FEATURE ARTICLES

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.

The internet has made it possible to achieve virtually instant global communication. Now, routine microscopy has entered the digital world with the introduction of the latest equipment from Sakura Finetek.

On the 50th anniversary of the development of prosthetic hip replacement, Amanda Parkin examines Professor Sir John Charnley’s influence on orthopaedic surgery, and explains how his realisation that keeping bacteria away from the wound during the procedure is key to minimising the risk of infection.

Man versus machine was the focus of a joint meeting of the UK NEQAS (BTLP) and BBTS Blood Bank Technology SIG groups, held at Manchester Conference Centre. Barry Hill attended and reports on the highlights of a thought-provoking programme.