FEATURE ARTICLES

Pathology networks and challenging geography are not immediately compatible but the latest automation solutions from Beckman Coulter can minimise the inherent problems, as the following case study from north-west England demonstrates.

Strong partnership working between Siemens and its customers was the focus of recent user group meetings, the objectives of which were to promote close relationships and share knowledge in the areas of plasma proteins, chemistry, immunoassay, haematology and point-of-care testing.

A new point-of-care blood gas analysis system offers easy-to-use, trusted technology that delivers laboratory-quality test results and a comprehensive menu of critical care parameters.

In the 21st century, information technology is set to plays a leading role in the commercialisation of pathology and in delivering cutting-edge services.

Good technique when using liquid-handling devices is vital in order to achieve accurate and reproducible results with a wide range of pipette types. The information here is designed to provide a step-by-step guide to facilitate the consistent transfer of liquids.

An international gathering of transfusion specialists, held in Lisbon, was an Ideal opportunity for Ortho Clinical Diagnostics to present user experiences and preview its latest immunohaematology platform.

Correct pipetting techniques combined with high-quality equipment are essential for good laboratory analysis and performance, as Pathology in Practice discovered when in conversation with representatives from a leading UK commercial specialist in the field.

The prospect of pathology service centralisation introduces the potential for increased transport of biological specimens. Here, Rachel Adams looks at the way one company can facility improved safety with a range of leakproof and pressure-validated products.

A recently reported scientific breakthrough gives hospitals new hope by eradicating killer germs with ‘friendly’ bacteria.

Following the incorporation of Beckman Coulter into the Danaher portfolio of companies, and the recent launch of cutting-edge analysers in clinical chemistry and haematology, the company’s UK aim is to improve patient care and reduce costs.

Using examples from Peterborough and Gateshead, Paul Skingley explains how a Roche managed laboratory service partnership can help laboratories deliver the ideals incorporated in the recent reviews of pathology services in England.

Mick Chomyn and Martin Fottles from Path Links Pathology Service illustrate how Lean work cells deliver faster turnaround times, higher productivity and efficiency, increased flexibility, improved space utilisation and quality.

The performance of the haematinics service offered by the Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester shows how centralising laboratory services can be implemented successfully and cooperatively. Supported by its partnership with Beckman Coulter UK, the Royal Oldham Hospital has been able to run one million tests on just one immunoassay platform – the standalone Beckman Coulter DxI 800 immunoassay analyser – since the haematinics service was centralised over three years ago.

The latest computer-based colony counting technology can reduce the time taken to measure microbial load by two-thirds, and it’s non-destructive, as Mark Williamson explains. Industrial vision is a key technique in the pharmaceutical and food industries for checking a range of parameters, from package integrity to correct labelling. While defective packaging can lead to the contamination of product, there are many other potential sources of contamination (eg bacteria, yeast and mould) in liquids originating from raw materials, manufacturing processes or end products. Therefore, it is essential to test for microbial contamination throughout the manufacturing process in order to monitor product quality effectively.

Consolidation of HbA1c testing on a Siemens chemistry analyser has had a significant impact on staff usage and turnaround time at St George’s Hospital in London. St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust in London has recently consolidated all glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) testing on its routine Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics ADVIA Chemistry 2400 systems. The move to consolidate a traditionally ‘esoteric’ test into the automated routine chemistry environment resulted from a drive to increase efficiency. Incorporating specialist HbA1c analysis into the routine chemistry laboratory testing environment has delivered significant cost savings. In addition to savings made by eliminating purchasing and maintenance costs involved for a dedicated HbA1c high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, St George’s has liberated a dedicated operator to provide this service and reduced turnaround time from an average of two days to two hours.

The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust recently adopted the Roche Training Specialist Service to deliver consistent and high-quality training for its point-of-care testing equipment operators. Tailored to meet the specific needs of The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, the Roche Training Specialist Service provides confidence that staff members are trained to a high standard and will help the trust to meet Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) requirements for point-of-care testing (POCT).

Roche blood glucose meters and point-of-care data management solution have allowed Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust to meet patient safety and Clinical Pathology Accreditation requirements. The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has recently installed Roche Accu-Chek Inform II wireless-enabled blood glucose meters in wards, clinics and theatres across all three of its acute hospital sites in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury. The meters are linked wirelessly to the hospital information system (HIS) via the Roche point-of-care (POC) data management solution, cobas IT 1000, allowing them to be managed centrally in accordance with national guidelines for POC devices.

A three-date meeting of the World HAI Forum, hosted by bioMérieux, took place in June and welcomed speakers from Europe, North America and Australia. Over 70 international experts in medicine, infectious diseases, microbiology and epidemiology, from every continent, gathered at the Fondation Mérieux’s Conference Center for the third meeting of the World HAI Forum on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), a bioMérieux initiative. During the forum, participants called upon national and international health authorities and policy-makers, the medical and veterinary communities, industry and the general public to take action to avoid an impending public health catastrophe caused by the emergence and spread of bacteria that are resistant to all antibiotics.

Over the past 10 years, DX has become a leading provider of specimen delivery services to laboratories nationwide. In response to changes in regulations, recent high-profile disease outbreaks and an increasing focus on patient confidentiality, it continues to invest in its service portfolio to cater for the needs of health professionals. With a long history of delivering highly important and sensitive documents for the legal and government sectors, DX launched its specimen delivery service in 1999 – recognising a gap in the NHS market for an all-inclusive packaging and transportation service that fulfilled regulatory requirements for compliant packaging and the need for a cost-effective, yet highly secure service.

Telepathology has developed with advances in camera, computer and microscope technology. Now, true-colour, high-definition megapixel imaging in real time with no lag and no delay has arrived.