FEATURE ARTICLES

Recent advances in microbiology automation have seen the increased use of liquid transport swabs. In this comparative assessment of two systems, Kamran Khan and Helen Jones look at suitability in molecular methods.

(Image: CDC/Janice Haney Carr/Jeff Hageman)

With over a million UK patients now on oral anticoagulants, the requirement for rapid warfarin reversal therapy is becoming increasingly necessary. Here, transfusion scientist Barry Hill talks to a leading industry specialist about the latest developments.

(Image: National Cancer Institute)

The team at Ballymena-based CIGA Healthcare is celebrating after receiving the results of an independent evaluation of its new SURESIGN professional urine analyser and test strips.

Vela Diagnostics, new to the UK, offers a flexible approach to various same-day testing demands without the need for complex laboratory systems. Richard Pallin explains.

This year has been a pivotal one for Beckman Coulter, with an expansion of its customer base across a range of laboratory sizes. Here, Leanne Annereau talks about recent successes and future prospects.

The coordination of point-of-care blood glucose testing has been enhanced in one south-east trust by the introduction of an integrated system, as Phil Bates explains.

Various immunological methods have been used to diagnose coeliac disease. Here, Charlene Porter, Irene Gray and David Wilson assess an alternative platform for the detection of anti-tTG.

(Image modified from reference 3 with kind permission)

Urine collection has changed little over the past centuries; now, however, vacuum technology is set to improve the situation for patients and the laboratory, as Colin Freeman explains.

The Congress programme clearly demonstrates the vital importance of the symbiotic relationship that exists between the commercial sector and the profession it supports. Attendance, however, offers so much more.

The latest diagnostic technology will provide quantitative, laboratory-grade analytical results at the point of sampling, giving accurate answers to important questions and allowing fast decision-making in the field.

A new flow cytometry technique from Beckman Coulter is set to speed and simplify whole blood sample preparation, as Norman Maidment explains.

Two decades of support for tissue sciences across the full spectrum of services is reflected in the latest equipment being launched by Mopec Europe.

Current research by a team working in south-west London suggests that a marker for epidermal growth factor receptor may guide treatment options in patients with colorectal cancer.

A rapid, highly sensitive quantitative molecular assay for the detection of parvovirus B19 was launched recently, expanding the diagnostic portfolio for this potentially life-threatening virus. (CDC/ R Regnery; E L Palmer)

Earlier this summer, CliniSys brought together representatives from 15 pathology service networks across England to participate in a one-day workshop in Birmingham.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Birmingham, was the venue for the recent meeting of the British Blood Transfusion Society Hospital Transfusion Special Interest Group. Barry Hill was there to report on the highlights. (Image courtesy of GE Healthcare)

One of the UK’s flagship NHS hospital laboratories is developing a unique approach to auto-receipting of hospital and GP requests, made possible by its collaboration with managed service partner Beckman Coulter.

A German pathology provider, synlab, is attempting to establish itself in the UK. Here, Hugh Risebrow provides an overview of European pathology provision, and how this could inform UK thinking on the subject.

Ever since the dawn of the antibiotic age, bacteria have adapted by developing new resistance mechanisms to antimicrobial agents. Mast remains at the forefront of the fight against these threats to effective antimicrobial therapy.

The latest point-of-care system from Roche is helping to improve monitoring and care of critically ill patients at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in the West Midlands.