RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

Rheumatoid arthritis: the role of serology in laboratory diagnosis

A combination of three laboratory tests can help to identify rheumatoid arthritis patients sooner and enable clinicians to start tailored treatment promptly, as Jason Cunningham explains. KGH www.commons.wkikmedia.org CC BY-SA 3.0.jpg

Features

/ May 24, 2016

Anaerobic bacteriology: introduction of the latest ergonomic jar system

The addition of two new ergonomic anaerobic jars to the Anoxomat range promises to maximise the use of space both in the laboratory and within incubators. Jim Smith explains.

Features

/ May 24, 2016

Selenium: a vital role in health and disease

Biochemical features of selenium have emerged only in recent years, and investigations into selenoproteome gene expression and the selenocysteine synthetic pathway have provided evidence that underpins its biochemical roles in health and disease. National Cancer Institute/Purdue University Center for Cancer Research; Ji-Xin Cheng.jpg

Features

/ May 24, 2016

Antimicrobial resistance: prevention measures to tackle the problem

The latest reports by Jim O’Neill’s independent Review on Antimicrobial Resistance have highlighted the power of simple measures to prevent infections, as well as the potential role of vaccines and other alternatives in tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Features

/ May 24, 2016

D-dimer assay guidelines: value of objective testing for VTE in the emergency setting

Lack of formal international standardisation of tests for venous thromboembolism means that appropriate medical care may sometimes not be given. Here, Laurence Loï looks at the current situation.

Features

/ May 24, 2016

Merkel cell carcinoma: an audit of NHS Fife patients

Merkel cell carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumour that often follows an aggressive course. Understanding its biology could improve the clinical outcomes for patients who present with this rare malignant disease. Dr Guy Orchard.jpg

Features

/ May 24, 2016

Optimising performance to expand pathology services

Providing a high-quality, reliable and cost-effective pathology service is the priority for today’s NHS. Beckman Coulter’s Ibti Rashid explains why the company’s laboratory automation customers excel in these areas.

Features

/ May 24, 2016

Breast cancer: on the trail of better treatment

Teams of researchers in Cardiff, Zaragoza in Spain, and Brno in the Czech Republic have focused on the use of TRAIL, a member of the TNF cytokine superfamily, as a more effect treatment for breast cancer. National Cancer Institute.jpg

Features

/ May 24, 2016

SmartLAB Innovation Network: promoting developments in laboratory technology

The next phase in the development of innovative laboratory technologies is in progress and will be highlighted next year with the return of SmartLAB to Hanover.

Features

/ May 24, 2016

Tips for thriving in the age of diversified laboratory testing

Pathology services have a pivotal role to play in the diversification of point-of-care testing services, but the shift of responsibility outside the laboratory setting is not without its challenges, as Martin Wilkinson explains.

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

Troponin T testing: heart attack diagnosis now available within one hour

Use of the cardiac troponin high-sensitivity test from Roche means that faster diagnoses can be made in patients who present with chest pain to accident and emergency, resulting in prompt treatment and better use of healthcare resources.

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

Moving towards service accreditation: an update

Suzanne Callander reports on the move towards accreditation of quality and competence of point-of-care test services to bring them into line with clinical laboratories. Varnent LGBT Free Media Collective CC BY-Sa 3.0

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

Histopathology: an update on advances in research and techniques

Advances in immunohistochemistry, digital pathology, quantum dot technology and the use of tissue microarrays were subjects covered in an annual EuroSciCon meeting devoted to advances in histopathology. www.commons.wikimedia.org CC By-SA 3.0

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

Point-of-care testing: why is accreditation of this service needed?

Delia Geary provides a United Kingdom Accreditation Service perspective and insight into the importance of accreditation for point-of-care testing to ensure quality control.

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

Trichomonas vaginalis infection: testing and treatment from A to E

When a patient suffering from Trichomonas vaginalis proved difficult to cure using standard treatment, the clinician turned to laboratory medicine to provide some answers. Subsequently, an in-house approach proved successful and indicated that sensitivity testing should be more widely available, as Alison Davies and colleagues explain. CDC

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

Improved productivity and workflow in a busy organ transplant reference laboratory

As laboratories experience expanding molecular diagnostic workloads, many are faced with meeting this increasing demand in cramped working environments. Here, Jordi Vila and Angeles Marcos describe how workflow efficiencies can be achieved in virology. CDC/Sylvia Whitfield

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

ISO 15189 assessment: a positive experience for immunohistochemistry

Accreditation terminology does not fit comfortably in the cellular pathology lexicon, as many of its reports are subject to interpretation, so how can it satisfy ISO 15189 standards? Julie Terry reports on a positive assessment exercise, and provides some relevant guidance.

Features

/ Feb 18, 2016

External quality assurance: extending the boundaries

An impressive 250 delegates gathered at York Racecourse recently for the UK NEQAS General Haematology 18th Annual Participants’ Meeting, Barry Hill was there to report on the highlights.

Features

/ Nov 19, 2015

Measurement of rivaroxaban (Xarelto) in plasma using an automated analyser

In certain circumstances there may be clinical need to assess the plasma DOACs status of a patient. Here, Aine McCormick, Dervilla Gorman and Gary Moore report on an initial retrospective study of automated and manual assays.

Features

/ Nov 19, 2015

A new tool in the clinical management of sepsis

Sepsis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection. Now, a rapid and early screen for bloodstream infections offers a number of benefits, as Charlotte Duncan explains.

Features

/ Nov 19, 2015

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Molecular diagnostics and LAMP technology

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