FEATURE ARTICLES

In order to optimise and standardise handling of surgical specimens, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board adopted an innovative vacuum-packing solution across its three main hospital sites in North Wales, reducing formalin use, improving quality and cutting costs.

Immunohistochemistry is a vital tool in the classification of melanocytic skin lesions. Here, Karolina Wojcik and colleagues assess PRAME expression as a new marker in recognising and distinguishing the malignant melanomas from atypical naevi.

Summaries of lectures on the comprehensive Biomedical Science Congress scientific lecture programme are requested from individual speakers. In this second review, Pathology in Practice selects highlights from alphabetically microbiology to virology.

The IBMS Congress held in Birmingham in March was a welcome return to face-to-face conference normality. Siobhan Brown from Roche Diagnostics provides an overview of the company’s experiences at the 14th iteration of this important biennial event.

Screening and testing of imported pets is not only crucial to the health of the animals and to their owners where there is zoonotic risk, but also to maintain UK biosecurity. Here, Lisa Martin provides an overview based on a recent HORIBA webinar on the subject.

Frozen section and H&E staining are an integral part of the support for patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery. Here, Jeyrroy Gabriel and colleagues report on a focused assessment of haematoxylin staining sensitivity and specificity.

A specialist NHS laboratory, hosted by Newcastle Hospitals, is helping to accelerate the development of new, cutting-edge COVID-19 tests, as well as technologies that could give an early warning of virus threats.

The British Society for Microbial Technology has adapted to changing circumstances throughout its 37-year existence. Evolving from its origins in multipoint technology, it now organises annual microbiology conferences covering a wide range of topics.

A new era of optimal tissue processing has been introduced, offering xylene-free ultra-rapid protocols. Here, Menarini Diagnostics provides an overview and reports on a trio of customer experiences using the system.

As the exclusive partner for Shuttlepac in the UK and Ireland, here Alpha Laboratories provides the context and background to an award won by the cost-effective, user-friendly and UN3373-compliant ShuttlePouch range of leakproof pouches.

he recent reporting in the media of one man’s gene editing treatment to reverse the effect of his sickle cell disease has thrust this condition into the limelight. The following are examples of open-access coverage of sickle cell genetics in the current literature.

Recent developments in anti-Xa technology have resulted in a coagulation test that can easily be part of the core coagulation laboratory repertoire. Here, Stago compares and contrasts two methods for monitoring heparin therapy.

Pathology services continue to face challenges to detect the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Here, Sarah Pitt provides a further update on the virology, epidemiology, testing and treatment of this mutating agent of pandemic disease.

Summaries of lectures on the IBMS Science Congress scientific lecture programme are requested from individual speakers. In this first of two reviews, Pathology in Practice selects highlights from alphabetically cellular pathology to immunology.

As ARKRAY transforms into a truly global diabetes brand, UK general manager David Eyre talks to Pathology in Practice about the challenge of setting up a new operation.

Thrombin generation testing to measure the coagulation profile of patients undergoing surgery could lead to major improvements in managing intraoperative bleeding. Stago reports on its involvement in surgical research into pseudomyxoma peritonei.

In this article, Serious Hazards of Transfusion laboratory incident specialist Nicola Swarbrick focuses on a specific area of transfusion science haemovigilance practice – incident investigation – that was the topic of a SHOT webinar held last year.

Surface transmission has been identified as an important route of pathogen spread, especially within the healthcare environment. Here, Jade Pallett discusses viral and bacterial transmission and looks at the key issues and evidence.

Accurate diagnosis of GI disease is fundamental for appropriate patient management. Focusing on four common diseases, Carolyne Horner describes how a selection of commercial kits may supplement diagnostic methods and support diagnosis.

As a result of continued research and development, the incidence of death from cancers caused by human papillomavirus infection is falling. Here, Neil Bentley provides an overview and looks at the impact of screening and diagnostic testing.