FEATURE ARTICLES

Cytopathology practical microscopy workshops are a popular feature of the IBMS Biomedical Science Congress, and will be repeated at the forthcoming event in Birmingham this September. The focus this year is on non-gynaecological cytopathology. This diagnostic branch of cytopathology covers an eclectic mix of interest, as current literature confirms.

Neal Aplin discusses how the introduction of point-of-care testing to Swindon's Great Western Hospital Ambulatory Care Unit eased pressure on staff, leading to improved patient flow and shorter waiting times. In addition, this has been the catalyst for the introduction of further POC testing in the hospital to support patient triage.

The autoimmune condition coeliac disease results from ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. It is, however, more than a pain in the abdomen as the following overview, and update on current research, indicates.

In this fifth article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald focuses on the importance of the methods to detect, at an early stage, potentially medically important errors, which is the cornerstone of what is hoped to be achieved.

An expanded portfolio of standardised in vitro diagnostic reagents has enhanced the work of the clinical flow cytometry laboratory, as recently published examples in a Beckman Coulter ClearLLab Casebook illustrate.

The investigation of platelet disorders is a major area of interest in haematology and haemostasis. The use of a range of Sysmex technology reduces manual intervention, simplifies processes, improves standardisation and benefits patients.

Preparation of a correct inoculum is vitally important when performing antibiotic susceptibility testing. The Inoclic sample preparation device is intended to provide a standardised, reproducible inoculum that produces EUCAST-compliant confluent growth. Here, Anne Grayson and Charlotte Duncan present the results of a UK-wide comparative trial.

In September, the biennial Congress will return to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. While the main focus is on the comprehensive multidisciplinary lecture programme, workshop sessions also provide delegates with an invaluable opportunity to discuss cellular pathology and cytopathology cases with the experts.

In September, the thirteenth in the biennial Congress series will return to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. The main focus once again is on the very best that biomedical science and commercial colleagues have to offer, a prime example of which may be found in Hall 4.

Although the introduction of molecular genetics and use of microarray technology in routine practice has largely replaced conventional karyotyping, there remains a place for the latter in 21st-century cytogenetics.

The analysis of serum proteins by capillary electrophoresis has been a feature of routine laboratory practice for several decades. Here, Kayleigh Kirk looks at its development, applications and current instrumentation.

A validation study of a lupus anticoagulant testing algorithm, undertaken by Ghent University Hospital in Belgium and presented at a recent symposium, points to increased quality through standardisation and harmonisation.

Mandy Campbell provides an overview of the value of using CRP with FBC testing at the point of care, with examples of how this application can impact on antibiotic use in paediatric emergency care, in a frailty assessment centre to prevent unnecessary admissions, and its impact on influenza diagnosis.

Obstetric cholestasis is a serious complication of pregnancy that can result in an increased risk of premature birth or even stillbirth. It is vital, therefore, that women with the disease are monitored carefully using the latest complete testing package.

The trial of a new procalcitonin assay from Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, undertaken in Portsmouth, is part of an initiative to reduce exposure to antimicrobial agents without a negative impact on patient survival.

Pressure on vital pathology services is mounting as populations age, chronic conditions increase in frequency and services become constrained by staff shortages. Here, Daniel Chapman discusses how to navigate the increasingly challenging diagnostics landscape, and what he and his team are doing to support evolution of pathology services.

A major step towards achieving faster and more accurate diagnosis was taken recently when the histopathology service in Leeds announced that it had gone digital, and now scans every slide produced. Here, different perspectives of the transformation are explored.

Lateral-flow assays have become a common feature across the breadth of in vitro diagnostics. While they are designed to offer a simple visual readout, on occasions weak reactions may cause uncertainty. This is where a lateral-flow reader can help, as Charlotte Duncan explains.

In this fourth article in a series on internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald moves on to define what standard individual assays are expected to achieve, and the impact of the components of total error.

When the blood sciences department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust needed an end-to-end temperature monitoring solution, a solution provided by Checkit was just what the doctor ordered.