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

RECENT NEWS

New mpox vaccine being tested in the UK

A new mpox vaccine is being tested in the UK, as the virus continues to spread in many parts of the world. The mPower trial is testing the effectiveness of an investigational mRNA vaccine for mpox. The study is delivered by NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) and sponsored by Moderna.

Potential novel biomarkers of coronary heart disease discovered

Coronary heart disease is a major global health problem, especially among people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Helmholtz Munich, and Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) have identified novel protein biomarkers that are associated with the development of CHD in people with and without diabetes.

Global consortium launches studies to discover transmission-blocking coronavirus vaccines

An international consortium of researchers specialising in human challenge studies is embarking on a US$57 million project to develop advanced, virus-blocking coronavirus vaccines that could stop SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses from infecting people.

Lunit SCOPE AI enhances pathologist concordance and accuracy in HER2, ER, and PR assessment

A new study shows Lunit’s AI-powered cancer diagnostic solutions SCOPE HER2 and SCOPE ER/PR significantly improve pathologist concordance and accuracy, paving the way for improved breast cancer molecular subtype analysis for informed decision-making and precision patient care.

OptraSCAN launches new image management and storage solution

End-to-end digital pathology solution provider OptraSCAN has announced the introduction of a combined image management and image storage solution, to enable and simplify the digital transformation of pathology laboratories. The OptraSCAN IMAGEPath image management system is an open platform that can easily integrate with scanners from multiple manufacturers and over 20 different image formats, in addition to being compatible with external 3rd-party AI applications for pathology.

Strategic partnership to supercharge AI in healthcare

The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Hartree Centre and the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust have announced a strategic partnership to advance artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare across the trust to optimise patient outcomes.

Roche showcases new navify digital solutions offering insights for diagnostics

Roche has this week introduced navify Analytics, a new suite of cloud-based solutions that provide actionable insights to optimise operational and financial outcomes in laboratories and point-of-care (POC) settings.

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio expand partnership to neurodegenerative diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics and Fujirebio have announced an expansion of their partnership focused on development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative disease assays.

New whole genome nanopore sequencing partnership targeting rare disease and oncology

Oxford Nanopore Technologies and AI-driven genomic decision support software company SeqOne have announced a new partnership, which will enable end-to-end analytical workflows from sample to report, focusing on rare diseases in the short-term and oncology in the longer-term.

Improving accessibility of gestational diabetes screening for Hampshire’s expectant mothers

Digital clinical diagnostics and diabetes home-testing provider Digostics has revealed the results from its ground-breaking gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remote screening collaboration with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), a partnership that saw expectant mothers in Hampshire become the first globally to access an oral-glucose tolerance test (OGTT) without needing to attend clinic.

Cepheid receives FDA clearance for GBS test

Cepheid has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for Xpert Xpress GBS, a dual-target molecular diagnostic test for the qualitative intrapartum detection of group B Streptococcus (GBS). This next-generation test incorporates new dual targets in highly-conserved regions of the GBS genome to improve sensitivity and bacterial strain coverage.

AstraZeneca plans £650 million investment in UK, with focus on vaccines

Pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca has outlined plans to invest £650 million in the UK – helping boost the UK’s world leading life sciences sector and grow the economy. This significant investment will enhance public health protection and pandemic preparedness.

Picus 2 electronic pipettes - precision, speed, and connectivity

Alpha Laboratories has launched the Picus 2, the latest advancement in electronic pipetting technology from Sartorius. Designed to elevate the pipetting experience, Picus 2 offers unparalleled precision, speed, and connectivity, setting a new standard for laboratory pipettes.

Spring budget offers NHS funding boost

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget has given the NHS a funding boost as part of an investment package for better public services, labelled a ‘Budget for Long Term Growth’ by the Treasury.

Portuguese researchers develop first prototype that applies AI to colorectal diagnosis

The first prototype that uses artificial intelligence for colorectal diagnosis has been developed by Portuguese researchers from the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), in Porto, and the IMP Diagnostics Molecular & Anatomic Pathology laboratory.

A product return 40 years in the making

Laboratory supplier Medical Wire & Equipment (MWE) received a returned product recently – nothing unusual there you might think, except this product was almost 40 years old!

PathPresenter and Ibex partner to advance digital pathology and AI solutions

AI-powered cancer diagnostics firm Ibex Medical Analytics, and image sharing platform for pathology PathPresenter, have announced a partnership to advance the adoption of AI-powered digital pathology. The two companies will work together to support joint customers via an AI-powered digital pathology solution for laboratories, hospitals and health systems worldwide.

FDA clears Beckman Coulter Life Sciences’ DxFLEX flow cytometer

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute its DxFLEX Clinical Flow Cytometer in the United States. Launched regionally in 2020, this advancement brings the popular benchtop IVD flow cytometry system to American laboratories while expanding testing capabilities.

US laboratories concerned about patient access to testing if FDA regulates LDTs

A recent survey shows concern from US laboratories about patient access to laboratory developed tests (LDTs) if the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) goes ahead with its proposal to regulate such tests. Many have said they would have to react to new regulation by withdrawing tests from the marketplace.

Laboratory and medical equipment at a fraction of RRP

John Pye Auctions, established in 1968, is the UK’s leading commercial auction house. Throughout 2024, it is hosting weekly online auction sales featuring a variety of brand-name, high-quality medical and laboratory machinery, as well as consumables. These items cover the areas of manufacturing, testing, research, packing, and storage.

Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

POCT Innovators: The Power to Disrupt Series

Cloth Hall Court, Leeds. UK
20 March, 2024

Interpreting Reports: UK NEQAS Haematology

ONLINE
21st March 2024

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 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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