RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

With the NHS currently under huge strain, additional time-consuming and burdensome processes add to an already heavy workload. Gillian Ewers examines the advantages that radio frequency identification offers in tracking samples and consumables.

Recent press coverage of COVID-19 disease has highlighted a possible role for interleukin-7 in boosting T-cell numbers and aiding recovery. However, the current literature reports on a wide range of other benefits of this important cytokine.

Response to the current coronavirus pandemic has seen many retired personnel return to the clinical laboratory bench to help facilitate realisation of testing targets. Such altruistic action does reintroduce the returnee to the reality of change.

Valerie Bevan looks at how microbiology testing networks have changed over the past 80 years, and how reflecting on this, and lessons from the current pandemic, might inform our response to future epidemics/pandemics.

One of the two recognised early pathology disciplines, histopathology now combines modern practical laboratory techniques with sophisticated molecular biology methods,both of which facilitate the application of personalised medicine.

Establishing the diagnostic and prognostic value of measuring plasma viscosity in patients suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19 is currently underway in several UK hospitals. This article provides an overview of progress in research and practice

Is Fusobacterium necrophorum an underrated anaerobic pathogen, and could Lemiérre’s disease be prevented by earlier treatment of sore throat? Here, Mike Wren looks at the available evidence and illustrates some of the issues in two short case studies

Cutting-edge flow cytometry is underpinning a pioneering multinational research initiative designed to transform the lives of those suffering from leishmaniasis, a disfiguring and potentially life-threatening parasitic disease.

Pathology faces a major challenge to detect the new coronavirus, and to provide laboratory support to COVID-19 patients. Sarah Pitt provides an overview of the virology, epidemiology and laboratory diagnosis of this latest agent of disease.

Does the ‘entourage effect’ explain the increase in antimicrobial efficacy and lack of resistance seen with fifth-generation silane quaternary compounds? Here, Andrew Kemp provides an overview of the development and use of such agents.

The detection and monitoring of haemophilia remains a challenging process for laboratories; however, the introduction of testing algorithms is set to improve the quality and consistency of results while freeing staff time.

Benson Viscometers is developing a novel device that can determine the clotting profile of a blood sample. Furthermore, the company also aims to develop the point-of-care capabilities of this device.

As the pathologist workforce shrinks and workload increases, laboratory medicine is beginning to adopt advanced technology and robust AI solutions. Nathan Buchbinder and Scott Rayburn explain how digital solutions can change practice in pathology and the life sciences.

Group B Streptococcus is the most common cause of severe infection in newborn babies in the UK. Despite a risk-based prevention strategy for early-onset infection, in place since 2002, rates have increased significantly.

Do hand sanitisers really work against viruses? Andrew Kemp and colleagues introduce a new methodology for testing the efficacy of disinfectants and sanitisers on surfaces and on the skin against viral isolates.

The advanced enzyme cycling method for bile acids offers increased sensitivity and precision when compared to traditional enzymatic tests, as illustrated by its use in obstetric cholestasis diagnosis and monitoring.

In terms of scope and geography, veterinary pathology in the field is an activity of wide horizons. In this review of a visit to Kenya, Margaret and John Cooper describe how they are committed to training the next generation of veterinary workers in East Africa.

Surgical site infection continues to be a major source of concern to patients and the multidisciplinary teams involved in surgery. Sadly, however, evidence-based practice to reduce such infections is often slow to be implemented, as Kate Woodhead explains.

Recent national news focused on the role that cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing may have in detecting many different types of cancer. Here, a small selection from the current literature highlights future possibilities and some potential problems.

Over the past decade, infections caused by coronaviruses have resulted in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome. Now, a new coronavirus is causing worldwide concern, and is exercising the research community, as this small selection of very recently published articles illustrates.