RECENT FEATURES

Automated ultrasound-mediated tissue processing: offering significant service improvements
Historically, the majority of tissue processing in histopathology has taken place overnight, limiting workflow flexibility. Now, the incorporation of ultrasonic technology promises to cut processing times significantly, as Neil Catlett explains. The method of processing tissue for histological examination has remained largely unchanged for many years. Tissue processing introduces an enforced ‘delay’ in the specimen pathway during which little can be done to the specimen to speed diagnosis. Attempts have been made to improve the process (eg microwave assisted, xylene-free processors) or develop a more open system (eg continuous flow, multi-retort processors) but to date these techniques have introduced changes elsewhere in the specimen pathway, requiring redesign of either the cut-up techniques or alteration to subsequent methodologies in areas such as immunohistochemistry.
Integrated cytology imaging and review
ThinPrep cervical screening has taken a further step forward with installations of Hologic’s Integrated Imagers and ThinPrep imaging systems. Positive feedback is now arriving from early users. In the UK and Ireland there are now 17 Hologic ThinPrep Imager-enabled laboratories. The ThinPrep Integrated Imager, Hologic’s next-generation technology, represents the latest innovation in cervical screening by combining proven ThinPrep imaging technology and slide review into a single, convenient standalone device. This exciting new product allows laboratories of all sizes to benefit from the clinical advantages of ThinPrep imaging.
Surgical site infections: a major cause of nosocomial spread
Current infection control focus is on surgical site infection and how it can be minimised. Here, James Beaves explains how cutting-edge products from Oxoid have an important role to play. Despite appropriate pre-and post-operative decontamination practices and implementation of infection prevention and control techniques in theatre, surgical site infections (SSIs) are the second most common type of adverse event occurring in hospitalised patients. Patients with SSIs are five times more likely to be readmitted to hospital, 60% more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, twice as likely to die, be hospitalised for up to seven days more, and cost three times more to treat as non- infected patients. In the USA, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) estimates that more than 27 million surgical procedures are performed annually, with approximately 290,000 SSIs and 8000 patient deaths being associated with SSI infections.
Exhibition viewpoint: IBMS Congress receives a high rating
Ever since the Institute organised its first scientific meeting over 80 years ago, input from the commercial sector has always played a vital role in success, and last year’s Biomedical Science Congress was no exception. The Institute of Biomedical Science, in its various guises (IMLS, IMLT and, in the beginning, the Pathological and Bacteriological Assistants’ Association [PBLAA]) has been organising conference events since 1924. The Biomedical Science Congress is the most recent incarnation, having changed from the ‘Triennial’ format in 1995. Over the subsequent 14 years, there have been eight of these major biomedical science events, which have taken place biennially in September at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
Safe transportation of biological samples
Sterilin has set world standards for quality, reliability and user safety in the field of single-use laboratory plastics for the past 50 years. Now it leads the way by being the first to offer a range of 95 kPa-validated disposable containers for the transportation of clinical specimens. Sian Hayman tells us more. With more and more biological samples being transported through normal mailing systems, using different forms of transportation (from bikes to aeroplanes), the containers used to carry these samples are subject to increasingly tighter transport regulations. The requirements can vary depending on the mode of transport and the classification of samples.
Transfusion practice: prescription for change
In the wake of recent developments in the area of nurse prescribing of blood components, Pathology in Practice recently talked to two leading nurse professionals at the forefront of this initiative. At last year’s British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Manchester, Liz Pirie and Jan Green launched the much-awaited framework document outlining guidance for nurses and midwives wishing to extend their role to prescribe blood components for transfusion.
Improved processing times: the Oswestry histopathology laboratory experience
Bone histopathology presents a challenge to both tissue processing and diagnosis, but the Excelsior ES from Thermo Fisher Scientific has set new standards for efficiency and performance at one of the UK’s premier orthopaedic facilities. As the UK’s leading orthopaedic hospital, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital (RJAH) treats patients from all over the country. A specialist hospital with a worldwide reputation for innovation and research, the trust provides elective orthopaedic surgery and muscloskeletal medical services with specific additional areas of expertise including spinal injuries and metabolic disorders affecting muscular development.
Supporting pathology partners: long-term training options are now available
Rapidly evolving changes in pathology configurations require ongoing support, training and education. This is where Siemens Academy Training and Education Centre, which opened towards the end of last year, can help hard-pressed laboratory staff. The move towards the commercialisation of pathology, coupled with an increase in diagnostic testing and technologies, has placed more pressure on laboratories to reconfigure services for efficiency and quality.
Intelligent immunostaining: the latest system assessed at the Christie Hospital
Significant advances in immunohistochemical technique made over the past four decades have revolutionised surgical pathology practice. Now, the latest automated immunostainer from Menarini is set to enhance the service provided to clinicians and patients alike. The Christie Hospital in Manchester is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 40,000 patients a year. The histopathology service provides diagnostic tumour pathology not only for the hospital’s own patients but also for those from other hospitals across the region and sometimes even further afield. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) service provided by the histopathology laboratory is extensive, with over 50,000 slides processed each year. This service is incredibly important and it is essential that the laboratory keeps up to date with developments in the field to provide a fast, efficient and reliable service. The laboratory therefore opted for the latest development in automated IHC systems – but more later.
Faster analysis: hundreds of thousands of English patients feel the benefit
High throughput and full serum work area capability are just two of the advantages that the latest Roche equipment has brought to two hospitals in the south-west of England. Southmead Hospital in Bristol and Poole General Hospital on England’s south coast have both benefited recently from installation of Roche’s latest modular analyser, the cobas 8000. The combination of cutting-edge equipment, commercial expertise and dedicated laboratory personnel has had a big impact on the services offered by these two high-quality healthcare facilities.
Cutting-edge automation and optimised kits
The QIAsymphony AS from Qiagen has extended the company’s range of high-quality assay and detection solutions. This new module in the QIAsymphony series provides fully automated set up of Qiagen assays and polymerase chain reaction PCR kits and combines its experience in sample and assay technologies on a single platform.
Antiretroviral therapy: the importance of turnaround time for CD4 counts
In sub-Saharan Africa, turnaround time for CD4 lymphocyte count results is an important but often missing factor in the use and monitoring of effective antiviral therapy, as Grace Kahenya explains.
Sexually transmitted diseases: testing gets boost from new high-speed instrument
Increased demand for sexually transmitted disease testing as a result of the implementation of national screening programmes can now be accommodated thanks to a new, fully automated molecular biology instrument from Roche.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing: harmonisation across Europe
In December 2009, the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) published a standardised European disc-diffusion test method. Amanda Appleton liaised closely with the EUCAST committee during this time and, here, explains what this means for laboratories across Europe.
Disposable microtome blades: a legacy forged in the orient
Feather disposable microtome blades have a reputation for high quality and now represent the global gold standard in microtomy. Here, Sue Wollington talks about history, production and how users can get the best performance from their disposable blades.
Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis: sampling for success
Despite launch of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme in 2003, levels of testing in the high-risk group are not sufficiently high to reduce the prevalence of this infection. Here, Rachel Adams considers the problem and how the latest sampling technology can help.
A day at the museum: focusing on transfusion science practice
The recent joint meeting of UK NEQAS (BTLP) and the BBTS Blood Bank Technology SIG provided transfusion professionals with an opportunity to examine their role in improving clinical outcomes in the wider healthcare community. Pathology in Practice reports.
Longstanding partnership: foundation for European flagship laboratory facility
A public-private collaboration between the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust and Beckman Coulter has provided value for money and a quality of service second to none. The Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust comprises two specialist hospitals that provide treatment for people with heart and lung disease. They are recognised worldwide for their expertise, standard of care and research success. Health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission recently awarded the trust the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’ for its “exceptional performance and innovation”.
Electrophoresis experts meet at Royal Holloway, University of London
A recent seminar organised by Sebia UK highlighted current trends in electrophoresis testing and examined its clinical utility in specific diagnostic applications. The event brought together clinical specialists, industry experts and biomedical scientists at historic Royal Holloway, University of London.
Plasma viscosity: Musgrove Park Hospital joins the Benson family
Plasma viscosity testing emerged in the early 1970s following pioneering work by Jock Harkness in Taunton. Now, the haematology at Musgrove Park boasts the very latest in viscosity instrumentation.
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FEATURE ARTICLE

Supporting pathology partners: long-term training options are now available
Rapidly evolving changes in pathology configurations require ongoing support, training and education. This is where Siemens Academy Training and Education Centre, which opened towards the end of last year, can help hard-pressed laboratory staff. The move towards the commercialisation of pathology, coupled with an increase in diagnostic testing and technologies, has placed more pressure on laboratories to reconfigure services for efficiency and quality.

PRODUCT ARTICLE

Rubella monoclonal antibodies
The rubella virus is the cause of German measles, and infection in children results in a rash but is usually mild and of short duration. However, pregnant women who become infected are susceptible to a more serious condition that can lead to congenital rubella syndrome of the fetus. Thus, serological detection, especially for IgM antibody, is crucial for early intervention.