RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

Clostridium difficile: value of the GDH, toxin and tcdB testing algorithm

Sarah Copsey-Mawer evaluates testing for glutamate dehydrogenase, toxin A/B and the tcdB gene, compared to the gold standards of toxigenic culture and cell cytotoxin neutralisation assay.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

Current pathology in practice: a brief look in the literature

A small sample of research interest on Clostridium difficile infection, colorectal cancer and Mohs micrographic practice to be found in the current literature.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

UN3373 sample packaging regulations: understanding your responsibilities

There are strict regulations governing how biological samples are packaged for mailing and it is vital that all staff understand the legislation and how to be fully compliant. If not, there could be serious consequences.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

Support for the UK’s fastest service redesign to deliver modernisation efficiencies

Through the rapid, smooth and seamless implementation of new automated equipment and systems, Beckman Coulter supported a South West London Pathology redesign across three large hospital sites. This article discusses how this was achieved and some of the efficiencies delivered.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

Optimising workflow and patient treatment in the Mohs clinic in Cardiff

Since 1992, the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, has been pioneering Mohs micrographic surgery, providing optimal patient care and rapid skin cancer treatment. Central to fast treatment time is cryosectioning, which, in Cardiff, is provided by the Thermo Scientific Cryostar NX70.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

T helper 17 cells: roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Functionally polarised CD4-positive T-cell responses based on their profile of cytokine secretion are seen in many chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases. The focus in this review is the disease-triggering role of a T-helper subset of lymphocytes.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

Testing for colorectal cancer: a focus on FIT technology

Quantitative faecal immunochemical testing looks set to reassure patients and clinicians concerned about colorectal cancer. Reducing referrals, colonoscopy investigations and overall waiting times, FIT enables GPs to manage patients confidently in primary care.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

Microbiology transport systems: not all are created equal

With the increasing trend towards centralisation of pathology services, it is important to consider carefully the type of swab and transport medium used when there is the potential for significant delay to sample processing.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

$Coeliac disease: from a refractory condition to fertility and cancer$

Coeliac disease: from a refractory condition to fertility and cancer

The autoimmune coeliac disease results from ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The inflammatory damage caused to the mucosal lining of the small intestine gives rise to malabsorption and associated nutrient deficiency, and has been linked to a wide range of other medical conditions.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

Viscosity-based detection: addressing HIL interference and sample integrity

Interference due to haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia is a significant issue in automated coagulation testing, but technology from Stago now provides confidence in laboratory results in such cases.

Features

/ Nov 18, 2016

Validation of the QUANTA Flash tTG IgA detection system

Femi Saleh and colleagues assess the value of a new chemiluminescence method to detect antibodies to human tissue transglutaminase in coeliac disease.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Capillary electrophoresis: technology and its uses

Capillary electrophoresis is an analytical technique that separates ions based on their electrophoretic mobility and has found laboratory application in the assessment of a number of clinical conditions, as Jean Deenmamode explains.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Automation: machines are finally taking over

Mark Reed and Charlotte Duncan from Pro-Lab offer a brief insight into the changing world of laboratory testing, and focus on current antibiotic sensitivity testing.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Mohs and the benefits of new embedding and staining systems

Guy Orchards reports on preliminary work to assess the benefits of the latest equipment designed to facilitate frozen section preparation and staining in a laboratory supporting a Mohs micrographic surgery service.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Microbe: an organism still viable and reproducing

The success enjoyed by the biennial Microbe conferences spans almost three decades, and the 14th event returns to Sheffield later in September. Alan Pease reports.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Allergy identification and management: importance in asthma patients

Jason Cunningham looks at the connection between allergy and asthma, and the benefits provided by the allergy identification and management (AIM) initiative.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Faecal immunochemical testing: a new pathway for bowel cancer patients

The latest automated testing system and sample collection device makes faecal sampling easy and convenient for patients, provides timely diagnosis of significant bowel disease, and ensures consistency for the laboratory.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Patients to benefit from investment in pathology services in Manchester

Major investment by Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust is set to bring benefits to more than a million patients it treats every year.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Collaboration boosts regulatory compliance for centre of excellence

Elite specialist haemostasis unit in the NHS partners with Stago UK to improve patient outcomes through innovation, workflow efficiency and confidence in results reporting.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016

Molecular virology: a trio of European experiences

A recent case study, poster and paper provide compelling evidence to support the efficacy of the latest diagnostic system and assays from Beckman Coulter Diagnostics. The following trio of reports from across Europe provides independent support for the value of Beckman Coulter’s DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System and assays in routine virological practice.

Features

/ Aug 31, 2016