RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
Myeloma, MGUS and smouldering disease: an update on significance
One of the uses of serum protein electrophoresis is in detecting a monoclonal gammopathy, the presence of which can indicate a range of related conditions associated with immunoglobulin production.- Feature
Early disease detection: driving progress through cutting-edge research
A new collaboration between the government and the life sciences industry aims to save tens of thousands of lives through pioneering research to detect deadly diseases as early as possible before symptoms appear.- Feature
Hepatitis C: a brief look in the current literature
Hepatitis C was first discovered in the 1980s and known initially as non-A, non-B hepatitis. It was identified properly in 1989, and in 1991 a screening process was developed making it possible to detect hepatitis C virus in blood samples. As a relatively new disease, there remain many aspects of hepatitis C which are yet to be fully understood, as the following selection of research efforts illustrate.- Feature
Digital pathology: putting cybersecurity measures top of the agenda
The latest cybersecurity systems designed by Stago aim to support and protect NHS pathology networks and facilitate real-time data retrieval, uploading, monitoring and sharing at any time, and from anywhere, with total security offering piece of mind.- Feature
Measles: the importance of vaccination, disease monitoring and surveillance
The recent resurgence this year in a predominantly childhood infection has focused attention once again on the need to encourage vaccination and therefore increase coverage. Here, Sarah Pitt looks at the background to this and provides an update on progress.- Feature
A global commitment to tackle TB, but more research needed urgently
After decades of neglect, political attention has finally turned to TB. In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly agreed to hold the first ever High-Level Meeting on TB. Recently, heads of state gathered to make new global commitments to combat the disease, as Mark Pointer reports.- Feature
Molecular kits using LAMP technology: fast, easy, sensitive and specific
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification was developed at the turn of the 21st century and in the almost two decades since has proved increasingly useful, especially in resource-poor settings.- Feature
Statistical quality control: a look at process design – the materials involved
Stephen Macdonald returns with the second in a series of articles on internal quality control, specifically looking in this issue at process design and the impact of the materials used.- Feature
Going overboard with microbiology – women and children first
The Autumn Symposium of the British Society for Microbial Technology took place at the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool last October. On behalf of the BSMT, Mark Wilks reports on a comprehensive and stimulating programme.- Feature
Supporting accreditation for new track-based haematology platform
Recently, Torbay Hospital saw the first global installation of the HORIBA HELO fully automated haematology system. A collaborative approach to implementation was key to the success of a process that secured UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation.- Feature
Bacterial detection for healthcare: is BSRMA the start of a new era?
Following development in the military setting, the bacteria-specific rapid metabolic assay could take a step closer to a new era in bacterial detection. Here, Andrew Kemp provides an overview of progress.- Feature
Fresh tissue handling pathway for the 100,000 Genomes Project
In order to optimise and standardise the handling of fresh tissue for the 100,000 Genomes Project, four partner trusts of the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre have adopted an innovative vacuum-packing solution.- Feature
Prion diseases: a brief look in the current literature
Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals. A recent confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Scotland has brought this devastating group of diseases, that are usually rapidly progressive and always fatal, back into focus.- Feature
Serious Hazards of Transfusion scheme: a review of 2017 data
Laboratory incidents specialist Hema Mistry summarises the 2017 SHOT Annual Report, and looks at why the same errors continue to occur and how many of them could have been prevented.- Feature
Calprotectin and elastase: update on faecal testing for gastrointestinal diseases
Screening of faecal samples for blood and microorganisms is commonplace, yet testing that can distinguish irritable from inflammatory bowel conditions, and detect pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. is equally important, as this review illustrates.- Feature
Clinical and Laboratory Haemostasis 2018: 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 in Sheffield earlier in the year.- Feature
Tuberculosis: a view of bioinformatics, molecular typing and spoligotyping
Over the past decade, much research effort has been invested in the genomics and epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Currently, scientific and political initiatives aim to improve the situation.- Feature
Statistical quality control: overview of applications in the clinical laboratory
Following the recent publication of his successful articles on measurement uncertainty, Stephen MacDonald returns with the first in a new series looking at internal quality control in laboratory medicine.- Feature
Lymphoid leukaemia: a look at the genetics of proliferation
Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children is one of the great success stories of cancer medicine. Genetic analysis continues to have a major role in the fight against this and other lymphoid leukaemias.- Feature
Nostalgia or a reality check for the IVD industry: a brief history of change
As we move through yet more amalgamation, consolidation, change – call it what you will – a time for reflection and prediction is always worthwhile. Here, Mark Reed offers a brief history of change.- Feature
