The independent platform for news, articles and advice for professionals in laboratory medicine

RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

Coeliac disease: from a refractory condition to fertility and cancer

The autoimmune coeliac disease results from ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The inflammatory damage caused to the mucosal lining of the small intestine gives rise to malabsorption and associated nutrient deficiency, and has been linked to a wide range of other medical conditions.

Viscosity-based detection: addressing HIL interference and sample integrity

Interference due to haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia is a significant issue in automated coagulation testing, but technology from Stago now provides confidence in laboratory results in such cases.

Validation of the QUANTA Flash tTG IgA detection system

Femi Saleh and colleagues assess the value of a new chemiluminescence method to detect antibodies to human tissue transglutaminase in coeliac disease.

Capillary electrophoresis: technology and its uses

Capillary electrophoresis is an analytical technique that separates ions based on their electrophoretic mobility and has found laboratory application in the assessment of a number of clinical conditions, as Jean Deenmamode explains.

Automation: machines are finally taking over

Mark Reed and Charlotte Duncan from Pro-Lab offer a brief insight into the changing world of laboratory testing, and focus on current antibiotic sensitivity testing.

Mohs and the benefits of new embedding and staining systems

Guy Orchards reports on preliminary work to assess the benefits of the latest equipment designed to facilitate frozen section preparation and staining in a laboratory supporting a Mohs micrographic surgery service.

Microbe: an organism still viable and reproducing

The success enjoyed by the biennial Microbe conferences spans almost three decades, and the 14th event returns to Sheffield later in September. Alan Pease reports.

Allergy identification and management: importance in asthma patients

Jason Cunningham looks at the connection between allergy and asthma, and the benefits provided by the allergy identification and management (AIM) initiative.

Faecal immunochemical testing: a new pathway for bowel cancer patients

The latest automated testing system and sample collection device makes faecal sampling easy and convenient for patients, provides timely diagnosis of significant bowel disease, and ensures consistency for the laboratory.

Patients to benefit from investment in pathology services in Manchester

Major investment by Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust is set to bring benefits to more than a million patients it treats every year.

Collaboration boosts regulatory compliance for centre of excellence

Elite specialist haemostasis unit in the NHS partners with Stago UK to improve patient outcomes through innovation, workflow efficiency and confidence in results reporting.

Molecular virology: a trio of European experiences

A recent case study, poster and paper provide compelling evidence to support the efficacy of the latest diagnostic system and assays from Beckman Coulter Diagnostics. The following trio of reports from across Europe provides independent support for the value of Beckman Coulter’s DxN VERIS Molecular Diagnostics System and assays in routine virological practice.

Empowering laboratories of the future: the urgent need for clinical context

Laboratory professionals must be given detailed clinical information to make decisions on the most effective testing for patients, writes Martin Wilkinson, as we can no longer afford for laboratories to be confined to the back office.

CDI: how to address a crucial diagnostic conundrum

In the run up to publication of the latest European guidance on testing for Clostridium difficile infection, this article provides an overview of the current situation.

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Macro digital pathology imaging: advanced practice in Manchester

Caroline Glennie and colleagues at Manchester Royal Infirmary have been using the MacroPATH Pro-X system from Menarini since January. Here, they report on a revolution in histopathology dissection.

Rheumatoid arthritis: the role of serology in laboratory diagnosis

A combination of three laboratory tests can help to identify rheumatoid arthritis patients sooner and enable clinicians to start tailored treatment promptly, as Jason Cunningham explains.

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Anaerobic bacteriology: introduction of the latest ergonomic jar system

The addition of two new ergonomic anaerobic jars to the Anoxomat range promises to maximise the use of space both in the laboratory and within incubators. Jim Smith explains.

Selenium: a vital role in health and disease

Biochemical features of selenium have emerged only in recent years, and investigations into selenoproteome gene expression and the selenocysteine synthetic pathway have provided evidence that underpins its biochemical roles in health and disease.

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Antimicrobial resistance: prevention measures to tackle the problem

The latest reports by Jim O’Neill’s independent Review on Antimicrobial Resistance have highlighted the power of simple measures to prevent infections, as well as the potential role of vaccines and other alternatives in tackling antimicrobial resistance.

D-dimer assay guidelines: value of objective testing for VTE in the emergency setting

Lack of formal international standardisation of tests for venous thromboembolism means that appropriate medical care may sometimes not be given. Here, Laurence Loï looks at the current situation.

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Upcoming Events

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24 May, 2024

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

NEC, Birmingham
5-6 June, 2024

UK NEQAS Blood Coagulation: Clinical and Laboratory Haemostasis 2024

Sheffield Hallam University
5-6 June, 2024

LabMedUK24

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
10-12 June, 2024

Infection Diagnostics Symposium 2024

IET Austin Court, Birmingham
26-27 June, 2024

SHOT Symposium 2024

Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
9 July, 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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