FEATURE ARTICLES

Few working in pathology can have missed the fact that ever-smaller numbers of junior doctors are choosing to specialise in the various disciplines that comprise laboratory medicine. The remedy may be far from simple but Nikon is playing its part.

The enzyme-linked immunospot assay is a useful method for monitoring a patientÆs immune response, but an accurate cell count and viability determination is an essential prerequisite. Here, workers at the BBI Biotech Research Laboratories compare the standard manual counting method with the Guava PCA system and ViaCount assay.

Automated interphase fluorescence in situ hybridisation scanning methods speed up the labour-intensive process of screening for chromosomal disorders. Here, Ian Corless of Image Solutions demonstrates the effectiveness of this technology

From the clinical teaching classroom to a ship off the coast of Africa, COOLSCOPE from Nikon has become the virtual heart of telepathology. Chay Keogh explains the technology behind the system and how it is being used.

Over a five-month period between October 2004 and February 2005, an evaluation of Beckman CoulterÆs new UniCel DxC 800 Synchron clinical chemistry analyser was carried out in a German laboratory. Dr Hugo Stiegler supervised the trial and reports on the findings.

Launched this year by Axis-Shield UK, Afinion is a compact desktop point-of-care analyser designed for multi-user environments. Here, Sue Younghusband looks in detail at the new technology on which Afinion is based and describes the chemistry used to produce laboratory-quality test results.

Located in central London, Independent Histopathology Services is a private laboratory that provides a comprehensive service to the NHS and private sector. From frozen sections to molecular biology techniques, liquid-based cytology to the latest in reporting technology, histopathology and cytopathology are fully covered.

Use of formaldehyde in histopathology has a long history. To date, its advantages have outweighed its disadvantages, but an increasing reliance on immunocytochemical and molecular biology technology is set to change the status quo. Here, Sue Bennett of Surgipath introduces a worthy alternative.

Antigen retrieval is an important aspect of modern immunohistochemical technique; however, standardisation is necessary to ensure the best results. EZ Retriever, now available from Launch Diagnostics, promises a flexible and robust option to conventional methodology

A revolution is about to take place in histopathology and it is likely to benefit laboratory staff and patients alike. Continuous processing, microwave technology and automated embedding are technological improvements set to pave the way for same-day reporting.

More widespread treatment of individuals at risk of venous thromboembolism and otherforms of thrombosis is likely to lead to greater demand for monitoring anticoagulant levels. Now, new colorimetric kits can provide sensitive, convenient and accurate means to achieve such measurements.

It is over 30 years since the introduction of plasma viscosity measurement as an alternative to ESR estimation yet the latter continues to fascinate haematologists. Here, Bernie Benson explains why reliance on this sediment is sadly misplaced.

A remarkable new system is now available from Olympus osYris, which promises to revolutionise the way that multidisciplinary clinical teams (MDTs) can work.

Plumtree Group is a leader in the field of electronic document management and has provided solutions and support to some 100 NHS Trusts. From specimen reception to report printing and archiving, the company has the answers to the paper management problems that plague pathology.

The development of an internal quality control scheme in clinical bacteriology has been hampered by a lack of suitable cultures. However, work undertaken at Harrogate District Hospital using Microbank beads may provide a solution to this problem.

In the August 2004 issue of Pathology in Practice, Chris Bird reviewed a range of haematology analysers. Here, Alan Smith provides an update and outlines details of a new multi-technology approach, and a new system, the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire û named after its high-definition blue laser û that combines impedance and optical principles with triple-channel fluorescence.

The North Cheshire NHS Hospitals Trust procured the Sysmex Modular Open Laboratory Information System (MOLIS) to provide a turnkey solution with the flexibility to satisfy the requirements of all laboratory disciplines.