FEATURE ARTICLES

The Genomic & Microbiology Revolution: In Technology we Trust? was the title of the 37th Annual Microbiology Conference of the British Society for Microbial Technology, held at the RAF Museum at Hendon on 19 July. A fascinating programme looked at a range of different aspects of technology applied to microbiology, here summarised by Mark Wilks on behalf of the BSMT committee.

Point-of-care testing has found application across the breadth of healthcare, a recent prime example being the role of viscoelastic POC testing in post-partum bleeding management in obstetrics.

Polio has returned to the media spotlight recently after the discovery of the virus in London sewage. The following is a selection of free-to-access research interest in this year’s scientific literature on the subject of this small, single-stranded RNA virus.

Whole-genome sequencing is a comprehensive method for analysing entire genomes and has been instrumental in identifying, for example, inherited disorders and the mutations that drive cancer development. Here, PerkinElmer genomics specialist Anona Bamford provides an insight into the enigma that is the study of deoxyribonucleic acid.

The use of xylene-free processing in histopathology has gained ground in recent years, supported by the latest developments in tissue processor technology. Here, Epredia customers in Germany provide examples of the advantages to processes and personnel gained through a simple change in methodology.

The healthcare environment continues to present a risk of infection transmission, so what can we do to protect patients in a post-pandemic era? The Central Sterilising Club’s 60th anniversary annual scientific meeting showcased the latest evidence for best practice, highlighting some of the potential threats that need to be addressed.

Although the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, it is thought to occur when a problem develops with the placenta. Routine blood pressure and proteinuria checks are performed during the antenatal period to detect this condition, and can now be complemented by the addition of near-patient placental growth factor testing.

Mycobacterium ulcerans infection results in a debilitating disease that is characterised by extensive and severe destruction of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Adewale Oke and colleagues report on a study that aimed to identify cases of so-called Buruli ulcer in five states of south-west Nigeria.

The CliniSys national conference returned to The Belfry after a two-year hiatus to debate the big challenges facing the NHS and its pathology services. Matthew Fouracre reports.

The North East Innovation Lab works to assess and accelerate the development of new diagnostic tests. Pathology in Practice looks at the support it provided to a study assessing the use of synthetic polymer antibodies in a new test for SARS-CoV-2.

Point-of-care testing for the SARS-CoV-2 has expanded exponentially over the past two years, resulting in the need for an external quality assessment scheme for this activity. Here, Heather Crowton and colleagues introduce a new EQA scheme.

The International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine featured a live symposium hosted by Beckman Coulter devoted to the role of monocyte distribution width. Here, speakers take part in a question and answer session.

Nucleic acid amplification tests are the model for detecting SARS-CoV-2, but efficient extraction of viral RNA is essential. Here, David Mathias and Lucy Goulart compare the performance and usability of two RNA extraction kits.

Although very small in number, recent cases of monkeypox viral infection in the UK had doubled. The following is a selection of free-to-access research interest in the current literature on the subject of this member of the Orthopoxvirus genus

Development of inhibitor antibodies interfering with the function of FVIII replacement products is one of the most significant complications in the treatment of haemophilia A. Here, Eleanor Foxton and Áine McCormick consider several approaches to assay standardisation and EQA performance.

Aini Suraya Nizam and Lynne Lawrance examine the role of uncertainty in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, following the introduction by EUCAST of the concept of the Area of Technical Uncertainty in this sector of medical microbiology.

High-sensitivity assays and point-of-care testing are having a significant effect on how quickly acute coronary syndrome can be examined. Here, Holger Gundelach discusses how this is improving patient outcomes.

Last year’s annual conference of the BSMT took place in May as a webinar, inevitably on COVID-19. This year the BSMT decided to postpone the conference until July 2022 to maximise chances of holding a face-to-face event. Here, Mark Wilks, on behalf of the BSMT, provides a preview.

Summaries of lectures on the comprehensive Biomedical Science Congress programme are requested from individual speakers. In a final review of this important biennial event, Pathology in Practice dips into the education, management, support staff and seminar programmes.

The Veterinary Pathology Group – a member of SYNLAB UK and Ireland – has announced that it is partnering with Fitzpatrick Referrals to conduct a canine soft tissue sarcoma study to improve clinical practice and subsequent patient outcomes.