FEATURE ARTICLES

From early applications that saw the development of urine dipsticks, pregnancy and blood glucose testing, to lateral flow COVID devices, point-of-care testing has come far in the past 70 years. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a small selection of work focusing on POCT in the current literature.

Ceri Parfitt and Annette Thomas recount a recent study to review the strengths and weaknesses of different models for determining analytical performance specifications. The study used historical data to determine what was achievable in a real-world environment to establish clinically appropriate APS for several serum chemistry analytes.

With the first in a new series of articles, Stephen MacDonald returns to the pages of Pathology in Practice. Here, he begins with an introduction to statistical interpretation focusing on improving the quality of the first statistical encounter with a dataset.

This year marks the start of a series of deadlines to ensure Class C medical devices remain in step with new regulations. Many diagnostic devices face a more demanding future as the new IVDR requirements are set to heighten scrutiny of laboratory and POCT equipment, as Liz Harrison explains.

Meningitis B, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, erupted in the news recently after an outbreak among students in the south-east of England, resulting in significant morbidity and several deaths. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a selection of current research into the wider sphere of bacterial meningitis.

How R-Biopharm is redefining the fight against tuberculosis with IP-10-based diagnostics.

Andrew Kemp and Denise Hanson describe a long-term project to measure air and surface contamination in a variety of settings across a university campus. The study set out to evaluate cleaning technologies and the relationship between air and surface contamination levels.

As always, the 41st Annual Microbiology Conference, hosted by the British Society for Microbial Technology (BSMT) will be supported by a trade exhibition. Here, Pathology in Practice previews the companies which will be present.

The relationship between plasma viscosity and serum viscosity can reveal much about the body’s response to infection and inflammation. David Norcliffe, David Manuel and Bernie Benson explore the clinical significance of this metric in diagnostic medicine.

On Thursday 21 May, the British Society for Microbial Technology will host its 41st Annual Microbiology Conference at the RAF Museum in Hendon, North London. Here, the BSMT committee provides further biographical details of the six speakers contributing to the scientific programme.

Mark Reed explores the evolving science of storage, archiving and retrieval of bacteria and fungi, examining how culture collections, regulatory frameworks and technological innovation have shaped contemporary practice and highlighting the operational, ethical and quality considerations that now define effective biobanking.

Historically, colorectal cancer was seen as a disease of later life. More recently, however, the increased incidence of cancer affecting the lower intestinal tract in the younger age group has been reported. Here, Pathology in Practice Science Editor Brian Nation looks at a selection of current research focusing on this emerging healthcare challenge.

A recent pilot study examined at-home faecal calprotectin testing for IBD patients, using a digitally integrated, patient-led model and a quantitative lateral flow calprotectin assay. Graham Johnson details the study and looks at the benefits offered by such a pathway.

Recent changes in HER2 scoring in breast cancer have further complicated an already challenging diagnosis. Vinicio Tassani examines current workflows and makes the case for adding molecular testing to the mix.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust recently saw a cross-team collaboration which led to the successful rollout of near-patient CPE testing with rapid PCR diagnostics for stroke patients. Consultant microbiologist Dr Natasha Ratnaraja and clinical scientist infection specialist Katie Jones describe how this new technology has benefitted the high-risk care pathway.

With technological advances driving innovation in oncology, Uwe Jäntges explores the transformative potential of liquid biopsy technology in cancer research, with a special focus on cfDNA analysis.

Biobanking has become a cornerstone of modern biomedical science, underpinning advances in diagnostics, epidemiology and personalised medicine.

This year’s British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference will be held on 21 May at the RAF Museum in Hendon, north London, and will cover a range of different topics. Here, Pathology in Practice provides the first of two previews of an exciting programme that focuses on microbiology practice.

New research from CPI reveals systemic barriers facing UK MedTech startups and spinouts and calls for coordinated reform across regulation, investment and NHS adoption, to unlock innovation and deliver national health and economic strategies.

Julie Elston provides an insight into the evolution of urinalysis. She argues that digital solutions could address some of the issues associated with urinalysis – such as improper handling, inconsistent dip times, subjective interpretation, and inefficient processes.