FEATURE ARTICLES

For their discovery of microRNAs, the Americans Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun received this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a selection of current research interest in these tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in health and disease.

David Norcliffe and David Manuel examine the role that plasma viscosity could play in the future diagnosis of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Helen Peat, HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist, and James Cottam, UK General Manager for Cepheid, examine how point-of-care multiplex PCR testing for respiratory viruses alleviates winter pressures on health systems.

With the festive season upon us, Dr Neil Bentley takes a look at Christmas tree syndrome, and considers the risks of a live tree in the home or office.

Sharing knowledge is the key to more accurate laboratory testing, and also for longer-term, better patient outcomes. Scheme Directors Melody Tabiner and Richard Haggas reveal the many and varied ways in which UK NEQAS shares its expert knowledge.

Building innovative solutions to common laboratory challenges has been Advanced Instruments’ mission since 1955, a time when electronic automation was just beginning to be applied to laboratory methods. Throughout its 70-year history, Advanced Instruments’ osmometers have helped global clinical laboratories revolutionise workflow efficiency on the chemistry bench. Over the last two decades, this mission has expanded to microbiology, haematology, and beyond.

In this final article in his latest series, Stephen MacDonald concludes by focusing on the importance of uncertainty measurement outside the narrow boundary of analytical process, into the wider realm of equipment calibration, monitoring and performance.

The recent development of disease-modifying therapies for type 1 diabetes, coupled with increased difficulty in diagnosing diabetes subtypes is reinforcing the need for accurate and cost-effective methods of identifying those at risk of developing the disease. Genetic risk scores may provide novel methods to help identify those at risk and to improve discrimination between subtypes of diabetes.

Course leader Dr Sean Brown and tutor Robyn Wilson describe the development and content of Abertay University’s new Biomedical Sciences with Point-of-Care Testing MSc.

A novel high-sensitivity troponin point-of-care test has the potential to have a positive impact on accident and emergency departments. Professor Paul Collinson discusses how this new technology could help the NHS, and his involvement in a study evaluating it.

Although rare in occurrence, breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma recently found its way into the national news. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a selection of current research interest in this iatrogenic disease.

With increasing demands for advanced immunohistochemistry staining, a new system promises to deliver consistent, standardised results via a closed workflow which also places fewer demands on an already stretched laboratory workforce.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has transformed the service it offers to GPs and patients for phlebotomy appointments by deploying two key innovative technologies that make the whole process paperless.

Dr Neil Bentley looks at the history, causes and treatment of whooping cough, as well as examining the vaccine issues which may have contributed to a recent resurgence of the condition in many countries around the world.

Clinisys WinPath laboratory information system customers recently gathered at The Belfry to discuss the major challenges facing pathology, and the role of technology in addressing them. Here, Matthew Fouracre reports from a packed, but inspiring, two-day event.

Last year, over 85,000 gonorrhoea diagnoses were reported in England, the highest number since records began in 1918. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation compiles a selection of current research interest focusing on AMR in this sexually transmitted infection.

Dr Deborah Pritchard and Dr Gwen Wark, members of the UK NEQAS Board, explain how UK NEQAS gives users the confidence that they are providing the best results for their assays, and clinical teams and patients the reassurance that they are receiving the correct information to manage health conditions and treatment.

Stago’s new high-throughput sthemO and sthemE haemostasis systems deliver better patient care, improve productivity, and reduce staff pressure – making them the ideal solutions for addressing urgent NHS coagulation laboratory challenges.

In this penultimate article in his current series, Stephen MacDonald focuses on the vital role that each stakeholder plays in ensuring compliance with measurement uncertainty limits and enhancing the overall quality of laboratory services.

Karl McIntyre of Liverpool Clinical Laboratories describes the improvements to pathology process and efficiency which have been delivered by a fully automated molecular work area.