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RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

Future regulatory changes for medical devices and IVDs: the pathology edit

Starting a new series of articles on the changing state of regulation for medical devices and in vitro diagnostic equipment, Ashleigh Batchen, Head of Regulatory Affairs at BIVDA (the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association) writes for Pathology in Practice looking at the current situation and forthcoming changes as a result of Brexit.

How laboratories can overcome the ‘big data’ challenge of genomics

The potential benefits to personalised medicine likely to be offered in the near future by genomics are huge. But to start realising them, laboratories need to overcome the challenge of ‘big data’ which could stop them embracing these new technologies, says Emma Huntridge of Clinisys.

POCT discovery project: strategic changes for primary care settings

Specialist biomedical scientist Rakhee Surti details a recent project to evaluate community POCT services around Milton Keynes, initiated to document key strategic recommendations for improving and digitally transforming POCT services within the primary care community.

NE Innovation Lab celebrates two years of cutting-edge diagnostics

The North East Innovation Lab is celebrating its second anniversary having expanded its work in accelerating the development of diagnostics across a wide range of applications. Pathology in Practice hears from the laboratory about recent changes and the important role it has played in a number of high-profile projects.

Microbial technology: a preview of the annual BSMT microbiology conference

This year's British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference will be held on 11 May at the RAF Museum in Hendon, North London. It will cover a range of different topics but this year there is a particular focus on different aspects of antimicrobial resistance. Here, BSMT Chair Dr Mark Wilks, on behalf of the organising committee, introduces some themes of the meeting.

IBMS Congress 2023: now is the time to start planning your visit

In September, the fifteenth iteration in the biennial Congress series will return to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. The full programme is scheduled for launch in March and once again will focus on the very best that biomedical science and commercial colleagues have to offer. Here, IBMS Deputy Chief Executive Sarah May provides a brief preview of this important event on the laboratory medicine calendar.

Influenza in the era of COVID-19: a look at research published in the recent scientific literature.

Following the limiting effect that the various COVID-19 restrictions had on influenza rates over the past two years, infection due to this virus has return with a vengeance this winter. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a small selection of current virology research activity.

Antimicrobial resistance: local solutions for a global problem

Esmita Charani looks at the global issues presented by antimicrobial resistance and considers the strategies and policies that need to be created and properly implemented to tackle the problem at a local level in communities around the world.

Predicting risk of pre-eclampsia with PIGF-based testing

Pre-eclampsia remains a common complication during pregnancy, but the methods used to initially determine the presence of the disease still rely on simple non-specific parameters. Testing for placental growth factor has huge potential to improve management of a condition that is challenging to diagnose explains Dawn Hannah, clinical educator at Quidel.

West Mids to transform cancer diagnosis through digital pathology with Sectra

NHS patients throughout the West Midlands are to benefit from a digital pathology programme delivered by Sectra, designed to help reduce cancer backlogs, transform services, and improve the speed and accuracy of cancer diagnosis.

Reducing preanalytical errors: introducing a new commercial partnership

Two companies have recently joined forces with the aim of reducing errors in the preanalytical phase following blood collection and before samples arrive in the laboratory.

The transition to digital pathology is happening: How are you going digital?

Sanj Lallie of Source LDPath looks at the benefits of transitioning to a digital pathology workflow and charts a vision of a virtual histopathology department for every NHS trust.

On-demand printing in a world of developing technology

The emerging technology of on-demand printers can offer significant benefits to histology laboratories and pathology procedures, while also facilitating error reduction, explains Lauraline Winter.

How can POCT help to alleviate NHS winter pressures?

New point-of-care testing technology boasts rapidly expanding capabilities, and a new piece of equipment from HORIBA offers under-pressure NHS frontline staff laboratory-accurate tests within minutes, allowing them to make quicker treatment decisions.

Messenger RNA: a basis for vaccine technology and cancer treatment

Recent media coverage has highlighted the relatively new technology involving mRNA that has found application in COVID vaccination, but also in the treatment of cancer. The mRNA technology works by sending instructions to cells to produce an antigen or protein, thus enabling the immune system to target cells for destruction. Here, Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a small selection of activity in this important research.

Back with a buzz – Point-of-care Innovations event returns

The first post-pandemic Point of Care Testing: Innovations conference took place during September in Bristol, with Tony Cambridge’s Thornhill Events bringing together a diverse programme of speakers to discuss the future of decentralised diagnostics.

Pathology and technology – developing together to optimise services

Richard Craven of CliniSys considers some of the big developments in pathology and how technology will help laboratories to confront current challenges while preparing for the future of personalised medicine.

Improving pathology services through a digital partnership

Offering improved cancer diagnosis processes in the face of increased pressures and workloads is a huge challenge for NHS laboratories. Here Daniel Plews of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, explains how pioneering digital pathology in partnership with the NHS is helping to meet that challenge.

Earlier cancer diagnosis with non-invasive serological testing for H. pylori

Endoscopy is considered the ‘gold standard’ method for investigating dyspeptic symptoms caused by Helicobacter pylori. Professor Peter Malfertheiner discusses the advantages offered by non-invasive ‘serological biopsy’ in the gastric cancer care pathway and management of atrophic gastritis.

Referrals from primary care to nephrology: potential impact of NICE guidelines

The early stages of chronic kidney disease are usually asymptomatic, with diagnosis only achieved following blood or urine tests undertaken for another reason. Now, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance is highlighting the value of these simple tests, which have been the focus of a recently published study.

Upcoming Events

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Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

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Upcoming Events

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
16 May, 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24 May, 2024

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

NEC, Birmingham
5-6 June, 2024

UK NEQAS Blood Coagulation: Clinical and Laboratory Haemostasis 2024

Sheffield Hallam University
5-6 June, 2024

LabMedUK24

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
10-12 June, 2024

Infection Diagnostics Symposium 2024

IET Austin Court, Birmingham
26-27 June, 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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