague pathology.

It is over 30 years since the introduction of plasma viscosity measurement as an alternative to ESR estimation yet the latter continues to fascinate haematologists. Here, Bernie Benson explains why reliance on this sediment is sadly misplaced.

In the August 2004 issue of Pathology in Practice, Chris Bird reviewed a range of haematology analysers. Here, Alan Smith provides an update and outlines details of a new multi-technology approach, and a new system, the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire û named after its high-definition blue laser û that combines impedance and optical principles with triple-channel fluorescence.

The development of an internal quality control scheme in clinical bacteriology has been hampered by a lack of suitable cultures. However, work undertaken at Harrogate District Hospital using Microbank beads may provide a solution to this problem.

The North Cheshire NHS Hospitals Trust procured the Sysmex Modular Open Laboratory Information System (MOLIS) to provide a turnkey solution with the flexibility to satisfy the requirements of all laboratory disciplines.